From: Michael Polesky MPA Date: Fri, 01 May 1998 15:58:13 -0700 Subject: Re:
Mahdyiar wrote:
> I believe that manufacturers could easily design moth pieces for 12 > and 16 holes with little bumps in front of say C, for C-harps, so that > players can identify the notes. The bumps can be small, similar to > Braille symbols, so that they do not interfere with the playing. I am > sure, this will help players, specially new comers like myself. Any > body cares to comment!!
Well, I may be just the first to comment! I like to use bright red nail polish above each of my double C's in the middle of my 12 and 16 holers because I have very much the same problem. Folks who have seen me play may have noticed I have trouble finding the first note. Siegfried Nahrun actually put a "bump" on a custom made CB-16 for me (that's another story for you all together - check the archives for CB's and other custom harps!). Unfortunately, I have not gotten used to using it. It certainly doesn't interfere with playing in any way, but it doesn't seem to help me find my note either. I prefer a "sight gag" while you and others may still find this bump useful. Rick Epping of Hohner as well as other manufacturers are always lurking around for good suggestions, so maybe they have some ideas ;-). The red nail polish thing is not that aesthetically pleasing and sometimes embarrassing (I'm not married so I have no excuse for owning it!), but it does work well. I never put it on my custom harps because they are so pretty, but I use white polish for my black covered Super 64X. By the way, I have been playing chromatic for 25 years and I am still "flying blind" when it comes to that first note.
Michael
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