Re: [Harp-L] Levelling the Playing Field

[Peter & Connie Ruth <conruth@xxxxxxxxx>]

Madcat says:     Here are my additions and comments on the "Leveling  
the Playing Field" thread:

> 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"!


Madcat says:     _ALWAYS_ carry a naked harp in your pocket...  Yes,  
it will get crushed and clugged, but you will always have a harp handy  
and therefore you will get in more harp playing minutes every day.   
All your other harps should be kept in a clean dry case.

> 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!


Madcat say:     While your at it, learn third, fourth, fifth and  
twelfth positions.  Yes, have a key chart, but even better than that  
memorize the key chart.

> 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".

Madcat says:     In 46 years of playing I've NEVER used either of  
these microphones.  I don't like them...

> 10) Smaller, "tube" type amps are best suited for harmonica, with  
> tube substitutions in the pre-amp stage used to control feedback, or  
> "howling".


Madcat says:     It doesn't matter at all whether it is a tube amp or  
a solid state amp.  The only thing that matters is that the amp sounds  
good...
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

> 11) There IS no "right" or "wrong" ... only good-sounding and bad- 
> sounding!!!


Madcat says:     That's right!

> 12)  When in doubt ... refer to RULE #11


13) Madcat says;     Relax.  No part of your body needs to be tense  
when you play harmonica