Re: [Harp-L] Re:cupping.an odd effect



When a similar thread popped up a while ago i did some experimenting.This was because i am a 100% puckerer so am unable to get that cheek block thing really going.
What i did was tape up the back of the harp with a sticky paper* postage label to completely seal off the back of the harp to sort of imitate someone doing a 'proper' cupping seal i.e. no air or back pressure being lost from the cup back through the high end holes.I had my doubts as to whether or not the harp would even work.
But what amazed me was that this made no discernable difference to the 'sound' of the harmonica at all in either volume or timbre!
With all the talk about comb materials,cover apertures etc here i am with a sealed off harp at the back and it sounds as close as dammit the same.
Now i'd have to admit that compared to some on the list i have probably got cloth ears but shouldn't something so radically counter intuitive be blaring noticeable?
So is this the 'poor mans 'way of achieving a good cup(it after all does prevent any back pressure leakage) or am i on a different planet.
* in case paper was too porous i got the same effect when i used that rubbery stretch duct tape, now that is airtight.



Rick on Mars

----- Original Message ----- From: "Greg Heumann" <greg@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 07:41
Subject: [Harp-L] Re:cupping



ABSOLUTELY! It depends on the shape of your face, the size of your hands, lots of variables. Focus on the GOAL which is the seal. When I was learning nobody told me that "a good tight cup" meant sealing the front. Now the secret is out!


/Greg


http://www.blowsmeaway.com
http://www.bluestateband.net



From: icemanle@xxxxxxx
Date: May 19, 2009 12:18:48 PM PDT
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Cupping
With so many experts out there, it is easy to fall into the "there is only one correct way to do it" syndrome.


Basically, the idea is to seal the top end of the harmonica - everyone agrees that this promotes fatter amplified tone.

How you achieve it is full of variables - whatever works for you is great. For instance, my thumb is on the end of the harmonica, so the harmonica is often times what is pushed against my cheek, not the thumb and the space between thumb and wrist.



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