From: Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx, dawgawntired@xxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: Chrometta Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2004 08:28:55 -0400
"Chris Hammond" wrote: "... I play CX-12's and a 280... Anybody have any suggestions regarding the jaw pain thing?"
The CX-12 has a big, loud sound, and it's a great chromatic when you want the chromatic to punch like a diatonic, but that mouthpiece is fat, and it takes some getting used to.
I recommend that you focus on relaxing your mouth when playing the CX-12. Be sensitive to the muscles, and when you feel them tightening up, relax them. Over time, you'll find that you can play for extended periods without strain. Don't try to force a big, fat sound into existence with your lip and mouth muscles; think big and fat -- meaning hear the tone you want in your head -- adjust your mouth as you go along (always staying relaxed), and the sound will follow.
Whether the CX-12 sounds just like George Smith is another question. As I understand it, the old blues guys were pretty strong on the importance of sounding like yourself. So the most important question may not be whether the CX-12 sounds like George Smith, but whether it sounds like -- you.
This is a question to put to your muse, not a value judgement. It's always a good thing to study the artists one loves very carefully; it teaches you something about yourself as well as the other artists. I surely do think that the CX-12 is one very expressive chromatic, though. I'd be loathe to drop it just because George Smith wasn't fortunate enough to have one.
Regards, Richard Hunter http://www.hunterharp.com