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

[philharpn@xxxxxxx]

I love the resonant sound that George gets from his bass harp. It sound almost as good as a standup bass (double bass) because his tone, attack and resonance and gradual decay mimics an acoustic bass.  I think I first noticed this fantastic tone at Buckeye. If you haven't heard George's bass performance, it's like the difference between someone who plays with vibrato and someone who doesn't. I've heard a lot of bass players over the last 20-plus years at SPAH conventions but I've never heard anyone who could match the overall sound of George.


Phil Lloyd


His other techniques on the bass only add to this arsenal. (see below)






-----Original Message-----
From: George Miklas <harmonicat@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Deb Wind <debseifriedwind@xxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Harp List <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sat, Jan 28, 2012 9:19 am
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Grace Notes and the Double Bass Harmonicas


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
>