jbone
1663 posts
Jun 21, 2014
9:16 PM
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Rockin' Ron's has a cool and simple looking holder that clips right on a ball mic, like a sm58.
Wondering if anyone here has tried one? We'd like a review!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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jpmcbride
62 posts
Jun 21, 2014
10:12 PM
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I've tried the HarpLock. But a disclaimer is in order. I'm friends with the guy that designed it (Gary Applegate) and I sell them through my Bottle 'O Blues website.
You unscrew the ball off an SM58, place the HarpLock on the mic, then replace the ball. It uses magnets to hold your harmonica in place in a position where it will be picked up by the mic, but it is not blocking vocals.
The thing is built well, very sturdy, and the magnets hold much better than you would think. The harmonica will not move around. Two things to be aware of ...
(1) It only works with an SM58. It will fit some, but not all other mics. But only SM58 is guaranteed.
(2) You need a sturdy mic stand or else you will be pushing it all over the place when playing. A good tripod stand works well.
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Jim McBride
www.bottleoblues.com
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jbone
1664 posts
Jun 22, 2014
7:45 AM
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Jim,
Thanks for an informative reply! Prolly I'll be looking to get one in a week or two.
Since Jolene is beginning to play a bit of harp she likes the idea of playing guitar, swapping a lick or two with me, and still having the option to sing.
Ultimately- when I get off my butt and do some work at it- I'll be doing a bit of lap slide guitar and we may both play guitar and harp and sing. the ultimate duo at least on a song or two!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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GMaj7
448 posts
Jun 22, 2014
9:24 AM
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One thing to note and this is not absolute but the magnetic harp holders work best on harps with chrome covers. Also, I have a few problems with mine on Seydel stainless steel harps. The 1847 covers seem to offer enough clearance so the magnet doesn't interfere with the reeds but I have experienced a few instances where it was a problem. Just like any other innovative design, a lot of problems are solved but a few creep up. Personally I think Gary Applegate should be commended for the idea and evidently the market thinks so, too. He's sold a bunch.
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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Frank
4612 posts
Jun 22, 2014
11:23 AM
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Nate why didn't you think of this ?
Fame is just an invention away...
at least 15 min :)
Slick + simple
= $
Last Edited by Frank on Jun 22, 2014 11:27 AM
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nacoran
7821 posts
Jun 22, 2014
12:13 PM
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Frank, it was already out before I started really playing with magnets. I did once ask a respected customizer about magnets and steel reeds (not having any steel reed harmonicas at the time) and get the only wrong answer I've ever heard from him- that they wouldn't effect the notes- only to see the guys at Turboharp come up with the magnetic Turboslide.
I've contemplated buying one of these HarpLocks to see if it is compatible with my magnetic covers. It looks like the magnet they are using would yank my poor covers off.
Invention is 1% Inspiration (I'm pretty good at that part) and 99% perspiration (Edison?). If it was closer to 50-50 I'd be rich by now. That's okay though. I'm one of those guys who can be happy for a week just eating a nice ice cream cone or playing some harp with some friends; fame and fortune might ruin me. :)
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Nate
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First Post- May 8, 2009
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Frank
4615 posts
Jun 22, 2014
12:24 PM
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ME too - Way to lazy for my own good...Iv'e found every time I have had a great idea - someone else much more talented then I is actually doing the footwork to get it to Market :(
Last Edited by Frank on Jun 22, 2014 12:26 PM
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KingoBad
1485 posts
Jun 22, 2014
2:51 PM
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I have one. I like the whole idea of it, as I wanted more freedom on stage, and this would have been a great solution.
However, you do need to modify your playing, and can't "lean" into your harp as much. Warbles tend to get a little interesting, as you almost have to lead them. I bought the stand he suggested, and even with a sweet stand like that, it will still move around on you.
I am still sticking with the flex rack a while longer as I can count on it, but will keep giving this a chance, as it would be a great solution if I can get it to do what I need.
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Danny
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WinslowYerxa
632 posts
Jun 22, 2014
3:11 PM
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Here are a couple of videos by singer Catriona Sturton, who plays harp very well but sparsely, and uses a harp lock to sing through the vocal mic while she plays guitar. She's a sometime student of Jason Ricci and teaches harmonica in Ottawa, Ontario in addition to gigging.
Heavy Weather (inspired by Deak Harp):
Johnny Sansone's Leavin'
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
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KingoBad
1487 posts
Jun 22, 2014
7:08 PM
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Cat rocks...
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Danny
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catochan
40 posts
Jun 24, 2014
9:18 PM
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Thanks Winslow and Danny. I'm a big fan of the Harp Lock, but I find you have to practice with it a good amount to get a feel for it, and the mic stand you use it with. There are some things you can use the momentum of the mic stand to help you with (like trills). It works best with the mic stand on a flat surface, so I bring a board with me to shows in case the stage has a carpet. The good thing is that you can step away from it. I generally have a separate vocal mic, and run the harp lock through some pedals (didn't for these videos though). It does limit you to the type of microphone that you use.
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WinslowYerxa
638 posts
Jun 27, 2014
12:33 PM
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Catriona says she's now working on a design for a neck rack with built-in mic for situations where she can't use the magnetic holder. Don't know the details.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
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nacoran
7843 posts
Jun 27, 2014
12:42 PM
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We ought to have a harp holder round up. There are several different models out there that are quite different than the typical rack. It would be nice to get the reviews on them all in one place.
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Nate
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First Post- May 8, 2009
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rosco1
46 posts
Jun 29, 2014
10:01 AM
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Harp Lock is awesome...for players who can use a very light touch. I have one and would love to use it, but I need a Harp Lock mic stand! I can not, and don't want to, get used to playing with so little back pressure form the harp. My embouchure envelopes the harp and pushes the harp and stand away from me in a way that makes it hard for ME to use - your mileage may vary, and it is a way cool idea.
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