Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Harp Mic Expert Greg Heumann

Bulletini, with or without volume control?

4 replies [Last post]
Mon, 01/20/2020 - 17:47
AceVentura
AceVentura's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 09/05/2018

Hello, Greg. Am thinking of a Bulletini as I have smallish hands for a man. This would be my first mic. So, With or without? Is it possible to inadvertently change the volume while playing? Why would you use this control instead of the volume on the amp? 

I have no experience with amps or mics so any help is welcomed. 

thanks in advance, 

 

Ace. 

Top
Mon, 01/20/2020 - 19:44
#1
Greg Heumann
Greg Heumann's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 04/29/2010
Hi, Ace My sales data tells

Hi, Ace

My sales data tells me that about 95% of harp players use voume controls. I find them very useful for a large number of reasons. We DO have our dynamic control - and a volume control takes nothing away from that. But there are still many reasons to use one. Conditions on stage change as we play. The band gets louder (or a lot quieter), the crowd gets bigger, you choose a C harp (louder) or a low F harp (not so loud). We solo, we play accompaniment.  The better we get as harp players, the more able we're able to play well while playing softly - but beginners often have trouble bending notes quietly. 

When feedback happens on stage, everyone is going to look at you because "it's usually the harp player." It is awfully nice to turn the volume control on your mic down. If the feedback stops,, it WAS you and you immediately controlled it. No problem. If it DOESN'T stop, then you know IT ISN'T you - and you can shake your head and smirk, point to the knob and shrug your shoulders so every knows "IT ISN'T ME."  :) 

A volume control lets you set up your amp a little louder, and then "dial it back" at the mic, leaving you with some additionla "headroom" when you need it. You certainly can't go diving back to your amp's volume control when you're 15 feet away from your amp on a crowded stage. If you need the maximum volume possible, you will certainly get feedback if you're standing right next to your amp as you raise its volume knob. With a volume control on the mic, you turn it way down as you approach your amp.

Accidental adjustment is a common concern, but in my experience is only a problem with mics where the knob is mounted underneath the mic, toward the front (like a Shure green bullet or hohner blues blaster). You SHOULD hold a mic under the last 2 fingers, spacing the harp away from the mic with the middle finger, and holding the harp itself between forefinger and thumb. When held like this, rear-mounted volume knobs stick way out past your grip - even with a mic as small as the Bulletini - and inadvertant adjustment isn't really a problem. 

 

In other words, I heartily recommend volume controls! I know a couple of pros who "poo poo" volume controls. Some of them believe it robs a little tone and output - and that IS true - there's no free lunch. But it is ONLY a factor (and, with a properly matched voume control - a very minor one) with crystal elements, NOT with dynamic elements or vintage Shure CM or CR elements.  Also - a pro class player  has more control over stage volume than you will, because they belong to a pro band who has better discipline than the jammers you'll probably play with when you first perform. But many pros do, and as a "weekend warrior" who plays at jams, I can tell you I really prefer to have one. 

Top
Mon, 01/20/2020 - 20:00
#2
AceVentura
AceVentura's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 09/05/2018
Wow

Great info. Thanks. I've got a birthday comin up in February so I'll put this on my list of things to get. Thanks. 

Also, any recommendations on an amp? I think I'd like somethomg small as I won't be taking the stage anytime soon. This is just for jamming w friends in a garage. 

Top
Wed, 01/22/2020 - 18:50
#3
James Micarelli
James Micarelli's picture
Offline
Level 8
Joined: 04/03/2014
Hello Ace, I purchased a

Hello Ace, I purchased a Bulletini with volume control.  I think it is a great mic.  I placed an elastic band around the front since it slipped out of my hands a few times.  The rubber band solved the problem.  Dave recommended the Laney Club 10 amp for my needs and budget.  Great choice for me.    Write to David  for his recommendation describing your particular needs etc.

 

Top
Thu, 01/23/2020 - 07:19
#4
AceVentura
AceVentura's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 09/05/2018
James Micarelli

James,

Thanks for the input. I'll look into the amp.

Top

Sign me up!

The low monthly subscription of $16.95 gives you full access! We accept major credit cards and PayPal.

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2022 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com