Re: [Harp-L] Tone-Generator for Practice of Bending

[philharpn@xxxxxxx]

And never forget, for those with iPods, iPads etc -- you can download an app is melodica which shows a keyboard. Press the Db/D# and match the tone for an accurate bend on draw 1 on the C harp. No bends between E and F 9 draw 5 unless you want to count that squeak that may or may not be a quarter tone. 


The draw bends show up in the notes between the blow and draw notes on the harmonica/keyboard. 


If you have $50, buy a Casio keyboard and match the notes. With the iPod and iPad-- and others -- just go to the app store and buy an app for a couple of bucks.


The advantage of a program like 99 cents melodika (sic) is that you can SEE the keyboard note you are pressing. Same with an electric keyboard that has the advantage over a piano of indefinite sustain.


The melodika shows only an octave C-C# but pressing the arrow key moves it up or down an octave.


<https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/melodika/id437035836?mt=8>


As Neil points out, you can let the sound "hang in the air" or let it sound until you match the pitch.






Hope this helps,
Phil


 



-----Original Message-----
From: Harmonicology [Neil Ashby] <harmonicology@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Mon, Jul 7, 2014 9:44 am
Subject: [Harp-L] Tone-Generator for Practice of Bending


Three years ago the following comment by "The Iceman" [5/20/11] was posted on 
Harp-L which comment states the advantages associated with using of the 
Tone-Generator as compared to (for example) Bendometer:
 
"If one [sic] needs to use an external source to help with this concept, I've 
experienced great success by having the pitch desired created by a tone 
generator (some tuners have this built in, a synth, organ or keyboard works 
well). Let the pitch or tone hang in the air and then play the harmonica and 
match your bend to it. It is fun to fine tune the technique and feel the 
sensation when it matches the generated tone - after a dissonant sound and 
pulsing waves that slow as you approach the correct pitch, it flatlines when you 
nail it. Lots of fun to do with the eyes closed. Nice tactile sensation that 
helps reinforce with positive feelings the proper technique and placement of the 
note you create."

Here are a couple of _current_ links for the software for OS-X and (yuck) 
Windows:

For OS-X -> " http://www.nch.com.au/tonegen/tonegenmaci.zip ";

For Windows -> " http://www.nch.com.au/action/tnsetup.exe ".

/Neil (" http://thebuskingproject.com/busker/2025 ")