[Harp-L] music

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

On the topic of not playing a harmonica like a harmonica,  when I use  
effects, it causes me to alter my style of play.  Recently, I  
acquired a RotoSim and then a Micro POG.

Using the RotoSim to get a leslie/organ like sound, I find myself  
playing chords and comping in a completely different manner than if i  
were not using the rotary effect.  I comp on material i would  
normally lay out on completely and it works well.

Using the Micro POG either by itself or in conjunction with the  
RotoSim produces such a powerfully different sound that it's like  
playing an entirely different instrument.  i play lines and parts i  
would not otherwise play. I play with much different ideas, note  
selection and phrasing than i ordinarily use.

Both pedals are very harmonica friendly and the best part is that  
they can be cut in or out with no change in gain or volume level.   
This allows me to play straight with no loss of intensity, so i can  
still use mic and breath technique for other effects like i used to  
do before i got the pedals. And I can get pretty cool sounds that way  
too, with no effects (except a little slap back delay I leave on all  
the time since the amp doesn't have reverb). I use the pedals with  
discretion, and only when their sound or combination of sounds fits  
the music.

But my point is that when i use the electronic effects, I change the  
way I play to take advantage of the different sounds the pedals  
create.  The other musicians i play with have commented favorably on  
how I alter what I play to take advantage of the sounds produced by  
the pedals instead of just using the pedals to color my usual  
playing.  It may not be the best way to go about playing straight  
ahead Chicago blues, but i usually don't use the pedals for that.

I haven't used any effects except reverb or delay for quite a few  
years.  i decided to get these pedals without being sure the  
bandleaders would let me use them. But they find them interesting and  
give me creative license to use them how and when i want to. (I got  
the RotoSim first, and after that went over well I got the Micro  
POG.) It's been very stimulating for me to use these pedals. Gets me  
playing different stuff. Don't plan to get any other pedals. But I'm  
having a lot of fun with these. I get inspired to come up with new  
musical ideas when i use them and I can play different sounds that I  
hear in my head. But I don't use them to make what i play sound  
different.  When i use them i actually play differently. 9 volt  
inspiration.

JP