DATE: Fri, 10 Dec 1993 16:03:19 CDT From: Mostly Water Subject: Seeking and offering advice on chromatic harps.
Just joined this list-- Howdy all, my name is Spence.
Playing While Driving
I play mostly chromatic. I live in Boulder CO, the point being that when I drive on the plains, the roads are pretty straight and you can see traffic coming from a long way off. I have long legs and an automatic transmission, so I usually drive with my knees and use both hands on the harp. Does anyone else do this?
Looking for Chromatic Reccomendations
I am looking for another chromatic harp. Specifically I'm interested in any reviews of: the Suzuki Leghorn, Toots Thielmans Hard Bopper,Super 64, Hwang (what is that model called anyway?), and any others you think are worthwhile.
My Experience With Super Chromonica and CX-12
I currently play a Super Chromonica in E, which has a rich brassy sound, but leaks a lot around the stop, and so is weak and slow to respond, especially at the bottom. Also I have a CX-12, which is incredibly comfortable on the lips, is air tight, easy to hold, and handsome. Unfortunately, it sounds whiney, especially at the top, like a clarinet or something. It could be my fault. Any suggestions?
An Idea About an Electric (Not Miked) Chromatic
You know those electric saxaphones that you blow in, and some little sensor reads how hard you're blowing and creates a signal that you can then send through a midi and sound like any thing you want? I hear the top-of-the-line ones sound really good (in a synthy way or course). I would like such a device based on a chromatic harp setup. That way, all of us who could have learned the notes on that instrument could gain access to the unlimited world of midi sounds, or even play silently in public, using earphones. Other advantage include no reeds to wear out, and the ability to switch keys or even tunings at the touch of a button. Of course its flow sensors would have to accomodate blowing and drawing, and be super-sensitive in order to emulate real harp dynamics. On the other hand, maybe just a simple pressure sensor would work, since drawing assumably creates a a partial vacuum, while blowing elevates pressure in the chamber over ambient air pressure. Please don't think I'm suggesting an electric harp could ever substitute for the beautiful sound of real reeds. But it might be an interesting new direction. If anyone has heard of such a device, or has ideas about how to construct one (materials, pressure sensors et c.) please send to the list, or let me know.
Thanks in advance for your responses.
______________________________________________________________________________ Spence Pearson pearso~tt.colorado.edu University of Colorado at Boulder ************************ ____________________________________________________________________________
