This is something I used to try when I first got a low tuned harmonica, though I never recorded it: attempting to mimic the sound of a didgeridoo.
I've always felt the sound had great therapeutic value, and I liked the idea that you might be able to get something similar from an instrument as small as the harmonica.
Here's a quick test using my Seydel 1847 LLE and a long tin can as a resonator. The recording doesn't really do justice to the tone, but it gives a fair idea of what the sound is like. Incidentally, there are no digital effects added to the audio.
I can't listen to the audio this very second, but .....
This is interesting. I have a didge i used to play. That's where i first learned of circular breathing. I still can't really do it, but ... that's another story.
I can wait to listen to this. It's a pretty cool idea.
Edit: ok had a chance to listen. Pretty close. I know you said it was your first shot.
Regardless of if you actually get it or not its a cool idea.
But it's missing that certain sound. I'm not sure how to describe it. There is a certain resonant overtone. SuperBee will probably know what i mean, he's an aussie, lol.
I think you may actually have better luck by keeping the cup sealed as best you can and cutting out the bottom. User something longer if you can. A tennis ball can (if they still make those).
Great idea. I love it.
And nice harp, i want one. ----------
Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on Apr 23, 2016 7:51 AM
So far, my circular breathing is only semi circular! :)
I see what you're saying Killa. I watched a few didgeridoo videos and it would need some practice with throat and tongue articulation to get those exact tones (not that I'm necessarily aiming for that).
I'll also experiment with different resonators, though I don't want it to get to the point that I'm practically playing a harmonica through a didgeridoo! Though having said that..... ;)
Right. I suppose if you really wanted to get the dig sound you should just buy one. Lol. But also the didge can't change pitch. Not really. So if you did make a resinator in the shape of a didge, but just left the mouth piece straight (A.k.a. a tube ... lol) you would then essentially have a didge that could change notes. That's Pretty interesting.
Now that you brought up playing thru a real didge im going to have to try that. Lol. Just for kicks. But i think that a long tube resinator could be a really cool idea.
Circular breathing is tough. I can do it on occasion when I'm not paying attention. Bit as soon as i try, it feels a bit like rubbing your head and patting your stomach, while chewing gum and walking backwards. Brain gets all confused. Lol.
But this is a cool idea man im really hype to try it. Wish i had a Low Low Harp. Ill try it with my Low C, but i may not get the best of results. ----------
Hey Harmlessonic! You are getting a GREAT didj sound there! Here's a video I made back in 2010 about this same technique (although I don't use a resonator like you've got):
I assume you are using overtones too, yes?
Cool stuff!
EDIT: Here's a tune I made with that technique:
Haven't messed with doing this much since then... ----------
thanks isaacullah. I actually watched your videos quite recently, when I searched for other attempts at this. Yours didn't get a high ranking because of the spelling 'dijeridoo'!
Shame you didn't explore this further, you clearly have the skills for it.
I have to be honest and reiterate that I'm just starting out and experimenting right now. Not even sure what overtones are to be honest! Thee first part of my video is mostly throat movements, the second mostly tongue articulation.
I shall definitely research more of these techniques and see what else I can do.
Yeah, looks like I did indeed spell it "Dijeridoo" instead of "Didgeridoo"! Dang it! :)
By "Overtones" I mean that technique of singing a note in the back of your throat while playing a tone on the harmonica that the sung note harmonizes with. If you get it right, the two notes resonate with each other, and pull out a totally new timbre to the combined sound.
Try replicating the technique you use to get this tone, but without a harmonica. Are you "humming" a little bit? That would be the overtone you are applying. I suppose that it's totally possible that you are getting this kind of sound some other way, but my bet is that you are making an overtone of some kind!
EDIT: I suppose it's possible that that can you are using is causing some sort of resonant feedback that is also triggering the change in timbre. Or perhaps it's amplifying whatever subtle throat technique you are doing. Hmmm... ----------
Well if you correct that typo, I'll be sure and use the overly elaborate pun 'did-ya-redo it?' :)
I think the way you describe it, I was using overtones, albeit unaware of the term. As with trying to learn bending, I went through a whole sweep of tongue/throat movements, paying attention to the sound as I did so.
I watched your first video again, and am starting to appreciate the tips more (especially the ones you give around the time the cat walks past the doorway).
Cool! Glad to hear that my old vid there was helpful. Yeah, it makes sense that you are also using overtones... This is definitely a cool technique to have, and certainly an uncommon one. I never did find the right musical context to really get full use out of it, but, I can definitely envision that it could be used in a cool way in something! ----------
