GuitarSam eZine Volume 28 February 2001   Subscribe Email us Back to Index

Richard Hunter: Harmonica Q&A

Richard Hunter is the author of "Jazz Harp," from Oak Publications. Richard's recorded works include "The Act of Being Free in One Act," which is the first full-length CD of works for unaccompanied harmonica ever recorded, and "The Second Act of Free Being," a CD which takes solo harmonica to a new level. Check Richard Hunter's website to purchase these CDs, and to learn more about Richard Hunter and the art of playing the harmonica. If you have questions about harmonica playing technique, use of different keys, bending, blowing, maintaining and so on, send them to us at kevin@guitarsam.com, and we'll have harmonica virtuoso Richard Hunter provide an expert answer for you. Question: I am probably going to pick up a Crate VC-508. The setup outlined on your website just makes a lot of sense for beginners like me that want to play amplified harp. I had a question regarding your recommendation for a microphone. How different is the JT-30 from the Green Bullet? Is feedback more prevalent with a Green Bullet? Any advice you may have is greatly appreciated. Richard answers: The JT-30 and Green Bullet have a lot in common. Both are cab-dispatcher mics which emphasize midrange frequencies, and they're shaped similarly. Annie Raines talks about the (relatively subtle) differences in detail on her Pro Page at my site. The similarities in these mics are strong enough that neither is likely to be much more feedback-prone than the other. In any case, the amp, especially the preamp tubes, is a bigger factor in producing feedback. If you replace the preamp tube in the Crate with a 12AU7 tube, you'll get lots of sound and relatively little feedback. If you still get lots of feedback, make sure you're not standing in front of the amp when you play. In addition to, or instead of a Green Bullet or Astatic, you may want to consider a Shure SM57. Rob Paparozzi uses one with a Fender amp, and it's a strong sound. They're also much better for vocals or for recording than a Bullet-type mic. You will probably be able to get a wider range of sounds from the Crate with an SM57, especially if you use effects such as chorus or flange, but the Bullet-type mics will definitely get you closer to that honking Chicago sound. Summary: Get both mics if you can afford both. Use the Bullet-type mic for deep blues, and the SM57 for everything else. Regards, Richard Hunter www.hunterharp.com

ISSN: 1529-0956 Library Of Congress, Washington D.C. USA
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