HarpNinja
293 posts
Mar 19, 2010
7:33 AM
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Who has one? Tell me all about it. Comparisons to other amps encouraged.
I have a Double Trouble and am on a fact finding mission for amp number 2.
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Mike Fugazzi
vocals/harmonica
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toddlgreene
1069 posts
Mar 19, 2010
7:53 AM
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Didn't JR tour with one of them? I couldn't tell if it was that one or the HG50.
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
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Cisco
95 posts
Mar 19, 2010
7:58 AM
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I have the HG50 1210 that Jason used to demo it for Brian Purdy for one gig. It's a great sounding amp that takes pedals extremely well. You can get from very clean to very dirty but the dirt really depends on using a pedal to get it beyond what your mic delivers naturally. If you want the old dirty Chicago harp sound without any pedals then my Super Sonny 410 fills that need.
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ZackPomerleau
809 posts
Mar 19, 2010
8:03 AM
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I have the 4x10 and I can get a 'Chicago' sound; it did take me awhile to find it but I found it. But, with pedals and all that it is amazing, also. You should definitely check one of them out.
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HarpNinja
294 posts
Mar 19, 2010
8:15 AM
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Cisco,
The HG sounds more like what I am after. I LOVE the DT, but it doesn't have enough headroom for some shows. We do 50-75 shows a year from small stages to large outdoor events.
I do have an effects rig I use quite a bit.
I am concerned that to even get a used HG, though, I'll have to let go of the DT. :(
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Mike Fugazzi
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Kingley
1045 posts
Mar 19, 2010
8:18 AM
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Well if you don't want to let the Double Trouble go then I'd suggest getting a used Bassman RI/LTD.
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Cisco
96 posts
Mar 19, 2010
8:34 AM
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HarpNinja - I really don't think that you'll miss the DT at all, especially after you hear the huge bottom end of the 1210. Plus the fact the amp still sounds great at lower volumes.
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ZackPomerleau
811 posts
Mar 19, 2010
8:45 AM
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Trust me, the HarpGear sounds awesome. And, if you have effects, you'll DEFINITELY get a sweet tone at all volumes.
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HarpNinja
296 posts
Mar 19, 2010
9:23 AM
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I am going to sleep on things, but I think I will start looking for the 1210 unless I find a great deal on a 4x10 - even if it means letting go of the DT.
I think I can get a fair price for it as I have upgraded speakers, a variety of tubes, the padded cover and it is in mint condition.
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Mike Fugazzi
vocals/harmonica
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toddlgreene
1070 posts
Mar 19, 2010
9:37 AM
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One thing to consider, Mike:Jason Ricci had a 1210,and sold it it to Cisco. Doesn't he now play the 4x10, and if so, what drove his decision over the 1210?
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
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Kingley
1046 posts
Mar 19, 2010
9:45 AM
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Todd - That's not quite right.
Jason used a HG50 1210 that Brian Purdy provided for him at a Florida gig so they could get sound clips of the amp in action I believe. The only HarpGear amp Jason has ever owned to the best of my knowledge is the HG50 4X10. Cisco then bought that amp from Brian.
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toddlgreene
1071 posts
Mar 19, 2010
9:47 AM
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Duly noted, Kingley. I guess what I meant was to get Jason's take on it, since he is fairly accessible. Unless, of course, Mike has access to one on his own to try out. Cisco, hook Mike up!
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
Last Edited by on Mar 19, 2010 9:49 AM
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Kingley
1047 posts
Mar 19, 2010
9:52 AM
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I agree it would be interesting to hear what the differences are between the two speaker configurations tonally speaking.
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HarpNinja
297 posts
Mar 19, 2010
10:22 AM
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I have access to a 4x10 to try. I think the biggest benefits are you're moving more air. However, I can live without 4x10 if I have to.
There is a local guy who has pretty much every Sonny Jr amp, several vintage amps, the HG50 and the HG35. He doesn't play out, lol. Maybe he'd part with the HG50?
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Mike Fugazzi
vocals/harmonica
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toddlgreene
1072 posts
Mar 19, 2010
10:34 AM
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I've heard the 12-10 speaker configuration on a guitar amp. The lows really project with that 12 in the mix versus a 10 alone or even a 4x10 and mix well with the 10-I'm sure it would be sweet on a harp amp.
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
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HarpNinja
298 posts
Mar 19, 2010
11:12 AM
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I would imagine that the 1210 wouldn't be as loud or fill the room as well. However, I think it would fit between the DT and HG 50. It appears Brian is away right now. I will try for more info. The clips on his site of Jason playing sound like Jason playing.
My plan b is a Bassman. My tone preferences are between Carlos del Junco and Jason Ricci. I think I would be close enough either way.
