It all really depends on the sound your looking for. I have a 40 watt Vox, it has an amp Modeller which does a great Impression of a fender Bassman which is my dream Amp, but then theres the humping it about valve amps are way too heavy. My amp has a Valve in it that gives me the sound. If I were you I would try every amp you can afford until you get the sound your after
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Fender have just released the digital Tonemaster version of the Bassman. Pricey but im very tempted. I’ve got the Tonemaster Princeton reverb and its now about the only amp i use. The Vox AC30, Fender Blues Deluxe and Marshall Origin just sit gathering dust. To my old ears I cannot tell the difference between my digital Princeton and an original valve version but mine can be attenuated down to 0.5w and be lifted with one finger. Might need two fingers for the Bassman but no more
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@Luke I’ve had a Roland Micro Cube GX in my closet for a few years that I bought for NA style flute playing but didn’t find it suitable for that. now that I’ve picked up Harmonica I find it to be VERY suitable for this so it’s been dusted off and have been enjoying it every day since. as a beginner harp player what do I know, but I figure if it’s good enough for Juzzie Smith it’s good enough for me. batteries last 8 hours on a charge, or use ac adaptor, has gain, delay and reverb etc + it sounds very nice. just my .02 cents.
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I had the battery free one and what was great about it you could plug it straight into a PA, no need for vans to transport it
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@RussSkyman good stuff man. Cool video! Yep, that should be a great place to start!
@Moman @chris3 I was just gonna say that I was talking with Greg Heumann fro a long time at SPAH, and he says with smaller amps and with digital amps, use the bulletini.
The Bulletini is probably the darkest mic on the planet when it comes to harmonica mics, so it does a good job combatting the mosquito-kinda-sounding “digititits” that drives some audio geeks into the world of all analog signal paths.
The Roland Cube, the Tonemaster, the Loudbox Micro - these are all digital amps so if considering what mic to pair with them, the Bulletini is your friend.
I love the shape and the position of the volume knob on my Jason Ricci Signature mic, but I’ve been playing (in stereo) through a 5W tube amp and a Pignose HOG 20.
But I’ve been struggling with getting a loud enough stage volume without feedback.
Juzzie is performing solo so he can just mic the amp, but when you’re playing in a club with guitar, bass, and drums, sometimes you can’t just turn up the PA to get the right volume - stuff starts feeding back. It’s a much more challenging situation.
That’s why you see Jason Ricci playing through a big Fender Bassman, or Dennis Gruenling through a Fender Pro Jr. IV or a Fender Super-Reverb Reissue.
I’m thinking bout brining my 1972 20W Marshal head and 2X12" cab to my next gig and seeing if that gives me more of the power I need. I’m also considering buying a Dyna-Mic to reduce the feedback issue.
I went with Lee Oscar all of the way, got tired of being capoed out, so I covered all of the bases. I’ve used several different vocal mics, setting in. Got the green bullet it has been ok, I like the Maddog better.
I am considering getting a multi effects box to use as a DI to the to the PA. Does anyone have experience and opinions about any of the crazy number of options out there.
I appreciate this forum, love reading all of the comments etc.
I have and I bought a bulletini to go with the 57’s, green bullet, and Mad dog I have. Thinking about sending that Bullet to get a little work done.
I also made an offer on a Kalamazoo 1, it may need work thanks for the heads up on the services Skip offers, that Kalamazoo may need it!
I’m also looking at a line 6 box that’s got everything and the kitchen sink! 180$ line 6 pod express.
Thank you so much BnT for all of your feedback it has been invaluable!!
Mark
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Last time that I talked to Greg, he was very rude towards me. When I said that I wanted a clean mic recommendation, he recommended dirty sounding mics, said I had “analysis paralysis”, and told me to shut up for telling somebody that Terry McMillan didn’t need a stand when playing with a vocal mic. TL;DR: We aren’t friends anymore.
Thanks for the heads up on the LE, I want to add that!
Man, I got myself my first Lee Oskar a couple months ago after playing an East Top and Oh MAN is it a thing of peerfection!!! I absolutely love it and I have a much easier time playing it. Forget about the fact that it sounds outright magnificent. I truly couldnt be happier! I will also be getting a Horhner Special 20 soon just to see what all the hype is, but it would have to be crazy much better than the Lee Oskar for me to change what I consider my #1 favorite Harmonica!!
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Mark!! Those picks are fantastic!! what a setup!! and I very much dig the STEAL YOUR FACE patch/sticker!! Much Luv Phriend! Keep Blowin’!!!
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I finally figured out how to upload here’s most of my stuff I’ve left my mics out as they are currently thanks to the missus too awkward for me to reach (there’s a whole thing, she’s really taller than me and puts stuff where I can’t reach---- she thinks it’s funny and is laughing as I text this) so hopefully she’ll stop pratting about and tell me where she’s Hiding/ put them.
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Also I’m planning to get some Wilde tuned Seydel harmonicas to add to these too