Re: [Harp-L] Irish Tunes in Relative Minor.

["Rick Dempster" <rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

No argument with me on that Joel. I've never got around to doing anything about it (mainly because I'm usually playing through a PA or amp) but I have tried playing through an old radio/phonograph horn. It definitely seemed 'louder' (though this might not technically be correct) There is that famous shot of DeFord Bailey holding his megaphone which he apparently used on the 'Grand ol' Opry' (no PAs back in the early days I wouldn't think) and this would certainly help in an acoustic jam. Certainly be a conversation piece! Hold Rick Epping's recent comments on why (with the exception of US and a couple of other places) there are few archival recodings of 'ethnic' harmonica players; because by the time of commercial recordings, the diatonic accordion had taken the ground from the harp largely because of it's greater volume.Holding and manipulating the harp/horn might prove tricky, and you'd have to redevelop your cupping/muting technique. One final thought: the XB40 is a fair bit louder than the standard diatonic (and so's the price, of course)
RD
>>> "Joel Thomas" <theloveboxquartet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 14/07/2008 21:54 >>>
Hi All,

I'm beginning to see why people are leaving this list.......

To Elizabeth and Winslow, I wasn't trying to critisise Winslow, but to
maintain that being able to be heard for a matter of a second or so, in
a theatre, in front of a fairly quiet group is NOT holding your own
acoustically.
If you did the same thing, but outside in the open air, with no
amplification, I would agree and it would be an impressive thing to
hear. I think you are trying to drive home the wrong point. Can't you
accept that it is difficult for the harmonica to be heard over many
other instruments? This would be much better information for budding
acoustic players......see Steve Shaw's follow up post where he has taken
some time to reflect on the question and all that he says is useful. You
see, what does Winslow prove with his point? I can do exactly what he
did in that theatre, anyone with a reasonably adjusted harp could, but
that doesn't help me being heard acoustically on the street or in a
raucous session. 

But playing on the high octave would obviously help....a bit....see my
old postings for the Vitual Hole Technique.

See, Elizabeth, I'm not confused, just frustrated at the pedancy of some
Harp-l members. Perhaps you think I'm just some inexperienced wannabee
harmonica player with cloth ears......

And Winslow, as for Steve Shaw answering my question, he clearly hasn't
as he starts his reply with "I'm not really sure what the problem is" 
I have talked to Steve a few times before and have learnt many of the
tunes he plays, he's a nice guy, easy to talk to, full of good info and
not an egomaniac. But he plays in a different style to myself. He isn't
really in a position to help me as he doesn't use chording style. I put
my initial posting up to see whether there was anyone on this list who
was trying to play in the style I am.....tongue-block, chording, vamping
folk tunes on an unaltered Richter diatonic.

So if there isn't anyone, maybe I shouldn't be on this list. If I want
to ask Steve a question, I've already got his email address.

Cheers,
Joel.
-- 
  Joel Thomas
  theloveboxquartet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 

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