TELEPHONE HARP CONCERT. Sound Waves Brought Two Miles, and Heard in Union Hall.

Not a large but a very appreciative live audience greeted Mr. Frederick Allen Gower on Wednesday evening, in Union Hall, at his Illustrated lecture and concert on the newly invented instrument, the Telephone Harp. Pearl street, Boston, was called, and Mr. Mathews was asked to play upon the telephone harp, which is an instrument consisting of four octaves of thin steel tongues, set in a steel frame, like a mouth harmonica. Under each tongue is a hammer operated like a telegraphic or pianoforte key. When the keys are played upon, the hammers press the tongues upward, bringing them in connection with a metallic point like that of any telegraphic instrument. When these points are touched by the vibrating tongues, the circuit is opened, the musical note is transmitted over the wire, and repeated at the other end by the telephone. A battery passed electricity through what is termed a Geitler tube, resembling the letter U, and containing hydrogen gas ; and as the notes were played upon the telephonic harp in Boston, the sound waves or vibrations of music corresponded exactly with the flashes of light of various colors, which were thus given out. The hall was darkened of course, during this successful experiment, which the audience unanimously applauded as a most marked and triumphant success of scientific discovery and practical application. A few more remarks were made by Mr. Gower, showing the present commercial success of the telephone, no less than 6,000 being now in use in the United States. Cambridge Chronicle — 26 January 1878

Novel Harmonica Performance from Prof. Goodwall Merck

Prof. G. Goodwall Merck, introduced his musical novelties. He plays the violin, guitar, banjo and harmonica, finely; and also performs the difficult act of playing upon the harmonica, "guitar, drums, cymbals, triangle and bells, at one and the same time, giving a very good imitation of a band of music. Cambridge Chronicle — 27 February 1875

Wholesale Notion House.

S. W. Wren & Co. (Formerly of Natches, Miss.) Keep on hand the largest and most Complete Stock of NOTIONS In the State. MERCHANTS Can find a Full Line of Notions of all Kinds: Soaps, Perfumeries, Stationery, School Books, Hosiery, Table and Pocket Cutlery, Combs, Brushes, Pipes, Violins, Looking Glasses, Fish Hooks, and Lines, &c. Remember the Children and look at our stock of TOYS. Dolls. Marbles. Rattles. rubber Balls. Harmonicas. Jews harps. Jumping Josies, Tops, Toy Watches, and a thousand other articles. Dallas Herald — 21 July 1866

A Promise of First-Rate Entertainment.

On Saturday evening, a duet will be performed by "Professor" T. P. Ryder. on the great organ, and " Professor" Wallach on the "Mouth Harmonica." Subsequently, Mr. patrick will perform a solo on the Mouth Discordica. Altogether, this is high art. The New Orleans crescent. — 6 January 1869

DYER, ROKOHL & BUTLER - AUCTIONEERS AND COMISSION MERCHANTS

Magnificent Furniture OF SAID RESIDENCE, mahogany Chamber Sets; Rich Lace Curtains, Window Shades and Blinds; 3-Ply and Ingrain Carpets; Beds, Bedding, Sheets, Quilts, Pillow Cases, Lounges, Sofas, Whatnots; Dining room and Kitchen Furniture. 1 Extension Dining Table, 1 excellent Cook Stove; Flatware. Cutlery, Glassware Crockery, Etc., Etc. ALSO1 Splendid Pianoforte, full rich and brilliant tone, rosewood case, carved legs and elegant finish — a superior instrument. Also, 1 Music Box, Harmonica attachment; Also, 1 Monkey, classically educated; Also, 1 Talking Parrot! Daily Alta California — 17 January 1866

Mr. Shattuck Receives Triple Encore for his Harmonica Efforts!

