BlowsMeAway Productions Microphones

Blowsmeaway Productions

BlowsMeAway Productions was set up by harmonica enthusiast and band member of Blue State, ‎Greg Heumann‎ in 2004. Greg has been putting out innovative products and services for over a decade, with a focus on the amplified harmonica.

Bulletini and Bulletini VC Microphones

The Bulletini and Bulletini VC (short for volume control) microphones are two of Greg's best selling products, and, as such are the mics we recommend for harmonica players seeking the classic overdriven blues sound from their amplified harp playing. The standard Bulletini is slightly cheaper than the VC model, as it does without the latter's volume control. Some players prefer the simplicity of this mic, and claim that the lack of a volume control circuit means that the tone is purer. However, the VC model remains the most popular, as it provides easy control of volume levels on the fly - especially important when you're on stage.

Why Use a Bullet Mic?

Blues harp players have always gravitated towards bullet shaped mics, as the shape facilitates the cupping of the mic whilst playing. However, full sized mics, like the Shure Green Bullet, tend to be extremely large, making control of the microphone difficult for players who don't have large hands. Conversely, most manufacturers' attempts to counter this difficulty through the use of smaller casings have been compromised by the small, inferior elements. The Bulletini, in contrast, is only the size of a large egg, yet the specially designed Heumann element makes no compromises when it comes to tone.

Why Do Bulletinis Use a Switchcraft 332A Connector?

Both Bulletini microphones use a vintage style, screw-one Switchcraft 332A Connector. This is mainly a consequence of the mics and most amps being use by harmonica players being high impedance, which suits the qualities of the Switchcraft connector. Inexpensive adaptors are available to connect the mic to standard 1/4 inch guitar cables, or there is the option of a Blowsmeaway cable, with the Switchcraft connector on one end and a standard 1/4 inch jack on the other.

Who uses Blowsmeaway Mics?

The list of professional harmonica players who use Bulletinis and other mics from Blowsmeaway reads like a who's who of blues, country, folk and jazz, and includes Toots Thieilemans (until his death in 2016), Charlie Musselwhite, Rick Estrin and many others. In short, they're the most widely played harmonica mics in the world when it comes to professional musicians.