Re: [Harp-L] Playing but not hearing

[William Lifford <william.lifford@xxxxxxxxx>]

I agree about the earplug trick.  Using one foam earplug works really
well.   You can hear what's going on musically just as well,  with the
bonus of hearing the harmonica acoustically through your head... maybe it
has more to do with sensing the vibrations than actually hearing.  Works
just as well for loud electric bands as it does for acoustic settings like
those bluegrass or Irish trad sessions.   Not that I'm good enough at that
style to play in one :)

William Lifford, CP
Progressive O&P, Inc.
1111 Willis Ave, Albertson, NY
516-459-5857  (mobile)
516-338-8585  (work)
516-338-7575 (work fax)
On Apr 3, 2014 12:33 PM, "Jerry Deall" <jdeall@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I've also put in one foam earplug. Doesn't look quite as funny though, as
> a harp player should.
>
>
>
> Thanks Jerry,
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Aongus MacCana" <amaccana@xxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Harp-L List" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2014 2:05:57 AM
> Subject: [Harp-L] Playing but not hearing
>
> This is a phenomenon quite familiar to harp players in Irish Trad sessions
> especially when the other participants are armed with Banjos or a Paolo
> Soprani Box.
>
> I am surprised that no one has suggested the low (no) cost option which
> Rick
> Epping told us about at Willie Clancy a few years back. Just put a finger
> in
> one of your ears. This works a treat. No need for hearing aids or other
> gizmos. By the way if you produced a mike and amp at a trad session you
> would be "black balled" or ostracised.
>
> I am sometimes a bit nervous using the finger in the ear trick in case my
> neighbouring musician might think I am making a statement about his playing
> and thump me.
>
> Beannachtai
>
> Aongus Mac Cana
>
>