Re: [Harp-L] Re: Mic Holding

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi John,

by a "full enclosure" I mean being able to enclose the harp so  
completely that almost no sound whatsoever can escape. You play and  
someone standing next to you can't hear it. When you then open your  
"cup" the wahs and tone are killer. Without hearing you play, I can't  
judge what you personally mean by a "good seal", but to the best of  
my belief it's not possible to create the effect described above with  
a pucker. I certainly can't, though I pucker at least 50% of the time  
myself, but there are some things I simply can't do with that  
embouchure (and the other way around too),

all the best

Steve

On 19.05.2009, at 22:14, MundHarp@xxxxxxx wrote:

> In a message dated 19/05/2009 01:08:26 GMT Daylight Time,  
> steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
> <<the choice of embouchure is absolutely decisive in
> getting a full enclosure against your cheek. This can only really
> work when playing with a tongue block, because if you hold and block
> left, the harp is automatically angled to the right and can therefore
> be laid against your right cheek with ease without breaking the seal
> with the lips. If you pucker you can't do it,>>
>
> Dear Steve,
> I mostly agree with ALL you say about the harmonica, but on this, I  
> disagree.
> For many years, I only used a "pucker" embouchure when playing  
> blues. Now I use both "pucker" and "tongue block".
> Perhaps my mouth shape is "weird".... But I've never had a problem  
> getting a good seal with either embouchure, and yes, I do use my  
> right cheek as part of the "seal".
> Interesting point though.
> I guess most every harp player has different mouth face and hand  
> characteristics.
> Best wishes
> John "Whiteboy" Walden
> London
> England

Steve Baker
steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.stevebaker.de
www.bluesculture.com
www.youtube.com/stevebakerbluesharp
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