[Harp-L] Tongue Block Police

[Dan <billybudd1313@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dear List,
   
  I stayed clear of the computer for a few days, and it turns out Harp-L was on fire with topics I like.
   
  I played pucker exclusively until I learned about octaves.  It was years later that learned to play everything tongue blocked.  There were then a few cycles of re-learning pucker, and back to TB that lead me to my current emboucher(s). 
   
   I TB most of my playing, but work on being able to switch to pucker without major tone differences.  I like the fatness of TB which some call mythical.  I also like the smooth, easy speed, and percussive attacks available with pucker.  My tongue curls, but I do not U-Block.  Oh, and when playing sans hands, I  TB.
   
  I've seen elements of the TB Police.  I've also seen raging debate on both sides of the coin. I used to choose sides, but now, I'm middle of the road.
   
  To me, the bottom line of TONE is the end result.  What does it sound like outside of your head?  If you record yourself, does it sound big, full, and rich, or do you have tinny, squeely bends and weak vibrato that pinches your sound?  Whichever techniques you use, I say practice consciensously with a sharp ear for your tone.  
   
  It's so easy to just play a bunch of notes.  It can be a drag to play long tones, or work on bent vibrato for long periods of time.  It pays off, though.  
   
  Assuming I can find a spare minute, maybe I can make a youtube video swicthing TB to pucker...  I'll let you know if I get that together.  
   
  Dan G.
   
  www.edbluepills.com
  www.jdbone.com