[Harp-L] contact pickup for racked harmonica?

[Vern]

I applaud the video on the $5 mic as much for the type of creative thinking involved as for this particular design.

It is best to allow some openings for ventilation.  If it is too tightly sealed,  breath moisture can condense inside.

Electret lapel mics (<$20) work well for this type of application because they are tiny and easily incorporated into any design. Electrets are used in pickups costing hundreds of dollars.
If you order one, make sure it includes a battery for powering the electret.  See:
https://www.amazon.com/Vidpro-Lavalier-Condenser-Microphone-Camcorders/dp/B00PQYMFU8/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479846667&sr=sr-1&keywords=vidpro+lavalier+mic <https://www.amazon.com/Vidpro-Lavalier-Condenser-Microphone-Camcorders/dp/B00PQYMFU8/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479846667&sr=sr-1&keywords=vidpro+lavalier+mic>

Neil Adler introduced me to an extremely useful material, Worbla plastic sheet.  
https://www.amazon.com/Worblas-39-37x29-52-Cosplay-Thermoplastic-Material/dp/B00C1CZE0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479846122&sr=8-1&keywords=worbla <https://www.amazon.com/Worblas-39-37x29-52-Cosplay-Thermoplastic-Material/dp/B00C1CZE0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479846122&sr=8-1&keywords=worbla>
 I used it to make a mike enclosure for my Hands-Free-Chromatic rack.  You warm it up with a heat gun and form it into almost any desired shape.

If you are not handy with tools, a Strnad or Tsunami (which looks like the same thing) for <$100 would probably work for you.
https://goldharps.com/audio/microphones/tsunami-diatonic-harmonica-microphone.html <https://goldharps.com/audio/microphones/tsunami-diatonic-harmonica-microphone.html>

Vern

 
> On Nov 22, 2016, at 10:17 AM, Harping On via Harp-L <harp-l at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> Hi Hannes
> 
> I've played around a little with the cheap contact mics. This is the type I bought on Amazon
> 
> https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Guitar-Contact-Pickup-Sensor/dp/B0077DDS5W
> 
> Here is a simple short sample of my  finger picked nylon guitar with the clipon on harmonica on the rack. 
> 
> https://app.box.com/s/6zbp5rgrzhtj7fgvcaf9ffd06pxuf00i
> 
> I was using it hand held initially attaching the clipon directly to the back edge of the top and bottom cover plates
> so as to keep it away from contact with my lips. It was a bit sensitive to hand movement but once you gripped 
> the harp firmly it was ok. Here are some sound clips.
> 
> I turned the treble down on my small solid state 5w guitar amp as the sound is a bit too edgy otherwise.
> 
> Here is a sample first played cupped then uncupped.
> 
> https://app.box.com/s/o90g5zxa56t07nuj5y1m5ojtoq60wa6w
> 
> I also considered trying to get a cupped rack sound by attaching a piece of waste pipe plastic tubing to the rear 
> of the harp with a contact mic taped in place inside the tube. Here is a video by Isaac Cullah where this method 
> is demonstrated.
> 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt-emjO5iv0
> 
> Hope this helps
> 
> 
> Grey Owl You tube:- https://www.youtube.com/c/greyowlharmonica
> 
> 
> 
> 
>