Please remember to check the NEWS ARCHIVES for past news.
***5/27/08***
This week I got a new review of the HG50 from Scott Nickerson. Here it is:
What can I say? Brian Purdy is one heck of an innovative amp designer/builder & and a nice guy to do business with. The newest addition to the Harpgear family is the HG50, a 4x10, 50w tweed amp. As most harp players go through in their quest for the perfect amp, I have played through many "boutique" models made specifically for harmonicas & vintage amps that are known to be prime for the tone we all want. Honestly, even though there are other decent amps out there, nothing holds a candle to the HG50. It's definitely not a one trick pony. Brian did his homework on how to design an amp with almost no feedback issues and an array of tone you can dial in to suit your taste. I am ecstatic to own this amp.
I have played in some medium size to large rooms recently, and the HG50 did not need to be miced through the sound system. This is one loud amp whenever you want it to be, and it has a full range of tone! I was amazed at the deep low-end & how well the highs & mids fit perfectly. When I play out at volume between 5-7, or am practicing at home between 1-2, the HG50 breaks up where I want it to. If you find yourself near any of the harp players who use the HG50 (Brian Purdy, himself or Jason Ricci, etc.) who are scheduled for a gig, please GO SEE THEM & hear the HG50 for yourself.
Last, but not least, I've had the honor of owning & playing through every model of the Harpgear amps. Brian does exquisite work on every amp he has designed! They all sound great & I highly recommend them all.
- Scott Nickerson
I also received a picture form a longtime customer David Krauss. This is him at the Hessler Street Fair with the DT all setup and ready to go:
I really appreciate all the customer interaction and I look forward to receiving more reviews and photos.
As always, feel free to write or call with any questions.
***5/18/08***
Tonight I'll be over in Daytona, FL at Frank's Front Row to see Ben Prestage. He is a one man band who plays mostly folk, roots and blues music. If you are over in the area it is a trip worth making. I played a little with him in Cocoa Beach at The Beach Shack last Sunday and it was a blast. The green bullet mic has sold and I thank everyone who wrote about it. I'll talk with you soon. As always, feel free to write or call with any questions.
***5/15/08***
I have had a few people asking me if I had any mics for sale over the last month and I have one really good vintage CM green bullet available right now. If you are interested please let me know.
***5/14/08***
I just got back from hanging out with Dennis Gruenling and after getting to watch him perform for the last few nights all I can say is WOW! He was there with Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones and special guest Steve Guyger. It was a tribute to Little Walter and they did an awesome job. Yesterday Dennis and Steve held a Little Walter workshop which worked out really well. It was informative and entertaining. They are doing a Workshop in Atlanta tonight. You can email Jim mcBride at Bottle O Blues Mics for more info on the seminar tonight if you are interested. It is highly recommended.
***5/8/08***
Here is a cool video one of my customers put up on Youtube of himself playing the Double Trouble. He writes:
"Here is an example of the Harpgear Double Trouble harp-voiced amplifier produced by Brian Purdy at harpgear.com. Please listen to a variety of other players and samples before judging the amp as this is just a little taste with one of a variety of settings, e.g, Shure 545 dynamic microphone plugged into input #1, volume at 6, tone on 10. Hohner Big River Harp key of A."
So this is just him with his mic plugged directly into the Double Trouble and man does he sound great. I really want to thank everyone who has been so interactive with both myself and the products. You guys are great!
***5/1/08***
I am going to build a small run of limited edition 2x8" HG2 amplifiers. They will be in unlacquered tweed cabinets which are identical to the Double Trouble cabinet. I will only be building 5 of these amps and I will be selling them for less than the 1x8" HG2. The cost for the 2x8" HG2 amplifier will be $750 plus shipping. That is $50 less than the standard HG2 amplifier. You can see more about the HG2 including sound samples at: http://www.harpgear.com/hg2.html The 2x8" sounds even bigger and fuller than the standard HG2 sounds in the clips. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at: brian@harpgear.com .
The first HG50 amps have been received and the reviews are now starting to come in. I thought I would share a couple with you that I have received in the past few days.
"Hello Brian!!! I would like to thank to you, everything is very well. I have had many amps, but HG50 is really the best harp amp. I owe you a lot . Greeting from the blues. andyharp"
Andy Harp from Germany
"I just received my Harp Gear 50 (4x10) and thought I would report to everyone. First, Brian Purdy is absolutely fantastic to deal with. His customer service is top notch. I also own a Harp Gear Double Trouble 2x8 (my small to mid sized room amp) and couldn't wait to get my hands on the HG50. The amp came packed soundly. The amp was double boxed with styrofoam peanuts separating the 2 boxes to protect the amp. When I opened the box, the amp looked beautiful. The craftmanship on this amp is outstanding - a true custom piece. Then I plugged it in....Wow! This amp sound fantastic. It has huge bottom end, punchy mids, and it really sings - And it's loud too. When I grabbed an A harp and pulled on the 2 draw, the bass response was incredible - it filled the room. When I tongue slapped the 6 blow, the amp barked. This amp can do it all. I own a lot of amps, vintage and boutique, and my two Harp Gear amps are my favorite. Normally I mic my other 4x10's for bigger show! s, but didn't need to this past Saturday. The HG50 had plenty of volume to keep up with my full band. I can't say enough good things about Brian and his amps. If you haven't checked them out, do so at www.harpgear.com - you won't be dissappointed. Bryan Lyburn Frederick, MD Founder Harmonica Players Organization of Frederick"
Brian Lyburn from Maryland
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the business and I am glad you love the amps!
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