Harp mikes - I've never played through a proper harp mike.
Often the harp players have nicer valve amps than the guitarists.<br />
Chris
The Shaker Madcat Harp mike is fantastic, and really intelligently designed. Funny how that expression has developed a whole new meaning...
Jonderson
Although I've never played through one, I've spent quite a bit of time and money recently trying to get a good harp sound, using my Laney valve guitar amp, various mikes and pedals and so on. The major problem I've had is feedback - I got a reasonable facsimile of the classic electric blues harp sound, but couldn't hear it for the feedback. I've gone back to just using my vocal mike through the PA. If anybody has any ideas (that don't involve loads of money) I'd love to hear them.
Gary
Gary: If you aren't going to use an actual harp mike, I would stick with the vocal mike. A Shure SM-58 is an ideal vocal-harp mike. It will save you a lot of hassle. If you are going to use an effects box you will want to plug it in to a very clean 50-100watt guitar amp, set it as clean as you can and control the tone from the effects box. Cut the treble and middle on the amp a little bit, and you may have to boost the bass. That solid state amp you are using is probably why you are having such a hard time, it can be done, but not readily and not in all cases. Other options: plug the effects box into a direct box and then through the PA. Or finally, if you can find an amp with some built in effects (like a Peavey Transformer 112) you will likely be able to have enough additional control over your sound to eliminate the feedback problems you are having. All in all though, I would really recommend that Shaker Madcat mike. It is only $100 or so, and is SO much more comfortable than hauling a vocal mike around with you, especially if you go wireless. Well worth it!
Jonderson