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MindTheGap
2595 posts
Mar 30, 2019
5:33 AM
After a gap playing other things, I've returned to play some blues harp and I'd forgotten how much fun it is.

In the past I'd spent a lot of effort in trying to get different sounds by technique and equipment, with some success. Now I'm using a simple off-the-shelf mic, a Lone Wolf Harp Break and straight into the PA. It makes a particular range of sounds, and they work.

I favour songs that feature a strong, characteristic phrase or riff on the harp rather than generic blues-harp business or trying to play the tune of a popular song which had no harp originally. Songs where the harp is really meant to be there rather than being a loud, slightly out of tune, unwelcome guest. E.g. James Harman's Leaving for Memphis (good) rather than Hey Jude (bad). It's all a matter of taste.

Last Edited by MindTheGap on Mar 30, 2019 5:35 AM
Fil
421 posts
Mar 30, 2019
10:23 AM
Well, MTG, you have good taste.
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Phil Pennington
Spderyak
256 posts
Apr 04, 2019
4:13 AM
Interesting perspective. Not one I share, but interesting that some people think you should only play "harmonica ' songs.
Fil
422 posts
Apr 04, 2019
7:14 AM
who thinks you should play only harmonica songs?
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Phil Pennington
The Iceman
3803 posts
Apr 04, 2019
7:37 AM
"Gus" thinks you should play only harmonica songs on a harmonica.
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The Iceman
MindTheGap
2597 posts
Apr 05, 2019
2:16 AM
Spderyak - sorry for the misunderstanding. I'm not saying that people should only play "harmonica" songs. I'm saying that I should.

In that light, I better also clarify I'm also not saying that everyone should use an off-the-shelf mic and a Harp Break straight into the PA.
mr_so&so
1082 posts
Apr 13, 2019
9:01 AM
Welcome back. What other instrument(s) do you play, and do you play them together or switch it up?
tookatooka
3786 posts
Apr 13, 2019
9:07 AM
Hi Guys. Me too MTG.
nacoran
10086 posts
Apr 13, 2019
10:34 AM
Welcome back, to that same old place that you laughed about. Oh the names have all changed since you hung around...

Oh, and hi Tooka too! A friend of mine was just starting to dabble in water colors. I showed them some of your stuff!

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First Post- May 8, 2009
MindTheGap
2602 posts
Apr 14, 2019
11:31 AM
Thank you, did I laugh about it? That's possible, only in a good way hopefully.

The names may have changed, but I'm pleased to see there are still questions about mics and impedance matching which is my all-time favourite harmonica related niche topic :)

Hello also Tooka how are you? Let's not discuss the B-word.

In answer to the question, I went off to play drums and that's going OK. It's another 'lake in which an ant may bathe and an elephant drink' and I'm more on the ant side of things.

I also tried to learn the cornet/trumpet - to play the songs that don't work on harp! (see above) But after a lot of trying I couldn't get the range. Plan B I'm now trying the same thing with the trombone - where at least I can get the notes. Must be I'm a bass clef kind of person. I have even more respect for trumpet players now.

Last Edited by MindTheGap on Apr 14, 2019 11:34 AM
tookatooka
3787 posts
Apr 14, 2019
2:17 PM
Hi Nacoran and MTG. I religiously log in on a regular basis to see what's going on. Good to see some old familiar names cropping up.

I still blow but only for my own amusement and I've also had a dalliance with Soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles which I've enjoyed but it's the same old story, you can play a simple tune in five minutes but it takes a lifetime to master. Playing B flat was as frustrating as learning to overblow.

Pleased you're all OK :)


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