GuitarSam eZine Volume 30 April 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. Hi Richard, I'm just looking for info on how to control feedback. I've been using a 1998 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 1-12" speaker. and I've tried Samson Q-mics/AT vocal mics, and a Shure SM58, all of which feedback badly. I think it's the amp. Any suggestions would be helpful. Hello! Here are a couple of suggestions: 1) Try a preamp tube replacement. Most Fenders ship with 12AX7 tubes in the preamp, which tend to feedback heavily with harp. Try a 12AU7 or 12AY7 replacement for one of the preamp tubes; that'll allow you to get more tube saturation before feedback, i.e. a heavier tone. 2) Location of the mic matters a lot. Don't stand in front of the amp. Standing behind it is best for feedback reduction; off to one side is next best. The above are inexpensive options. If they don't work, consider a stompbox graphic equalizer. These are available for guitar at prices ranging from $70-$100. Most feedback originates in a narrow frequency range; you can use an EQ to find that range and reduce it, which will reduce or eliminate the feedback. Final note: check the Harp-L archives on this subject. It comes up on Harp-L pretty frequently. Good luck. Regards, Richard Hunter www.hunterharp.com

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