Problem moving on the Harp while cupping a mic.
David I’m struggling playing with a microphone. I watched the video where you showed Ryan Walker how to use the mic and get good cupping. I think I’m getting a good seal. My problem is to get that seal I feel I am holding the harp too tight and my hands are too tight against my face and this prevents me from being able to move around on the harmonica past a few holes.
I have short stubby fingers, so that may be my problem, but I can’t help but feel that, like everything else learning the harmonica, it's only hard until you know the trick and have trained the mind.
Any advice that reveals the magic of playing while cupping a mic would be appreciated.
As a side note, in case it gives someone else an idea, I 3d printed a microphone and weighted it so it matches my mic. I carry the 3d printed mic with me daily so I can practice holding the mic while learning Gary’s Blues before I go in to work, while sitting at a red light, or just whenever I have 2 or 3 minutes. Seems to be working to get me through some of the awkwardness of holding a mic.
Thank you,
Brian in Tennessee
Thanks David. I'm using the Operadio 1010-A amp I got from you. I think the amp sounds good and I'm getting the sound I believe I should. Just finding it difficult to move around on the harp. I will go back and look again at that course you suggested. I forgot it covered holding the mic. Like everything else I guess it just takes time.
Ah yes, the Operadio!... forgot about that. Yeah, you have a great amp, and if you're getting the sound you like, it's time to start relaxing your cup. One more tip... turn the amp up and play softer, you'll get a much more warm, bubbly sound with a relaxed cup.
Hello Brian.
This is a normal part of the microphone-holding journey. First, tight cup, then how to retain the tight cup without your hands cramping up.
"Tight" is really a descriptor for no air leakage, not that you're holding the mic with all your strength. The key is to experiment with hand position (relative height, depth, and rotation to each hand) until you can achieve a good cup without squeezing. Doing this in front of a mirror is quite helpful (to see what your hands are doing in the back as well).
I assume you also saw this lesson? https://www.bluesharmonica.com/lessons/cupping_hand_effects
A side note... if your amp is a clean amp (not much distortion and bass), you have to work harder to squeeze all the tone/bass/volume out of the amp. An amp upgrade can be helpful too. A better amp lets you relax your cup more and still achieeve a nice sound.
P.S., cool idea with the mic!