Re: [Harp-L] Levelling the Playing Field

[michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

Kre says: 11) There IS no "right" or "wrong" ... only good-sounding
and bad-sounding!!!
I say good sounding or bad sounding is subjective.  If you like it,
it's good!  If you want to stay in the band, if the bandleader likes
it, it's good!  If you want to have a fanbase, if the fans like it,
it's good!
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Mon, Jun 28, 2010 at 8:12 AM, Kre Porter <hotreeds@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> Hello Fellow Harpers!
>
>
>     I have benefited from the many, many tips and pointers posted here over the years.  I'm sure many of you have too!  I know it would've taken us a lot longer to arrive at some of the hard-won techniques and perspectives that we all use, in our individual way, to get "That Sound / Da Tone"!
> In an effort to steer the discussion in a more harmoni-centric direction, as well as to help shorten the learning-curve for those who may be new to the instrument; I would like to get a "concensus? HA!" on the TOP TEN HARP TIPS AND TRICKS!  Here's mine and I can't WAIT to see where this goes!
> _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
> 1)  BREATHE!  Don't BLOW!
>
> 2)  Learn the difference between and how to play: Chords, single notes, and bent notes before progressing to anything else!
>
> 3)  Tap your harmonica against your thigh IMMEDIATELY after playing, to knock the moisture out of it, then wipe the cover-plates off on your pants, or shirt, or whatever!
>
> 4)  Never carry a "naked" harp in your pocket, because it can crushed, or clogged with coins and/or "pocket-crud"!
>
> 5)  NEVER stand in the audience and play along with the band, Gus!  It reinforces negative stereotypes and pisses musicians off!
>
> 6)  Learn the difference between 1st and 2nd position, and get a "key-chart" to put in your harp-case!
>
> 7)  When playing through a microphone ... have the bandleader or sound-man CUT THE TREBLE AND BOOST THE MIDS AND BASS A BIT!
>
> 8)  If in doubt; watch the singer for a cue when to play!
>
> 9)  The most common and classic harp microphones are the Shure 520SL "Green Bullet" and the Astatic JT-30. There are MANY variations on these "themes".
>
> 10) Smaller, "tube" type amps are best suited for harmonica, with tube substitutions in the pre-amp stage used to control feedback, or "howling".
> __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
> 11) There IS no "right" or "wrong" ... only good-sounding and bad-sounding!!!
>
> 12)  When in doubt ... refer to RULE #11
>
>
>     Okay, while not EXHAUSTIVE ... this is the "Reader's Digest" version.  What's YOUR "Top Ten"?
> Peace, Love and "Easy Reeding"! - Kre
>
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