The harpsichord and the harmonica are the two main instruments that are referred to as harpsichord and harmonica, respectively. The harpsichord is a large stringed instrument with strings that are perpendicular to those of a guitar. Traditional acoustic harpsichords and acoustic-electric harpsichords are available. Harp is also a term used by blues musicians to describe the harmonica. When it comes to amplifying a harp for a rehearsal or live performance, there are a few options.
The harp amplification method used depends on which harpsichord the musician is playing. Lever and pedal harpsichords are the two most common types. The more traditional, acoustic model is the lever harp. For theatrical performances, musicians use microphones to amplify these instruments.
Many people believe that mini omni microphones are an excellent choice for amplification of the lever harp. Harpists frequently place two of these mics on the harp’s sweet spots, which are above the point where the neck meets the body and near the soundboard. Avoid placing the microphones too close to the strings, as this can cause peaking and distortion. For many, placing the mics on the instrument’s curve produces excellent tone. Traditional instrument microphones, such as the SM-57, are an alternative to omni microphones.
The pedal harp, the other type of harpsichord, is also known as an electric harp. Because harpers can plug them directly into a PA system or an amplifier, sound engineers can more easily mix these instruments on the soundboard, and they may require less sonic tweaking. For harp amplification, a standard quarter-inch jack instrument cable will suffice.
Because they are acoustic-electric, pedal harpsichords are the most affordable and practical option. Built-in preamps with volume and EQ controls are included on these harps. Harpists have a lot of control over their sound onstage this way.
A harmonica, or harp, on the other hand, requires a different method of harp amplification. Many musicians simply use a standard vocal microphone to record their harmonicas, but more serious blues players use a specialized bullet microphone, which is a short, stocky, roundish mic designed to fit a harmonica better. These mics are designed to capture the sound of a Chicago blues harmonica. The best sonic tone is achieved by passing the microphone through an amplifier, especially for rock and roll music. A tube guitar amplifier is preferred by the majority of players.
Harpists, also known as harpers, can use effects pedals in conjunction with their electric harp microphones. The sounds of the instrument can be changed and varied by the musician. For a more vintage feel, use a distortion pedal to make the tone bolder and denser. A chorus pedal can make the instrument sound fuller and more plentiful, as if multiple harps are playing at the same time.