My Harps & Gear
My Harmonicas
I play Hohner Harmonicas. My favorite models are the Crossover, Rocket, Rocket Amp, Special 20, and the original Golden Melody.
Custom Harmonicas
I usually make small adjustments to the reeds on all my harmonicas, but I also like to have some of them professionally customized. My set includes custom harmonicas made by Roy Harpman, Kevin Gunsett (Luthonica), Javier Zirpolo, Martin Guzman, and Victorio Montes.
Microphones
For recording, and also quite often for live performances, I use a Sennheiser MD 441-U. It has an excellent sound that works particularly well with harmonica, combining a high level of detail with the practical advantages of a dynamic microphone. On stage, it also offers very good feedback rejection, which makes it a reliable choice in different live settings. I’ve also been using a Shure Beta 57 for around 15 years. It offers excellent value for the price and adds a very interesting character to the sound of the harmonica. Its response helps keep the tone balanced without overemphasizing the mid and high frequencies.
Audio Interface
My recording interface is an Apogee Duet 3. I added it to my studio a few years ago, and it was a significant upgrade in the quality of my recordings. Besides its excellent sound, its compact size allows me to take part of my studio with me and maintain a high recording standard when I need to work while traveling.
Headphones
I use Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones, a studio classic. They provide very good isolation and keep sound leakage to a minimum, which is especially useful when recording close to the microphone.
Effect Pedals
For projects that call for a more electric sound, and in certain specific situations, I use the DigiTech Whammy and MXR Carbon Copy Delay pedals to expand the tonal possibilities of the harmonica.
Harmonica Cases
When I need to carry a larger number of harmonicas, I use my Hohner FlexCase L. Hohner sent it to me for a shoot in New York, and with room for around 18 harmonicas, it’s an ideal choice for touring and traveling.
For everyday use, or when I only need to carry a few harmonicas, I use a leather case for six instruments that was given to me by my friends at Taniguchi Gakki in Tokyo.
