BassHarp's Gear
In answer to questions regarding my choice of equipment - let me preface by stating that I prefer my sound to be deep, full, and resonant, approaching that of the string bass, rather than the typically thin "reedy" sound of the unamplified, or acoustic bass harmonica, preferred by some.For this reason, my equipment of choice begins with both the Hohner #265/58 Bass Harmonica, and the Hohner #264/29 Bass Harmonica. My microphone is the Audix Model D4, and my amplification is the Walter Woods Mi100 head (100w) 2-channel amp, in conjunction with a small custom bass cabinet with closed back, containing a Shure 15" speaker, 1 tweeter, and 2 3-1/2" ports. The Audix D4 microphone is light weight, mounted on a chest plate for mobility and hands-free use, and reproduces the deepest frequencies of the bass harmonica. This is then sent to the Walter Woods amplifier head, and the bass cabinet with the single Shure 15" speaker, which also adds to the reproduction of the deepest frequencies. Before settling on this combination, I tried many bass guitar amplifiers, but few would approach the sound of the custom enclosure and Shure speaker, even using a bass booster filter. And on the plus side, the amplifiation equipment is much less in overall weight, making travel much simpler, yet having the best sound. My style of playing includes "feathering" of the notes, as when bowing strings, which produces a very smooth sound especially for cello or contra-bass solos; and also using the tongue to introduce a "plucked string" effect. I hope this information is helpful to the student bass harmonicist. My style and equipment is only my choice - there are many other bass harmonicists from whom to learn. Seek them out - they will be most happy to share. |
Member and Executive Vice President Emeritus, SPAH Inc
Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica