joshnat
80 posts
Nov 02, 2010
2:15 PM
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I got lucky one night when my primary amp crapped out on me (mid-song) because I had asked our singer to bring the amp from our practice space to the gig. I had wanted to do a mod to the practice amp and it was easier than waiting until the next rehearsal. So, I had it, but it certainly wasn't ideal: not loud enough, not the best tone, etc. But swapping it out mid-song sure was fun!
Our guitar player uses a 70's SF Deluxe Reverb and always brings either a Pro Jr. or a Pignose Hog 20 to gigs just in case.
I tend to stick to newer equipment, but I'm now running some old tubes in my newer amp. So, other than bringing a backup amp, would it make sense to bring backup tubes?
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Joe_L
785 posts
Nov 02, 2010
2:18 PM
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I carry a vocal mic.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
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toddlgreene
2026 posts
Nov 02, 2010
2:22 PM
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I don't do it now because my amp has a screw-on back, but I have packed extra tubes in bubble wrap inside the back of my amps in the past. Tape the bundle inside your cabinet so they don't get tossed around and broken. Never had to change one at a show, but I was prepared. Like Joe says...if my one amp craps out, I'm going into the PA. I also have a Harp Attack pedal for just such situations.
I do carry a small tool kit(besides my harp tool kit which I always carry) just in case something needs to be dissected: #2 Phillips & flathead, small Crescent wrench, electrical tape, mini flashlight(this last item gets used a lot).
I wish I had the funds to own a backup amp!
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Todd L. Greene, Codger-in-training
Last Edited by on Nov 02, 2010 2:34 PM
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Littoral
163 posts
Nov 02, 2010
2:45 PM
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I run all pre cbs gear so I usually have a smaller amp to run through the pa if I need it. Tubes, yeah, they're bubble wrapped like Todd said.
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MJ
208 posts
Nov 02, 2010
3:04 PM
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No backup amp, but I carry a spare set of tubes as well as a backup mic, cable and plenty of harps. I have never needed the tubes but if I leave them at home...bingo. I have needed the extra mic and cord a few times.
Last Edited by on Nov 02, 2010 3:56 PM
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Greg Heumann
845 posts
Nov 02, 2010
3:18 PM
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I generally don't carry a spare amp. I have the vocal mic to use, and I carry a Lone Wolf Harp Attack, which I STILL haven't had a chance to try through our PA - but it would be good enough to get me through a gig, I'm sure.
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/Greg
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MrVerylongusername
1342 posts
Nov 02, 2010
3:21 PM
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Spare amp? sheesh! are you trying to kill me! lugging one around has knackered me knees and done my back in!
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hvyj
792 posts
Nov 02, 2010
3:54 PM
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Nope. If my amp were to crap out, I'd be comfortable playing through the PA. I use a lo-z XLR mic anyway. I play it through an IMT when I go into an amp.
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9000
40 posts
Nov 02, 2010
5:26 PM
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I always carry a Holmes Harp Commander as back up. I also use it for sitting in when an amp is inconvenient. I've played entire gigs with it when I've been traveling and I usually get compliments on the tone. Going straight into the PA is another great option. Super opportunity to find out what kind of tone we REALLY have. I sometimes question the whole amp issue and ask myself if it is really so important.
All the best,
Jay
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Hobostubs Ashlock
1198 posts
Nov 02, 2010
5:45 PM
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I just got a back up amp today,heck its going to be my busking amp its tone is cool,its a 1 watt honeytone with 2" speaker,for 20$ so far its cool its very small can fit in my gear box,has a cool chicago tone with a bullet mic,It also plays great with my CBG,I got it cause im going to busk a flea market soon,and the little thing might just do it,Im not sure how long batteries last though takes a 9 volt went though the cheap one sent with it fast ,i have a 9v plug in,but for busking i hope it will play a couple hours a 9v battery, the reviews talked like it would,I was wondering how one would sound miced,because they would make a cool little back up amp,cause they have a killer tone for what it is.
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boris_plotnikov
289 posts
Nov 02, 2010
10:14 PM
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I ususally take two amps to gig. One is for nothing except HarpAttack, the second is driven by a bunch of pedals. It gives me more stabil and fat tone.
IF something goes wrong with amp you can get through the set with any vocal microphone to PA.
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Excuse my bad English. Click on my photo or my username for my music.
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HarpNinja
748 posts
Nov 03, 2010
6:10 AM
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I have a first generation Harp Commander and extra tubes in my gig bag just in case. I've never had to use any of them.
I am fine with playing through the PA, but sometimes I don't use monitors. Yikes!
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Amp for Harp Blog
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Barry C.
22 posts
Nov 03, 2010
10:18 AM
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It's a good idea but I rarely bring one as just another thing to carry - I figure if my amp craps-out I'll either play thru the PA or hit the bar! I do however carry extra fuses in my bag...
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~Banned in Boston!
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