Dynamics and ....
Hi David - just finished a 3 week "break" from the harp playing not much time up at my bro in law's winery where I help out each year during harvest. Yes you did enjoy the glass(es) of wine I had for you ;-)
OK now I'm back to work and as I am going through the tip of the day on dynamics, a question comes to mind. I have often heard that most harp players use excessive force when they blow and draw. You have said to let the mic/amp give you volume at a jam situation. In playing the exercises and going soft to loud, you mention 'before you damage the instrument' as to the limit of loud. How can I tell if I blow/draw too hard? Can you detect that when you listen to our submissions? You used the expression at the last (sob!!) Masterclass of "think radiating into the harp" rather than blow/draw. This to me means playing softly which take me back to the original question of dynamics and playing loudly. Am I being too fussy?
And finally, have a great time over in Europe and if you find time, in England.
Great answer in that it makes sense and I am relieved to hear that you do make note of that in submissions. The 40% mark is a good target to work at.
Thanks David
ps - new interviews with Sissi and PT are well done and insightful. Sure would like to hear your comments and reactions to the Powerbending harp you mention in the interview and to half valving as used by PT.
I think they're both very cool. Give 'em a try!
Yes, I can tell in submissions and do make note when I hear it. When paying a reed too loudly it will bend slightly in pitch, get harsh in tone and at a point will not play any louder... the reed can only swing so far. When a reed is asked to vibrate at its elastic limits it will fail (reed will fracture at the base... some times visibly and sometimes you can only tell by the fact that the reed has done down in pitch a half step or more [you could see the fracture with magnification]... in worst cases it ends up in your throat... ask John Nemeth about that one! ;-O).
My goal is to play at 40% of my full volume as my everyday volume... this way I have dynamic headroom. With this in mind... sometimes a song... or band... asks you to play at full volume and kick some ass... get to ass kickin', but just be aware that you may have a DAG harp (Dead After Gig) ;-)