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
www.myspace.com/stevebakerbluesharp
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