[Harp-L] music



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





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