[Harp-L] SEALS AROUND THE MIC

["geoff atkins" <geoffatkins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi All

When I was studying the effect of covers on the harp's sound,
I completely sealed a harp cover using Nitto tape, and it still played. 
(I was using G lowest hole)
Then I taped up the blow holes on all other notes as well.
Even blown by mouth it gave no sound, there was no airflow past the reed.

No matter how good all the seals are, there needs to be some leakage,
(perhaps through the mic itself, or back through the higher end openings of
the cover) or it won't be possible to blow air in and make the reeds
vibrate.

Playing with a Green Bullet and Hohner Blues Harps, I find that the sound
achieved gets fatter as the distance between the grille and harp increases
(creating a resonance chamber with the palm surfaces), as long as the seal
is effective. 
When gaps appear, the sound goes thin again.
However the mic was very precariously held between the heels of the palm and
the pinkies, so I only try to achieve the chamber when the GB is in its
holster.


Best Regards 
Geoff Atkins