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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
BGT: Thanks to Oxharp
BGT: Thanks to Oxharp
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MindTheGap
270 posts
Feb 16, 2014
1:54 PM
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I want to say thanks to Oxharp for inviting me over for a morning talking/playing harp together with a friend he has been helping along. Oxharp is a Czar of Chicago style and got that highly-prized, deep-cupped, powerful tone.
I got the chance to play with some of his quality mics and amps. This was an object lesson in what I have read many times on this forum: that technique, in its various elements, is the dominant factor. I've not used a bullet mic before, and while I got some half-decent sounds (well I liked them!), I would have to do a lot of work on cupping/sealing in particular to get the proper sound from them like they did. I can't help thinking the simple thought that having big hands must be a big help, but I'm sure there are counter-examples. I did find it physically quite awkward compared to a stick mic. Oxharp and his friend got great sounds from my Akai DM-13, which confirms what I had concluded anyway - I don't need another mic right now, I just need more practice on acoustic tone and mic technique! I got on alot better with his Ultimate 545, both in terms of cupping/holding and the sound. I think this would be the right mic for me when the time comes.
Oxharp's chosen style is big and brash and that seems to come naturally. I normally play quietly and precisely, but I found myself trying brash - well why not - and not really convincing myself or anyone else. Maybe it's a personality thing, have to mull that one over. I'd have to change tack to go in that direction, and definitely do different things technically.
Anyway, thanks for a pleasant morning's harpin' - I learnt a lot just by listening and carefully watching two players in action, and came away with some hard facts and much food for thought.
For those that don't know, Oxharp films/records live bands in superior quality - do check out his youtube channel.
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MTG
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Frank
3845 posts
Feb 17, 2014
5:10 AM
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Sounds like you're in good company - he'll be filming your solo concert at the Royal Hall someday :)
Last Edited by Frank on Feb 17, 2014 5:13 AM
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MindTheGap
274 posts
Feb 17, 2014
9:42 AM
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Frank - ah yes good thinking. But how did you get hold of this photo of my shed??? :-)
Now you can see why I needed that attenuator :-)
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MTG
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 17, 2014 10:01 AM
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