harmonicanick
78 posts
Dec 14, 2008
3:04 PM
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I have been playing harp for many years and lost my job after 23 years working...well its ok, I always play in the kitchen while cooking..use left hand to hold harp..right hand to stir wok!!The wife has been hearing me play all this time and whilst supportive of the bands I have been in and my playing just lets me get on with it..she dosent come to gigs but hey she loves me.....
I have a getto blaster in the kitchen and just play along etc
My neighbour texted me the other day..'play louder I cannot hear you'!! cool...I had the window open and he was having a smoke in his back porch..
I use Golden Melody's ....they are sweet and round sounding but if you blow too hard or draw too hard they will fail over time..
Keep on guys..
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GermanHarpist
6 posts
Dec 14, 2008
3:13 PM
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Except in my room (on my couch) I like to play in a industrial garage entrance just beside my home. The sound (hall) there is fantastic.
Otherwise I play a lot while waiting (for the bus, or other people). And whenever I walk around (the city) and a tune asks to be played.
And then of course there are jams with other musician friends.
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tookatooka
47 posts
Dec 14, 2008
3:14 PM
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I play in front of my computer in my studio. I play while I wait for paint to dry (I am a watercolour artist) and I also play as I play chess on the computer. It inspires me when I'm painting and it helps me to work out my next chess move. Today I have been trying to refine the 3 hole draw. I can bend it OK but it needs a lot of improvment so I can get the four clear notes on demand. Sorry about the job Harmonicanick.
Last Edited by on Dec 14, 2008 3:15 PM
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Tryharp
30 posts
Dec 14, 2008
3:41 PM
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Last year, with a new baby, only place I could practice with any volume was in the pantry in the kitchen with the door shut, this room is about 3ft wide x 6ft long. My wife and friends use to get a real kick out of me locked away in there with my harps.
Then we built a new garage, and I built in the back of the garage a 12ft square soundproof room. Ive got a computer in there with internet, major upgrade. I can now play to midnight, through an amp - no problem.
Jamie
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SMOKEY
2 posts
Dec 14, 2008
4:26 PM
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Yup, I go to town in the kitchen.. but not while cooking, that takes my full attention not to burn the house down. I use the kitchen cause its in the corner of the house and I figure it shouldn't bother anyone. It has a nice slight reverb in my kitchen also.
I am too chicken to even practice in front of anyone, I am going to start taking the bus soon (times are tuff) and I might try to play while waiting on the bus.
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eharp
170 posts
Dec 14, 2008
5:33 PM
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car. it is where real harp players play!!
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isaacullah
4 posts
Dec 14, 2008
8:00 PM
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don't laugh but I play in the bathroom while i'm, er uhm, eliminating... I seriously get a good 20 minutes of "solid" practice time that way! :) Plus the bathroom has the best acoustics of any room in my house!
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isaacullah
5 posts
Dec 14, 2008
8:04 PM
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don't laugh but I play in the bathroom while i'm, er uhm, eliminating... I seriously get a good 20 minutes of "solid" practice time that way! :) Plus the bathroom has the best acoustics of any room in my house!
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Miles Dewar
133 posts
Dec 14, 2008
8:11 PM
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So important you had to let us know twice! lol.
I play in the bathroom too... But not while i'm "eliminating" myself....good word choice by the way, I had a nice chuckle out of that.
Mostly i play right on the edge of this large pond by my house... Usually early early morning.
I head out there after 2 or 3 and by the time it gets light, the fish start jumpin' and i'm at that...
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---Be Positive---
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Andrew
14 posts
Dec 14, 2008
11:09 PM
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I play a little bit at home in the living room because the apartment above me is empty at the moment, but when there are people there, I don't. So then I usually play on train-station platforms if there's no-one near!
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geordiebluesman
119 posts
Dec 15, 2008
12:18 AM
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Hi Harpers,I mostly play in my kitchen coz it has a high pitched ceiling with good accustics,But in the summer time,if the tides and work permitt,I have a very special Woodshed. I live at the coast and we have a world famous Lighthouse here on an island which connects to the mainland via a tidal causway so i take my verse note book some harps some food and drink and the dog and wade over just after the tide starts to cover the causway,Then i have 5+ hours of totaly private practice and writting time on my own private island! How cool is that? here's some pics of my very special place http://st-marys-island.ljb-web.com/
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harmonicanick
79 posts
Dec 15, 2008
5:44 AM
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Waaay Heyyyyyy man that lighthouse is great!
Your 5 hour dedication to the Harp in your special place...very cool. You must get some storms there?
I live in Bristol by the sea as well..
