• Surprised

  
  As reviewed by Mike on 8/29/2011

  Recieved as a gift. I had very low expectations however was pleasantly surprised. Basically, the Red Howler is a dynamic mic in a small shell with a hard-wired, hi-Z, 1/4" cable and a volume control. It sounds alot like a Shure SM-57 through my tube amp (with a low-z transformer) only with a much lower output. Through my 69 Champ, it gives a nice controllable growl when cupped tightly. Loosen the grip or even one-handed, the tone definitley "opens up" however it also thins out. Finding the right combo of amp and mic is always the second order of business when it comes to amplified harp tone. The first? Getting a good tone acoustically of course! What works for the guy playing the 2k amp and the 3 hundred dollar mic may work for him but it may not work for you. Are you going to see the pros playing the Red Howler anytime soon? Probably not. However I would wager that any pro would find this mic usable in some way and would have no issues doing so. They all know: it ain't the gear, its the player! Because its got a dynamic element, its not relegated to one sound like a crystal. My effects pedals like the signal from this mic so much better than my modded JT-30.With the inherent crunch that comes from playing through my Silver-Faced Champ, the low output from this mic is actually a good combination with that amp. This mic with a large-powered clean amp would not provide the crunch I require however if you like a clean sound this would work just fine through such an amp. I've had the mic only 2 weeks so I cant speak to reliablilty yet. The 9' cord is hard wired into the back of the mic (as is Shure's Green Bullet). The volume control seems a bit flimsy and the element itself is definitely not the best. The shell is small, light, controured for your grip and a pretty cool red shade of red. Very easy for even small hands to get a good cup around it if you are seeking the Chicago tone however needs to be in combo with a cranked low-watt tube amp to get there. The grill is secured by screws on each side. Every component of this mic is modifiable and replaceable. I'm not touching a thing until I need to but when it's time, it will be easy to do. I always have a back up or two come gig time and yes, I will be gigging with it. I never would have purchased this mic for myself however recieving it as gift has reminded me to keep my mind open as you never know when you are going to be hit with a surprise from an unexpected source. My wife picked it up at our local GC on sale for 70US. CHEAP!!!! Remember!! Our harp heroes took what was available at that time and made it work. Back then, it was a desktop dispatch mic and a beatup tube amp or PA. None of them really gave a hoot about the equipment they were playing through and no matter what they had, they always ended sound just like themselves. Find your own tone and own it!

  1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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• Great Harp Mic

  
  As reviewed by Scotty Mayhaw on 5/13/2010

  This is the first "harp" mice I have owned, I always just played thru a regualr dynamic mic in the past. I purchased this when it first came out, and have no regrets. This mic has good tone, a Chicago Blues kinda tone to it, is the best way I can describe it. I have run it thru tube amps, modeling amps, and straight to a board, and it has never let me down. It fits in your hands well, and where they placed the volume control on this mic is a bonus. I have not had any problems with feedback when using this mic. It's built like a tank, I have dropped by accident a few times, and it has survived with no dents or scrapes. The cord is more than long enough to cover most places you will gig. If I ever need another harp mic, I'd get another one of these.

  13 of 14 people found this review helpful.
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• singer / songwriter

  
  As reviewed by Kelly Collom on 6/7/2010

  My friend has this item and I love it. It is my next purchase. The red is hot looking I love it and love the sound you get with the harp. Also the Hohner harps sound great with it I have the set of seven.

  4 of 8 people found this review helpful.
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