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From: dijk~orldaccess.nl
Date: Sat, 30 Nov 96 22:47:48 GMT
Subject: RE: Resonance and Timbre

Debbie Hamper wrote concerning the subject
Resonance and Timbre

> I partly disagree here. Yes, the vocal chords are responsible for sound;
> their length, thickness, and location in the 'throat' are responsible for
> their timbre (tenor, bass, etc.); however the singer's lung size (vital
> capacity) and use of it is responsible for the dynamics of the tone.
> Operatic singing methods can be very helpful in playing the harp. I see
> little difference in the varieties of breath support for singing and the
> varieties of breath support for playing the harmonica.

But do you see a difference in the breathing technique for playing the
harmonica and for singing?

Does the fact that a harmonica player needs good control over both inhaling AND
exhaling a difference in breathing technique?

I am very interested in your experience.


> Now if the issue here is really internal resonance or external resonance
> (like while using hands)...then my question is, how many harpists don't use
> their hands to some degree to try to shape tone?

I don't use my hands at all to shape tone. I use my left hand to hold the
instrument with only two fingers and the remaining fingers I use to hold the
microphone. My right hand does not hold the instrument. Only two fingers of my
right hand (the thumb and the third finger) do touch the sound case at the
right side and the bottom side and my indexfinger does control the slide.

I am very interested in your comments concerning the breathing technique for
the harmonica and the differences/simmilarities with the breathing technique
for singing.

Wim Dijkgraaf
The Netherlands