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Tip of the Day: Tension

Posted Thu, 12/15/2011 - 00:42 by David Barrett Admin

We all have areas of our body that are tense while playing. Tension leads to poor tone (when this tension is from the neck up), slower playing (tense muscles are slow muscles) and fatigue (upper back, neck and tongue). It should be a goal of yours to practice and perform as relaxed as possible (body and mind). Put a jam track CD on and play through the entire CD. You could also make a playlist of the songs you've learned so far and play through all of them in one sitting. After this long playing session make note of where you're getting fatigued... continue reading...

Tip of the Day: Gift Ideas #8 - Volume Control

Posted Wed, 12/14/2011 - 01:11 by David Barrett Admin

Greg Heumann of BlowsMeAway Productions started his company many years ago (Greg was a student of mine) borrowing my Switchcraft volume control saying, "I can make this!" Now Greg offers an entire selection of in-line volume controls, adapters, wireless systems and custom microphones. http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Joe Filisko's "18 Harmonica Insights"

Posted Tue, 12/13/2011 - 13:21 by David Barrett Admin

The final two videos are now on the site for Joe Filisko's "18 Harmonica Insights." These two are on Holding the Harmonica and Hands. As you watch these videos you'll notice Joe has a different approach to holding for acoustic harmonica players. You can use the way I show you, or the way Joe shows you... whichever feels and sounds best to you.

18 Harmonica Insights Introduction
18 Harmonica Insights, #18 - Teaching
18 Harmonica Insights, #17 - Harmonica Care
18 Harmonica Insights, #16 - Great Players
18 Harmonica Insights, #15 - Repertoire
18 Harmonica Insights, #14 - Failing continue reading...

Tip of the Day: Gift Ideas #7 - Blues Harmonica Method Level 2 BK/CD, The Tongue Block Method

Posted Tue, 12/13/2011 - 09:18 by David Barrett Admin

Blues Harmonica Method Level 2 BK/CD, The Tongue Block Method, just released. This would be on par with Level 4 bending and tongue block studies on the site.

Bending and advanced Tongue Blocking are covered along with three full-length song studies. Recording includes all harmonica parts notated in the book with accompaniment music. This book and its recording use the “C” and “A” major diatonic harmonica.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 – Bending
What Notes Can Be Bent
Bending Exercises
Two Note Combinations
Bending Example Song
Quartertone Bending continue reading...

What's New - Bassman Chronicles Submission #2

Posted Sat, 12/10/2011 - 22:55 by David Barrett Admin

Join us as we change the tubes on our 1990 Fender Bassman Reissue Amplifier to make it come alive! Videos Include: 1990 Bassman Journey; Comparing Stock 1990 Bassman & Fully Modded 1990 Bassman; Bridging Channels 1 & 2; Tube Values; Changing Tubes on 1990 Bassman, Part 1; Changing Tubes on 1990 Bassman, Part 2; Before & After Tube Changes; Comparing 1990 Bassman with Tube Changes & Fully Modded 1990 Bassman

Tip of the Day: Gift Ideas #4

Posted Sat, 12/10/2011 - 09:20 by David Barrett Admin

Protect your amp(s) with a high-quality cover...Tuki is the industry standard... I just ordered one for our Bassman a matter of fact! http://www.tukicovers.com/

Pimpin' ride for your harmonicas for the holidays!

Posted Fri, 12/09/2011 - 09:11 by David Barrett Admin

You of course need a pimpin' ride for your harmonicas!

Hohner Harp Folder
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/hohner-leath...

Fender Harmonica Case (Note that Musician's Friend has a lower-price knock-off)
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/fender-harmo...

Hetrick Harmonica Cases
http://www.harpcase.com/

Custom Harp Cases
http://www.customharpcases.com/

Cadillac Pete's Harmonica Stand
http://www.cadillacpete.com/harmonicaStands.html

Tip of the Day: Gift Ideas #2

Posted Thu, 12/08/2011 - 21:29 by David Barrett Admin

Adam Gussow just released his new CD today... it should fit nicely in the stocking! P.S., I'm editing his interview right now... it's damn good and will be up before the end of the month.

"Dear Blues Harmonica Player:

I’m pleased to announce the release of Southbound, my second solo album. Southbound isn’t just the album’s title: it’s the opening track—an Allman Brothers remake—and the story of this particular harp player’s life over the past decade. continue reading...

What's New: Mark Hummel Submission #16 - Little Walter

Posted Wed, 12/07/2011 - 23:34 by David Barrett Admin

Join Mark Hummel for his insights into Little Walter's sound...

Tip of the Day: Are you a loud player?

Posted Tue, 12/06/2011 - 09:35 by David Barrett Admin

Are you a loud player? Most likely you're compensating for your lack of technique by playing loudly. Take a study song you know well and each day strive to play it softer and softer, until you can play it at a whisper-quiet volume. You'll find your bending to improve from this exercise as well as of course your dynamic control (we ALL can use work on that one).

P.S., volume is the #1 killer of harmonicas. Are you guilty of harpslaughter?

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