Re: [Harp-L] First Time Performing Amplified

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Usually an open mic will have one or two vocal mics set up for singing. They'll probably put one mic on the guitar (unless your partner has a way to plug the guitar directly into the PA systems), and have two mics for vocals.

Just use one of the vocal mics for harmonica, and play into it from two to six inches away. 

If you have the opportunity to do a sound check for the sound tech to get the levels right, you might ask him to roll off the highs a little. This help keep the harp from sounding too shrill.

(The spellcheck on this computer keeps changing "mics" to "mice."
 
Winslow Yerxa
President, SPAH, the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica
Producer, the Spring 2014 Harmonica Collective
Author, Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
            Harmonica Basics For Dummies, ASIN B005KIYPFS
            Blues Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-1-1182-5269-7
Resident Expert, bluesharmonica.com
Instructor, Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance


________________________________
 From: j r <jr_parker_jr@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 3:39 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] First Time Performing Amplified
 

I will be playing harmonica at an open mic night with my bandmate (guitar/vocals.)  I contacted the venue and they don't seem to know much about setting up for harmonicas.  My biggest concern is that the audience can hear me play.  I assume when I get there the sound guy will know what's what, but what do I need to bring with me to make sure it runs smoothly?   Should I get my own harmonica mic?  Anything else?  This is our first performance and I don't want it to fall apart before it starts.  Thanks for any advice.

(This is my first time posting here, so I'll introduce myself.  Born and raised Minnesota, 2/12 years playing harmonica by myself and in jam sessions.  Still trying to figure out my own style.)

-JR