Re: [Harp-L] Re: Harp-L Digest, Vol 39, Issue 23

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sloppy Joe wrote:
> There is one advantage to using a more powerful amp in the 
> HEAD and seperate CAB  format, that I can think of. It's the 
> proximity deal.  You can have the amp head near you and your 
> harps, and set the cabinet away from you, or elsewhere (where 
> ever it will fit) on the stage. You won't need to worry too 
> much about feedback issues to *some* degree. When you use a 
> giant combo rig, you can only get so far away from it - and if 
> you have to adjust it, you have to mind the feedback. Having 
> an amp head (even a low watt one) right next to you, is pretty
> convenient.

Mr. Sloppy overlooks some of his own advice which he gave me months 
and months ago when I was designing my own rig.  I had previously 
been using a system that had three rack spaces built into the top of 
a speaker cabinet, making what was essentially a "combo" amp.  When 
I outgrew the three spaces I thought about building a bigger cabinet 
with more rack room, but retaining the "combo" feel of having the 
speakers mounted in the same cabinet.  

Sloppy, in his infinite wisdom, recommended a separate head and 
cabinet approach so that I could acquire and use different speaker 
cabinets for different performance/practice needs.  My default is a 
2x10, but I could use a 4x10, or a 1x12, or -- something I'm dying 
to try -- an asymetrical 1-12, 1-8 (or similar) cabinet.  In some 
situations I find that I can go completely without a cabinet, and 
simply run my lines out into the PA.  

In any case, separate pieces means more flexbility, which in my book 
is an essential ingredient.  

-tim