Royal Arch Lodge gave an entertainment and festival, Tuesday evening, in Pythian Hall. A decided novelty and feature of the evening was Mr. B. E. Shattuck on the harmonica. The gentleman's efforts were so highly appreciated that he received three hearty encores. Cambridge Chronicle — 22 June 1878

Tongue Blocking

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dezzy
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Tongue Blocking Dec 15, 2018 21:51:21 GMT

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Post by dezzy on Dec 15, 2018 21:51:21 GMT

Chuck, to start tongue blocking put the lips over about 3 or4 holes and blow and draw sounding all notes together. Move the harp back and forth playing a rhythm. The drop the tongue down to cover the holes blocking the sound. Then move the tongue to the left so air blows into one hole on the right. When you master getting one hole move the harp around playing one hole with tongue still covering holes on the left. Practice playing one hole Melody’s.
For vamping. Place the lips around 3 or 4 notes and blow them all. Then drop the tongue down to stop the sound but straightaway lift the tongue then in quick motions tap the tongue up and down. This tapping can be done to a rhythm. Then with the tongue block you learnt playing a melody also tap the tongue up and down.
Any simple tune will do to start with. I used Long Long Ago. It plays on just a few notes.
i know you will say it’s difficult. Most beginner say so. But if you master it you will never look back.
t the bottom of this section Squaks has a video on vamping, but a bit advanced for you at this time.
The other question, blow or draw while vamping. You can do both, depending on the rhythm being played.

Rex
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Tongue Blocking Dec 16, 2018 3:51:13 GMT

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Post by Rex on Dec 16, 2018 3:51:13 GMT

This is my take on vamping/chording. Actually a vamp is any rhythmic pattern, but harp players adapt terms to our instruments just as other musicians do. I'm using a tremolo but it also applies to diatonics. Some players (especially blues players) use the term "tongue slap".

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Rex
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Tongue Blocking Dec 16, 2018 3:57:48 GMT

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Post by Rex on Dec 16, 2018 3:57:48 GMT

Starting at 4 minutes and 22 seconds in this video I give a demo of how I tongue block. It's still a tremolo but this is also how I tongue block on a diatonic when I want to add chords to a melody. I'm self taught so take everything I say with a grain of salt. All I can say is it works for me.

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Chuck
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Posts: 211

Tongue Blocking Dec 16, 2018 17:42:27 GMT

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Post by Chuck on Dec 16, 2018 17:42:27 GMT

Dezzy and Rex, thanks for your input. I copied the tabs from harptabs.com for both Long Long Ago and Shall we gather at the river from Rex’s video. I am not familiar with the Long Long Ago but am familiar with Shall we gather at the river. The first line is (for diatonic C)

Shall we gather at the river,

5 5 5-4 5 -5 6 5

OK is the proper way to do this

Shall we    ga    ther    at the riv       er,
456        456    456    -3-4-5    456    -4 -5-6    567 456

Or

Shall         we    ga    ther at    the riv    er,
345          345    345   -2-3-4    345    -3-4 -5    456        345

Or does that make any difference?

As far as tongue tapping, well that’s going to take some practice. I’m kind of like the character Navin from the movie the Jerk

youtu.be/L8OSEngKTP8

Rex, thanks for the videos, it always helps me to see it and also have it demonstrated

Last Edit: Dec 16, 2018 17:49:36 GMT by Chuck

dezzy
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Posts: 824

Tongue Blocking Dec 16, 2018 22:01:10 GMT Chuck likes this

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Post by dezzy on Dec 16, 2018 22:01:10 GMT

Yes, Chuck, but the 3 notes together are a chord. You play with tongue block which you have to learn. Then you play the melody single note from the right side of the tongue. It’s that single melody note you play. But while it’s playing you quickly lift the tongue and drop it back. You can start blowing the 3 notes the drop the tongue to get the melody note. It’s all tongue movement and can be fast or slow or held off for a while or play single notes and just lift the tongue for playing a chord.. The vamping effect adds rhythm. But, Chuck, make the transition to tongue blocking and get the single note first.

