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

["hazcon" <hazcon@xxxxxxxxxx>]

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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