[Harp-L] Re: Botique amps

[AV1901@xxxxxxx]

First- the obvious disclaimer - tone and chops are from the player, of course!

Second - playing music is not my primary source of income. I'm 48, and I've 
had many different jobs - working in non-profit organizations that assist the 
less fortunate, working as a computer guy, becomming a school teacher, and 
beyond. I'm married and have 2 girls in college. I don't have a huge amount of 
disposable income.

I play for the joy it brings me, not for the gig money (maybe $4,500 last 
year). 

Third - I'm not a harp virtuoso... I don't overblow (in a musical context), 
couldn't play Roller Coaster note for note, etc. I play what I like and many 
people who have heard me like what I play. 

Having said that.... I'm one of those harp players that enjoys the search for 
tone. I like the tools of the craft. I like learning about these tools, I 
like tweaking them, the way they look, the way they sound. 

To me, my going up to Hamden, CT a year ago and spending @$2K on a Sonny Jr. 
410 amp including a cover, replacement tubes and caps was a wise investment in 
tone. The amp has exceeded my expectations. It will last longer than I will, 
and its one of those things that gives back more than it takes. As a big amp, 
it just works right and does what its supposed to better than anything else 
I've tried. 

Other musicians I play with have nice equipment. Why shouldn't I? My 
instrument (an out of the box Hohner Special 20) costs me @ $17, so having a nice amp 
seems like a good investment to me. 

Andy Vincent