PM42
25 posts
Sep 04, 2017
8:00 AM
|
Is there such a thing?
As I begin to work on my skills at playing amplified, I'm thinking that it might be wise to get an amp and mic combo that I know works fairly well for harp... that way if it sounds like crap I know it is my fault and my technique needs work! I figure I'll get a bullitini, but I'm wondering if folks have suggestions for a safe bet amp that isn't too expensive. I'm not sure I'm ready to pay for a Memphis Mini and I don't trust myself enough yet to evaluate old amps. Maybe the 5-watt Fender Champ (which is the vibro xd, correct?)?
Last Edited by PM42 on Sep 04, 2017 8:23 AM
|
Kingley
4075 posts
Sep 04, 2017
9:51 AM
|
I'd probably go with a VHT Special 6. Really good for harp straight out of the box. Even better with a few mods. You should be able to pick one up pretty cheaply.
|
Arrick
106 posts
Sep 04, 2017
2:54 PM
|
I would second the suggestion on the VHT. If you're interested in something more vintage, a Kalamazoo 5w amp is gold.
I think the Bulletini is a wise mic choice if you want a bullet. I also suggest looking at the Shure PE585V if you're interested in a stick mic. A clean(er) mic into a high gain amp can get you a broad range of tones.
Bulletini into a VHT would be a great new out of the box rig. I'm a cheapo, so I went vintage on eBay.
Throw in a Lone Wolf Harp Delay pedal and follow his settings and you've got everything you'd need for great tone.
|
SuperBee
4927 posts
Sep 05, 2017
3:39 AM
|
I haven't played a VHT, and I haven't heard one up close, but I'm sure it's great because it has so many fans.
I wanted to comment though, because you mentioned the under-rated VibroChamp XD.
Many people don't know about the amp, it's seldom mentioned in connection with harp, and when it is mentioned it's usually a sneering dismissal.
I believe it's a great harp amp, but there is a key to using it. If you don't know the key, it's a terrible harp amp. I expect this is why it's so lowly-rated.
The amp has a 'voice' selection. Set this to voice number 4 "clean blackface". Then set gain around 3-4 and volume around 6-7.
You can use more volume and more gain. I say if you want to play quietly maybe use a little more gain and less volume. If you want to get the most from the amp with good tone, you could maybe go as high as 4-5 on gain, but generally more gain less volume, more volume, keep the gain relatively low.
Tone: bass max, treble low. Effects, delay and Reverb are both useable and just dial in the level to keep it tasteful.
I've had this amp 7 years, along with a bunch of other small amps, and I truly rate it as one of the best I've used. Maybe THE best. Anytime I take it out people remark on how good it sounds. It's happened too many times for me to ignore.
If you're onto one at a good price, you could do a lot worse. But forget about the other voices. They are too feedback prone and fake-sounding.
My only real reservation about it is that due to the ss preamp voice it may be hard to repair should something go wrong in that part of the circuit. I'm not sure whether Fender still use that chip. That's not something I've had any need to investigate yet.
Last Edited by SuperBee on Sep 05, 2017 3:44 AM
|
kudzurunner
6340 posts
Sep 05, 2017
4:19 AM
|
I've never played through a VHT. I think a Memphis Mini is a great bet, but yes, a little pricier.
And no, nobody is paying, or bribing, me to make this recommendation.
Edited to add: The VHT does indeed look yummy inside.
VHT Special 6 Combo
----------
Beyond the Crossroads: The Devil and the Blues Tradition (UNC Press, 2017)
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Sep 05, 2017 4:21 AM
|
SteveTech
56 posts
Sep 05, 2017
4:31 AM
|
I found Adam's video, located here, to be very valuable.
----------
-Steve
|
PM42
26 posts
Sep 05, 2017
6:11 AM
|
Thanks for the thoughts. I'll investigate the VHT. Some YouTube clips sound good. I've gotten some recommendations for the Champ X2, and I may have the chance to pick up a Blues Jr. from a friend of a friend, but 15 watts seems more than I need: would I be able to get to break-up volume in my house where I play most?
I've got a 520dx, which I don't love, and an Audix Fireball, which plays very clean. I do think a bullitini is in order.
Last Edited by PM42 on Sep 05, 2017 6:12 AM
|
tomaxe
99 posts
Sep 05, 2017
9:14 AM
|
PM42:
For well over a decade I have used something called an Electar Tube10 as my practice amp. It's compact and very sturdy. Never had an issue with it. Some sort of Chinese made tube amp that is 10 watts with an 8" speaker. I think I paid $100 for it online new. It's no Kalamazoo— I have one of those too and it aint in the same league, BUT it has surprising bass response, knobs for bass, mids, treble, and a gentle gain, and a surprisingly rich bottom end as it has a closed back, so it's sorta got a cool boxy sound with easy breakup. If it craps out I dont really care, but it's really well made and I haven't ever had an issue with it. Standby switch, a removable cord and a line out. The tubes are protected behind a grill so you can throw this thing in your car with no worries, unlike a Kalamazoo which can break just by leaning on it while unplugging your cord! I have never played or heard a VHT but this Electar is a nice lil' starter amp for beginning amplified harp at 1/2 the price. Look around for one: https://reverb.com/item/1414967-epiphone-electar-tube-10-1x8-10-watt-tube-guitar-combo-amplifier
|
1847
4424 posts
Sep 05, 2017
10:09 AM
|
sound just like rod piazza silvertone 1431 amp\
even cheaper
----------
.
Last Edited by 1847 on Sep 05, 2017 10:15 AM
|
Joe_L
2774 posts
Sep 05, 2017
2:05 PM
|
@PM42 - A Blues Jr will be too big for practicing in the house and it will be too small to play with most bands. I've played a couple of gigs with a 520DX and a Blues Jr. Was it my favorite combo? No. Did it work? Yes.
If you are going to be working on your amplified skills, is it safe to assume that your amplified skills are not great? My recommendation is to keep the 520DX and use it to build your skills. If you plug it into a small amp, it will work and sound just fine. You can develop your skills with just about any equipment. Will you sound like {Insert your favorite harp player's name here}? No, it won't, but since you admit you don't have the technique, you might as well keep some cash in your pocket. If you have to spend it, it is probably money better spent to take a lesson or two.
Is there a safe bet amp? Yes. A Fender Champ.
Last Edited by Joe_L on Sep 05, 2017 2:06 PM
|
PM42
27 posts
Sep 05, 2017
3:18 PM
|
Thanks, Joe: which Champ do you have in mind? Vibro XD, Super Champ X2, Super Champ XD, 600 reissue?
My head is spinning a bit with all the options
|
slaphappy
317 posts
Sep 05, 2017
4:18 PM
|
tomaxe, my buddy has the electar in his studio and it is indeed a bad-ass little harp amp! That is so cool to hear someone else mention it.
----------
4' 4+ 3' 2~~~
-Mike Ziemba
Harmonica is Life!
|
Lou
16 posts
Sep 05, 2017
9:34 PM
|
Superbee great info. on the xd I didn't even consider one when I was shopping. I ended up with a VHT special 6 a lot bang for the buck but it was bit harsh for my ears stock so new tubes & speaker about $90 bucks fixed it and it sounds good I'm playing through an older bullet mic. it's loud enough to practice with a band but not for gig. I would think the xd would be louder and a bit more versatile and probably cheaper as I added an MXR delay pedal so all in about $475 everything was bought new.
|
BnT
90 posts
Sep 06, 2017
10:35 AM
|
I'm with Joe_L on this. Save some money. And when you're ready to move up on the mic, if you like the feel of the 520, change the element. If not, try other people's mics and find a model that works for you. You're bringing 80%-85% of the tone. The amp and mic are incidental to your ability and technique. Time to practice.
----------
BnT
|
Arrick
110 posts
Sep 06, 2017
2:16 PM
|
Before you give up on the 520DX, try replacing the element. I found a CM element on the cheap and it drops right in and the vol control works great. You get the vintage tone, with new(er) volume control and cable. The stock element in those are awful though. Was my first bad gear decision, but now it's my go-to bullet mic.
|
PM42
29 posts
Sep 08, 2017
12:25 PM
|
Thanks for all the help on this, folks.
I found a local listing for a Super Champ X2 head for under $200. Would I be able to run that using either my Peavey Classic 20 or my Fender Princeton 112 Plus in place of a cabinet? Both are really clean sounds: would I be able to get the Champ tone with either of those as a speaker?
Last Edited by PM42 on Sep 08, 2017 12:26 PM
|
SuperBee
4939 posts
Sep 08, 2017
2:53 PM
|
Depends. You can't plug the X2 into the front of of one of those amps, but you may be able to disconnect the speaker on the Peavey (say) and plug it into the x2
And I'm not sure does the x2 provide options for different impedance outputs? Because it would be good to match impedance.
Edit: apparently it needs an 8 ohm speaker.
You do need to plug a speaker into the x2.
Last Edited by SuperBee on Sep 08, 2017 3:03 PM
|
