I’ve had good luck with the Peavy solo amp and the Crate Limo amp. They each run on batteries or AC adapter. The Peavy weighs about 12 lbs. and can run on eight D batteries. The Limo weighs about 24 lbs. and has its own built-in rechargeable battery. The latter costs more than the former but you can sometimes find a deal online. Of course, much depends on the quality of the microphone you use.

I believe the Cube can use rechargables, although we haven’t tried them.

Yes, at 24 lbs. it weighs twice what the Peavy does. But it has twice the wattage, too. In some situations the Peavy doesn’t put out enough volume to project over ambient noise. I don’t usually carry it; I put it on a little luggage cart along with my bench and music bag (which I wish I could reduce as cleverly as Barbara has!). The only time I lift it is when putting it in the car and hoisting it up on the speaker pole. I try to think of that as good exercise, but if a guy offers, I let him do it!

The Limo battery lasts for about 4 years until charge capacity drops to about 3 hours. I can get 8 hours on a new battery with relatively heavy harp use. Replacement cost $30.

If you are going to gig professionally having both the Limo and the Bose are the way to go if you are solo. If you have a helper you have more options.

Good sound systems pay for themselves quickly as they attract gigs that you normally do not do (larger, noisier) and larger charges.

We build an amplification charge into our quotes. We actually have 7 different amplification systems that we use ranging from small outdoor gigs, large outdoor gigs, small medium and large indoor background, DJ at the reception and large multi-player concert hall.

There truly is not one size fits all in the amplification of harps but the Bose comes closer than most.

Stephen

http://www.westcoastharps.com

The Cube weighs 11 1/2 pounds, so pretty light, but we found it fits into a carry-on bag with wheels so it’s easy to cart around.