Studio AMP
Mon, 07/25/2011 - 06:43
Hi Dave,
I have been considering a smaller amp to take places where I don't want to haul my full size amp. I know/think you use a "fender silverface champ?" On ebay I see a "Vibro Champ, a Princeton, and then a regular "champ."
Are these all pretty similar for harp use?
Also, when Gary Smith brings his smaller amp to your studio, is it just a regular "fender pro junior." Not saying "just" as inferior, I am implying that it is not a vintage or rare amp.
Thanks,
Nick
Hello Nick. I use a late 1960's Silver Face Princeton Reverb. The Princeton series of amps, from their inception to early 1980's are all very nice for the harp. The Champ has much less bass response and is not appropriate volume-wise for a gig unless you have a killer sound system. Watch my video on Amps: What You Need To Know to hear my thoughts on where and how to set up the amp... make sure it's off the floor and as high as possible to ear level. Gary always monkeys around with his amps... not sure what he's done, but I would venture to guess that it's been modified. Bang for the buck, the new Fender Super Champ XD is great ($300 shipped from musiciansfriend.com)... it has effects built in. A vintage Princeton will sound much nicer though. Happy hunting!