RE: [Harp-L] Teflon

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

Why on earth would anyone want a harp with teflon-coated covers?   The 
combination of pressed steel/stainless steel and reasonably-salivated lips 
would seem to be just about perfect.  Dry lips which seize on the plates was 
always a result of nerves when playing in public with me, something I was 
lucky enough to get over years ago as confidence improved.   It came back to 
haunt me somewhat when I was recording my CD - nerves again.  There's 
nothing quite like that "time is money" feeling to get your nerves going!  
The "other" problem of too-wet playing is usually caused by the fact that 
I've just drunk something other than water, particularly sweet fruity drinks 
or coke.  Beer does it to a lesser extent but I'm more than prepared to put 
up with that, especially if I'm not driving and/or the beer is free.   For 
years I had trouble adjusting to the slippery nature of Lee Oskars, so 
anything even more slippery would be anathema to me.   I can't help thinking 
that anyone lusting after teflon covers should instead be contemplating why 
they are having trouble keeping their lips moist enough.  Plenty of practice 
to quell nerves and a quick lick at natural phrasing points in the tune are 
the way to go, the latter being something that needs practice in itself.


http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/trad_irish_harmonica
HEAR my CD clips: http://www.gjk2.com/steveshaw/cd.htm

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