The real con of cons for me is the amp size and lugging a big amp around as I am lazy in nature.
***EDIT***
Doing the math, the 4x10 is only 3lbs heavier and 3" taller. So I guess either one would do...they are about 10lbs lighter than a Bassman Ltd.
Maybe I can find someone looking for a smaller HG and get lucky??? :)
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Mike Fugazzi
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Last Edited by on Mar 19, 2010 11:15 AM
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Chinaski
64 posts
Mar 19, 2010
12:10 PM
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Have both if at all possible!
I alternate between an HG50 1210 and an HG2 (the 2x8 edition, making it very similar in terms of output and tone to the DT). The 1210 has bottom end forever, but is also very punchy. Certainly can be clean with plenty of headroom if that's what you want, and does indeed respond very well to pedals. I run it with an AFB and Harp Break, which I sometimes step on for some extra crunch.
However, no way would I part with my HG2 either - I play that at almost full vol at medium-sized gigs, often without mic-ing up and those 8" speakers just sing beautifully..
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Last Edited by on Mar 19, 2010 12:41 PM
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HarpNinja
299 posts
Mar 19, 2010
12:18 PM
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I know, the DT is always set to 7.5 and really sounds like a midsized amp!
Could you use the 1210 for those smaller gigs and still sound good? I have a feeling funding the money for a larger amp will result in me selling gear if I buy used.
When I switched the DT speakers to ceramic, I found "the" sound for me. If I didn't get monitor feedback (which is tricky since I also sing and have to balance the volume/feedback for that too), I would be fine using monitors.
I can't get more efficient speakers than I have in there now.
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Mike Fugazzi
vocals/harmonica
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Last Edited by on Mar 19, 2010 12:20 PM
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Chinaski
65 posts
Mar 19, 2010
12:48 PM
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In terms of tone, the 1210 sounds great at any volume - Brian's amps have that in spades in my opinion. Obviously if it's a good amount of crunch you're after then it would be harder to acheive at such a volume than with the DT or similar-sized amp.
Am I right in thinking you tend to favour a relatively clean sound anyway though Mike? In which case that really wouldn't be so much of an issue, and the 1210 would pretty much suit you for any size gig.
It is noticeably lighter than a 4x10 too, I've had a few of those :-)
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Ev630
182 posts
Mar 19, 2010
2:18 PM
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Mike - go the 4x10 route. Take it from someone who has tried many amps in gig terms and struggled with unmiced projection. Then all you need is a small light ultra portable hand truck and some bungee cords. I found a little hand truck from a Nikon dealership that looks weenie but carries my Bassman without a hitch.
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Chinaski
66 posts
Mar 19, 2010
2:43 PM
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I can assure you there are no projection problems with an HG50 1210 - I've also owned several 4x10s, and this amp can really kick it out..
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Ev630
183 posts
Mar 19, 2010
2:47 PM
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I can assure you that the speaker surface area of a 4x10 with the same power rating will project more than the 1210.
However, comparing the 1210 to an amp with less surface area at the same rating, your point is undoubtedly true.
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Greg Heumann
366 posts
Mar 19, 2010
11:26 PM
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Have to agree with EV630 here - there's a big difference between 191 sq. in of speaker and 314 sq in! I've been around that block too. 4 10's WILL fill a room when the 12+10 won't.
Instead of a cart, I made a little dolly on casters for my amp. Same size as the bottom of the amp, with holes for the amp's feet to sit in. I have a strap fasted to the dolly. Put the amp on the dolly, put the cover on the amp, fasten the strap. Now you can roll the amp, but still pick it up to clear steps and the like - the dolly stays on the amp. (I do take it off to play.)
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/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
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Kingley
1048 posts
Mar 20, 2010
1:21 AM
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Yeah I agree with Drew and Greg. Get a 4X10.
If you can't afford a HG50 410 and or wish to keep the Double Trouble, then get a used Bassman RI/LTD. They are reasonably cheap compared to a custom amp and of course it's the benchmark amp for a reason. Almost every top player has played through a Bassman at some point or other.
I'm toying with the idea of getting one again when my finances improve just for bigger gigs. I stupidly sold mine when the gigs dried up a few years ago. I won't make that mistake again!
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Chinaski
67 posts
Mar 20, 2010
2:45 AM
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yeah, I appreciate the speaker surface difference, but have in no way come up short on projection with this particular amp at any gig.
Just as importantly - as Mike's OP encouraged comparisons to other amps - I can safely say I prefer the tone of the HG to any of the 410s I have previously owned, including a Bassman RI, a Marble Harpmaster and a Sonny Jr 410.
All subjective I guess.
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Last Edited by on Mar 20, 2010 2:51 AM
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