Gear Review: Tech 21 Blonde v2 Fender Amp Modeling Pedal
The Tech 21 Blonde (v2 in this case) is a stompbox amp modeling pedal designed to emulate a range of Fender amps, a role that it fills very well. It’s one of a series of “Character” pedals from Tech 21, whose experience building analog amp…
Comparing the Zoom G3 to the Digitech RP
As I work on patches for the Zoom G3 (now in version 2; see our Zoom G3 page), I’m constantly comparing what I hear to the sounds I get from my Digitech RP355. In fact, I have the two boxes side by side on the…
What’s the best choice for your first (or next) amp?
A frequent question from novice harp players is: what should I buy for my first amped setup? Some of the people reading this are going to buy an amp for themselves or someone else for Christmas, or buy one after Christmas with their Christmas money….
Rock Bottom Cheap and Cheerful Amp Modeling: The Joyo JF-14 American Sound
Rob Paparozzi wrote recently on Facebook that he was using a Joyo JF-14 American Sound amp modeling pedal in his home studio. The thing is apparently modeled on a Fender ’57 Deluxe amp, so when you plug its output into a PA or keyboard amp,…
London with the Zoom G3
I arrived in London this morning (Sunday 8 June), and I plan to visit the Monday night jam at Ain’t Nothin But the Blues. When I do, I’ll be packing the Zoom G3, as opposed to the Tech 21 Blonde pedal that’s been my go-to…
Coming Soon: the Huntersounds Patch Set for Zoom G3
It’s been a long time coming, and it’s almost here. I will offer my first patch set for a non-Digitech device within the next few weeks: my ultra-cool setup for the Zoom G3.
What Works at a Jam Session
I jammed with some friends at a party in Driggs, Idaho on Saturday night (August 24). The musicians I played with weren’t spectacular, or even professionally competent in some ways, but it was a really enjoyable jam session. At some points, the combined sound of…
Two Days, Three Jams in London
I was in London Sunday through Tuesday of this week, which was perfect for checking out some blues jams. On Sunday, I hit the afternoon jam at Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues and the evening jam at TCR (Tottenham Court Restaurant). The two clubs are…
The Fender Mustang Floor is out: first impressions
Fender has just introduced a new amp and effects modeling device, the Fender Mustang Floor. I haven’t heard it yet, but it’s an interesting box, and I’ve got a few harp player-oriented comments to share. From the early reviews on sites like Sweetwater.com, it appears…
Hot Jams at Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues
I was in London Sunday through Tuesday at Gartner’s Project Portfolio Management and IT Governance Conference, and as usual I made a point to get to either the Sunday or Monday jam session at Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues. The Monday night jam in particular,…
