Re: [Harp-L] Grace Notes and the Double Bass Harmonicas

[George Miklas <harmonicat@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Deb,

Yes grace notes, along with other musical nuances including trills, are
attainable on the Double Bass Harmonica.

Some players experience a delay if they use their diaphragm, throat, or
cheeks to articulate the notes.  However, I articulate the double bass with
my tongue (like a brass or ww player) and do not experience such a delay.
Tongue articulation also allows "multiple tonguing" to articulate the
sixteenth notes which precede select downbeats in the William Tell
Overture.  A sideways tongue movement faciliates fast baroque trills with
the adjacent hole, without the awkwardness of shaking the bass.

George




On Sat, Jan 28, 2012 at 8:53 AM, Deb Wind <debseifriedwind@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Can grace notes be successfully accomplished on Double Bass Harmonicas
> (such as the Suzuki SDB-39 or the Hohner 268/78)?
>
> I don't own one yet (the SDB-39 is on my "Saving For" list, along with an
> SCH-48) so I have to ask someone who does own and play one.  It's my
> understanding that because the reeds are so long on a Double Bass harp,
> there is or may be an ever so slight "delay" between the time the breath
> hits the reeds and the reed(s) actually sounds. I don't know if this
> "delay" would hinder the playing of grace notes on the instrument or not.
> So, I'm asking! Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you in advance,
>
> Deb  Wind
> EarthDogHarpin
>