BP Amp problems

[Carol Ratliff]

Greetings!  I have a amplified BP, and am thinking of upgrading my amp, but am unsure of the best amp wattage and brand name that would be fitting to tone, etc. of my new BP.  My current amp is a 19 watt

and it is an off brand and am having difficulty in getting it to sound right, even with trying different settings like on gain, boost, volume, treble, middle, and bass.  My main problem, is that it sometimes doesn't sound like it is hooked up to amp at all.  Other times it will give volume, but will do the high pitch schreech, I think it's called feedback.  I have tried moving the amp in front and beside and behind me. Also, it sounds sometimes like I am down in a barrel- yuck! Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Carol Ratliff]

Thank you, Jeremy, for your suggestion there for a possible remedy.  I will have to continue to work on that.  The amp brand name is Epiphone, and the pick-up is a built in one by an instrument maker, (who does excellent quality work, based on the fact that I have had another psaltery by this maker for 12 years that has done great).  I really think an amp with more wattage and a well known brand is going to do the trick, because I am trying other amps and they seem better, somewhat, while I am in the shop anyway.  However, the real test is when I get with other musicians who have electrical type instruments.

[Carol Ratliff]

Hi Jeremy.  Thank you for that helpful info, that is good to know . 

-Carol Ratliff

[Ivan Bradley]

Carol, don't know if you've already done it, but if you put "amplifier" in the search box in the upper right corner, you'll find several threads discussing various aspects of electronic sound production as it relates to the bowed psaltery.  As I remember, there was quite a bit of good information in those.

[Carol Ratliff]

Hi Ivan,

Actually, I had not thought to do the "amplifier" search, so I am glad you suggested it.

Since doing the search, I found it quite interesting and helpful.  Sounds like the Roland AC 60 may be just what I need! Now starts the bargain price search.

Thanks so much,

Carol

 

[Tim Smith]

Hi Carol!  Did you get a new amp yet or otherwise solve the problem?

[Carol Ratliff]

Hi Tim , Thanks for asking- no, I haven't got a new amp yet, nor is the problem resolved.  Someone mentioned that Epiphone  brand does take time to warm up, and I have found that to be true, and somewhat helpful.  I still sound like I am down in a barrel and it gives a lot of feedback if I try to get high volume on it.

I am hoping to find a good deal on an Roland AC soon.  Perhaps the AC 50 might be overkill for me, but expecting the 40 to be about right.  Would like to try it out before I buy online, but don't know of a music store around here that has one to try. A local shop has a Roland amp, but it is for electric, and I am looking for AC because I understand those to have a more natural and true sound and an anti feedback feature.