Re: [Harp-L] MN Opera gig--Help!

["Chris Michalek" <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Presently, never expect anybody to be able to properly mic a harmonica. 

Your best bet is a Sennheiser 441 if you're to be mic'd in the pit.  A Shure SM-81 is a decent condenser that will work as well but will distort if you play up on it.  Absent of those two mics a SM-58 will work too.

You have a chance to do us proud so do it well!!  Good Luck.





>-----Original Message-----
>From: Noah Hoehn [mailto:nhoehn@xxxxxxxxxxx]
>Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 09:47 AM
>To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: [Harp-L] MN Opera gig--Help!
>
>Hello All,
>
>My name is Noah and I play in all the styles you would expect from a non OB 
>diatonic guy: Rock, Blues, Bluegrass, Country etc.  I sing and play harp in 
>this original group: http://www.viciousaloysius.com and harp and percussion 
>with this group: http://www.boydleeandjoecruz.com
>
>I'm writing because I need help.  I recently picked up a gig with the 
>Minnesota Opera.  I'll be playing in their world premier of The Grapes of 
>Wrath.  I have Act I already and it looks like the best strategy is going to 
>be switching diatonics and chromatic harps to suit each passage.  I'm having 
>a problem with getting as much projection out of my chromatic as I am with 
>the diatonics.  I'm using a super chromonica 270.  I have no doubt that it 
>could be my technique as I do not play much chromatic.  Any tips would be 
>great.
>
>I also have a few questions about gear...  I hope to hear from anyone that 
>has played in an orchestra pit before...  Should I expect them to mic me 
>properly or should I bring my own gear?  If so, what do you suggest for a 
>mic, mic/preamp, mic/amp option?  I'm sure they have fantastic condensers 
>and that is part of the reason I want my projection to be consistent between 
>harps...
>
>If there are any other suggestions for what to expect or perpare for I'd 
>love to hear them!  I've only had experience as a soloist in these settings 
>so I'm not sure how to approach this role.  The composer did suggest that 
>many of my parts are exposed and that's a smart sign of how to use the 
>instrument in my opinion.
>
>BTW I'm under contract for Bonfiglio's price...
>
>Ha Ha -- I wish.
>
>Noah
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
>Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
>http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l
>