Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 14:18:16 -0500 From: John Anagnostopoulos Subject: beginnings and musings
The harmonica has always been a nemesis of mine. It actually was the first instrument I ever had. It was a tremolo and could never get the hang of it. I was told to use the tongue block. Well, the problem was that I didn't realize that the holes were paired and trying to tongue block one of them proved to much. I moved on after a short while to other things. Only recently have I taken it up again with a Lee Oskar and have been able to blow clean single notes. Then I decided that what I really wanted was double reeds. I love their sound and feel. Also, it fits what I want.
By the way, I think that the tuner use suggestion is great! Unlike other instruments, it's hard to see where your mouth lands with no reference. I sat down this weekend to map out my tremolo and octave harmonicas (Hohner 24's in C) and found out something interesting. The 2 middle octaves are the same. But the first and last two to four differ. Now to get really weird. As I was progressing up the hole I hit hole 23 and the tuner wouldn't register it. At first I thought it may be too high, but I went to hole 24 and no problem. I switched harmonicas and the same thing happened-No registering on hole 23. Anyone else ever have that happen?
Anyway, I'm having fun and love the sound.
Too bad I can't play at work,
John
- -- John Anagnostopoulos Reference Librarian Byrne Memorial Library St. Xavier University Chicago, IL 60655 jo~xu.edu Tel: (773) 298-3357 Fax: (773) 779-5231