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Honkin On Bobo
12 posts
Dec 15, 2008
7:37 AM
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isaacullah,
Two thoughts:
1. That was WAY TOO MUCH information.
2. Good God man, get some bran in your diet.
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TylerLannan
28 posts
Dec 15, 2008
8:30 AM
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I play pretty much where ever the mood strikes me. I work at starbucks so my customers get a kick out of it. When I'm woodshedding though I play atop a 7 story parking garage on the roof. I never get bothered, it's quiet, and I can play whatever for how ever long I want : )
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*you can only keep what you have by giving it away*
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dfwdlg
Guest
Dec 15, 2008
10:37 AM
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In the car... my wife calls it carmonica.
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HarpBro
Guest
Dec 15, 2008
10:42 AM
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I like to play in train and bus stations and parking lot stairwells, great acoustics, also in an old empty church a few block,s from my house (amazing grace, blues version always sound,s good there)
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harmonicanick
80 posts
Dec 15, 2008
11:40 AM
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Adam Gussow played in a tunnel in Central Park on one of his cuts.
I try to find an old empty church but most have been turned into apartments! Sign of the times...
What makes acoustics so interesting? It's all in the ear of the listener.........
Last Edited by on Dec 15, 2008 11:41 AM
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SUNDOG
52 posts
Dec 15, 2008
4:56 PM
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POTTY! That way I put all my mistakes behind me and look a HEAD (a nautical PUN).
But not in the public Potty's .
R, Neal aka SUNDOG
Last Edited by on Dec 15, 2008 4:59 PM
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GermanHarpist
12 posts
Dec 15, 2008
6:39 PM
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"Honcin on Bobo" cut isaacullah some slack. As I see it: Sitting on the toilet staring at the wall is time wasted. And btw. everybody knows the acoustics in that private place are mostly pretty good.
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Aussiesucker
104 posts
Dec 15, 2008
7:59 PM
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If I tried playing anywhere near the kitchen I would end up being consigned to the doghouse.
My son recently had some extensions to his home and one of the very large empty rooms (bare boards) provided the 2nd best accoustics I have experienced. The very best accoustics I experienced was in visiting a place in one of our National Parks called the Amphytheatre a huge aboriginal cave. The accoustics were unbelievably kind for my best rendition of Waltzing Matilda. Generally I practice in my study/ office ie I am retired and don't work or study anything but the Harp.
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Andrew
20 posts
Dec 16, 2008
1:46 AM
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I have played harp on the toilet, but I find Horace's Odes are about the right length!
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isaacullah
12 posts
Dec 17, 2008
10:01 AM
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Ha Ha! Who knew people would react so strongly to a simple answer? It's just the truth... I don't hold back and I don't lie! Plus, all that deep diaphram movement helps things "flow"... :)
Poop Humor is the best... Especially when mixed with harp humor too!!
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http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=isaacullah
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oldwailer
376 posts
Dec 17, 2008
10:18 AM
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I don't usually play on the toilet--it interrupts my concentration. I do, however, keep a copy of Jon Gindicks book there by the toilet and I study it--this gives me the right harmonic for production. . .
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Jeff
171 posts
Dec 17, 2008
11:24 AM
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Tryharp, that's funny. I have an 18 month old and the last year's playing was also confined to our 3 x 5 closet. I'd be in there for hours transcribing Jason Ricci and Rick Estrin's new albums with the Amazing Slow Downer.
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RyanMortos
18 posts
Dec 17, 2008
4:36 PM
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I have a tendency to practice at my desk at home while surfing these forums, youtube, etc. and in my car. When warmer weather allows I'll surely spend time practicing playing at parks.
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~Ryan
PA
Ryan's Tube
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Blind Melon
17 posts
Dec 23, 2008
6:45 AM
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isaacullah,
I tried once to play while on the can but my harp playing sounded pretty "shitty". Remind me if I ever meeat you not to borrow one of your harps. LOL
Seriously, I have a couple of David Barrett's books that I keep reviewing while on the can doing my business.
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Andrew
54 posts
Dec 23, 2008
6:54 AM
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RyanMortos says: "When warmer weather allows I'll surely spend time practicing playing at parks."
Good man! Someone's gotta drown out those frickin' bongo players!
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Blind Melon
18 posts
Dec 23, 2008
6:54 AM
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isaacullah,
I once tried playing while on the can, but it sounded like "shit". Remind me if I ever meet you not to borrow any of your harps. LOL!
Seriously, I have a couple of David Barrett books that I like to review when doing my business in private.
My favorite place to play is in the basement in my den when everyone else is goes to bed.
Last Edited by on Dec 23, 2008 6:59 AM
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Anonymous
Guest
Dec 23, 2008
7:04 PM
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The can is a great place for playing.
You've got great acoustics, and lets face it, harp players are lucky in that they can court the muse in the bathroom on such a small instrument.
Imagine having to wheel a piano in there!
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SMOKEY
22 posts
Dec 24, 2008
12:00 AM
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I'm moving and the bedroom with hardwood floors and no curtains with nothing in it at all has AMAZING REVERB!!! I am learning still, but playing what I know so far sounded SO AMAZING. I highly recommend getting hardwood floors and taking everything out of your bedroom including curtains!!!!
