Driftwood
Guest
Apr 16, 2008
10:20 AM
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Been playing for a few years and gig regularly. I just cant seem to get that "dirty" sound that other players get when mic'd up. Listened to a guy recently and he had it spot on, but when I played thro his kit, it just sounded really clean. So it wasnt his amp and mic, its me. What have they got that i havent found. What ever the secret is, he didnt want to share it!!
I really cant find how to get that dirty raw sound.
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Jeff
54 posts
Apr 16, 2008
10:38 AM
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Look at Adam's videos regarding adding the 4 hole when you play the blue-third and 5 draw w/4 draw. You have to get chords sneaking in (see Jason Ricci's part 2 on Pucker vs TB). This is a HUGE key in getting the rough big sound you hear in Chicago style blues as tongue-slaps and chords define a major part of the dirty sound you're after.
If you're a puckerer, you're going to have check out Jason's video and work extra hard on imitating the tongue-slaps. It's the chord sounding for a split second before you play a single note that gives it that dirty sharp attack.
Once you get that down, you can really get some great chordal textures going on. Otherwise, your sound is going to probably be pretty thin and clean.
It also may be your timing and not your tone at all. If there's no syncopation or swing, it's not going to sound bluesey regardless of what tone you have.
Last Edited by on Apr 16, 2008 8:43 PM
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Tuckster
2 posts
Apr 16, 2008
10:42 AM
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Are you getting a good tight cup? It makes a big difference amplified. Seems like the tighter the cup, the dirtier it gets. More bass-y, too.
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eharp
8 posts
Apr 16, 2008
3:13 PM
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does you sound bluesy or dirtier when playing acoustic? that is where the tone you want should start.
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ChipperHarp
17 posts
Apr 17, 2008
5:01 AM
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Not sure what gear you used but, regardless of the gear, the cup is extremely important. A wand type mic is tougher than a bullet style, however, pactice wrapping your hands with the harp around a mic and playing. You should see a difference with cupped and tightly cupped.
Of course your own "tone" makes a diffence as well but, it shouldn't be that much.
Do you own a mic? An Amp?
Another thing to consider is the style you play: Pucker or Toungue Block? Both? If he was TBing and you were Puckering, that'll make a difference too.
Personally, I think the cure is developing a tight cup.
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ChipperHarp
http://www.myspace.com/chipperharp
Last Edited by on Apr 17, 2008 5:03 AM
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Driftwood
Guest
Apr 17, 2008
10:13 AM
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Well that should keep me busy for a while! I use a Blues Blaster thro a Marshall acoustic combo. Might not be the done thing, but heard some great stuff through that set up. Maybe distorted sound is a better description of what I'm looking for? Thanks for all the help, I'm in UK so apologies for the slow replies.
This is far more interesting than talking to the wife!
Cheers guys.
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ChipperHarp
18 posts
Apr 17, 2008
12:48 PM
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The Blues Blaster is a "brighter" mic than the Green Bullet. Me, I play Special 20 harps with a Green Bullet through a vintage Fender Champ.
Best,
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ChipperHarp
http://www.myspace.com/chipperharp
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Driftwood
1 post
Apr 17, 2008
12:57 PM
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Thanks for all your help. Loads to get on with to see if I can find what I'm looking for. I play Lee Oskar's which i think have a harsher brighter sound because of the plastic body, maybe that might be a part of the problem???
Cheers.
Last Edited by on Apr 17, 2008 12:58 PM
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