Rex
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Tongue Blocking Dec 19, 2018 3:24:01 GMT

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Post by Rex on Dec 19, 2018 3:24:01 GMT

Here are some tabs of hymns for the tremolo harp. Many of them will work for a Richter 10 hole harp also. Some use chords. One of the files is a guide to how I write tab. There is also a file folder there of Christmas music tabs. Again, some will work on a 10 hole Richter but some require an Asian tremolo.
drive.google.com/drive/folders/12TtAXA4Xy67HC_FdoXainRY45qioVFcH
Many of the songs in my tabs can be found on my Youtube channel if you need an example of how to play it. When I find some time I plan to add more tabs to that Google Drive folder. Some of the tunes on my Youtube channel also have tabs in the description.
Dezzy is correct. Learn to play melody first while tongue blocking and then learn to add chords.

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Rex
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Tongue Blocking Dec 19, 2018 3:37:41 GMT

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Post by Rex on Dec 19, 2018 3:37:41 GMT

Hey Chuck, one more thing. Not all songs work with chords. Harmonicas have limited chords. Guitars and pianos have many more. Some tunes are minor but your harp may be playing major chords. Some chords progressions are just not possible on a single harmonica. There is music theory involved and it helps to know it, but plain old trial and error works also. If it sounds bad then don't use chords on that song. If it sounds good then use chords.

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Chuck Senior Member Posts: 211	Tongue Blocking Dec 19, 2018 13:14:10 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Chuck on Dec 19, 2018 13:14:10 GMT Thanks guys, I am starting to practice like you suggested – trying to play the melody while tongue blocking. After trying this off and on for an hour or so just makes me appreciate and realize how much talent you guys have.

dezzy
Charter Member

Posts: 824

Tongue Blocking Dec 19, 2018 22:04:49 GMT

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Post by dezzy on Dec 19, 2018 22:04:49 GMT

Chuck, when you master tongue blocking, and you will, you’ll find it doesn’t take much talent at all. Just always be relaxed. A bit like Pucker method the air still passes between the lips but at the side.Relax the tongue . The Pucker method often brings sore or tired lips if playing too long because of muscle tension. Tongue block is more relaxing. Some players have commented that they slip into tongue block when lips tire from holding pucker.
Chuck, tongue block is such a simple method. You will agree when you master it. The tongue is important for playing harmonicas.It enables vamping, playing Octaves,That is blowing from both right and left side of the tongue to get the same note an octave apart.. Also useful when blowing a high note from the right side of the tongue then when the next note is very low, just blow Frome the left side of the tongue. That’s quicker than moving the harp. So, Chuck, see there are advantages for tongue block. Also, if you get to bending notes the tongue play an important role in changing the shape of the mouth.
So, keep at it, short session playing slowly is better than an hour or so. Will hear you playing it in the new year.

Folkharmonica

TELEPHONE HARP CONCERT. Sound Waves Brought Two Miles, and Heard in Union Hall.

Novel Harmonica Performance from Prof. Goodwall Merck

Wholesale Notion House.

A Promise of First-Rate Entertainment.

DYER, ROKOHL & BUTLER - AUCTIONEERS AND COMISSION MERCHANTS

Mr. Shattuck Receives Triple Encore for his Harmonica Efforts!

Tongue Blocking

Post by dezzy on Dec 15, 2018 21:51:21 GMT

Post by Rex on Dec 16, 2018 3:51:13 GMT

Post by Rex on Dec 16, 2018 3:57:48 GMT

Post by Chuck on Dec 16, 2018 17:42:27 GMT

Post by dezzy on Dec 16, 2018 22:01:10 GMT

Post by Rex on Dec 19, 2018 3:24:01 GMT

Post by Rex on Dec 19, 2018 3:37:41 GMT

Post by Chuck on Dec 19, 2018 13:14:10 GMT

Post by dezzy on Dec 19, 2018 22:04:49 GMT

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