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KC69
21 posts
Dec 24, 2008
6:31 PM
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I live in Ohio. Built what we call a florida room. Mostly all windows with Vaulted Ceilings,and Tile Floors. Great accoustics and reverb. when I crank up my 5 Watt Tube Amp,Its unbelieveable. All the windows and living in the woods, It feels like being outside even when its COLD!!! Only My Lawn Chair, Deer Trophy to watch. I only hunt from my Lawn Chair. Love that Lawn Chair Deer Jerky!!!
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KC69
22 posts
Dec 24, 2008
7:15 PM
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Oldwailer: I love the comment. Don't worry you'll never be as old as I Look! First of the year, I have a test, us old timers have. I'm going to play before and afterwards. Hope the Dr. Uses a small camera. I may be able to hit the high notes afterwards.
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oldwailer
398 posts
Dec 25, 2008
3:23 PM
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KC69, if you're having the test I think you are talking about--I've had two of them. I don't know how big the camera was--but I know I was doing some great blow notes after the procedure--didn't need a harp either!
My favorite old timer remark is: The older I get, the better I was. . .
By the way--I am totally envious of your woodshed!
Last Edited by on Dec 25, 2008 3:25 PM
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Aussiesucker
120 posts
Dec 25, 2008
4:04 PM
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KC69 & Oldwailer - Merry Christmas. Old whats that? Trouble is I sometimes don't realise I'm as old as I am. Enough said! As for your tests I had both tests this past few months ie front and back. I worried for a month before the front test and nearly passed out when I saw the size of the tube - but no worries it didn't hurt and was only slightly uncomfortable and was all clear and I was up and ready to go home within 30mins.
These young fellas don't know what they have to look forward to do they?
I also am totally envious of your woodshed! Best accoustics I have are in the bathroom but it's a bit claustraphobic!!
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Skeet
4 posts
Dec 25, 2008
9:52 PM
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I mostly play in my gameroom. It's my little sanctuary. My neihbor got a leaf blower a few weeks ago, so I've been been playing a game of payback. He wakes me up at 7:30 on Saturday mornings with his leaf blower, so I return the favor by cracking open the door(which faces his house), cranking up the amp, havin a few beers and playin my a** off from about 12 till whenever AM.
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Memo
Guest
Dec 26, 2008
12:51 PM
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Re: playing in the bathroom - I saw an interview of Anthony Newley years ago, in which he said that he and Leslie Bricus wrote most of their songs together in the bathroom. Including "Gonna Build A Mountain." I could never figure out what instrument Bricus was using to compose - I don't think a piano would fit in there.
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SilasJackson
7 posts
Dec 30, 2008
11:36 PM
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1. Crapper--decent acoustics. Read a lot of Harp related literature there too. Most private place at home.
2. Car--Carmonica, that was great dfwdlg. I have some play along backing tracks on CD. Get some strange looks, but what the Hell. Could be cause the other drivers can see both my hands up at my face. Passed the Sheriff the other day and it didn't seem to bother him though. Slightly less dangerous than people having pissed-off Cell phone conversations.
3. Favorite place--The Man Cave. Basement about 25'x18' with killer acoustics. Add a little Peavey Backstage Amp with a crappy Phillipino dynamic mic, or a home made Bottle O' Blues type mic and I am cookin'. My Dog frickin' hates the whole deal. Don't know if He is singing or complaining. If I play loud, he sings loud. Play low and he sings low. SWEET! No static at all from the rest of the household.
4. Sometimes outside--live in the country, but then some of the other neighborhood dogs start to sing too.
It feels good to spread the joy of the Harp to others. LOL.
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CarolynViolin
17 posts
Jan 02, 2009
9:33 AM
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Well, I do most of my practicing at home in the family room. The acoustics are very good, but not spectacular. I think that the barer the room, the better the acoustics will be. I have a friend who is also a professional violinist and lives in NYC. He loves to perform in the train stations. The acoustics are incredible!!!
Carolyn
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djm3801
12 posts
Jan 02, 2009
3:27 PM
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I practice in the rec room. Which happens to be on the opposite side of the house from the living room where my wife and sister spend their time. My wife likes it that way. When I get done with some "jamming", I go into the living room and say "Hey, I sounded better, right?" And my wife says "yeah, oh yeah, right, sure" rolling her eyes. My sister then says "Yes, you did sound pretty good." Then my wife says "Do not forget she is on medication."
I believe my sister. And she is on medication.
Dan M.
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isaacullah
15 posts
Jan 02, 2009
4:17 PM
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Haha! Dan M, I totally understand what you mean. When I get done jamming (not my toliet time-jamming, but in my office/music room), I often come out and ask my wife if she liked my latest jam or whatnot, and she usually replies "huh? Oh, I try not to listen while you're in there... But i guess it sounded real nice!"
Ah, the joys of marriage!
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The magnificent YouTube channel of the internet user known as "isaacullah"
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