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
Just wondering how often and how much practice you all do. Whether daily or weekly.
For the next 6 months I will still be working full time (until I retire) and most days when I get home all I want to do is sit down and relax and complain about my sore back / shoulder or foot etc, not that anyone listens ! On weekends I still like to ride my motorcycle and there are always chores to be done as well. On a good day I will sit down and play through my list of tunes maybe once, and on a weekend I might play through all 28 tunes 3, 4 or 5 times.
I like playing single note tunes and try to concentrate on hitting the right notes all the time and also on getting consistent timing and volume. When I start to miss these I know it's time to go do something else as I am getting tired and can't concentrate. Sometimes I can play one or more of these tunes without making any mistakes and I feel great. I try the same ones 20 minutes later and make a mess of them.
I'm also playing for my own enjoyment. But sometimes I have to sit down and study to figure out, if certain tunes can be played on the diatonic harmonica. Then, with my tabs, I try to learn the melody by heart. Then, my wife gets annoyed... But I have lots of time to play what I like or practice different techniques from monday to friday, while I'm driving. There are about 3 hours each day for practicing. I read, that Buddy Greene did this too and until today, nothing bad happened. What do you think about car-driving harmonica players?
At 59 I hope to retire in a few years. I am slowing down a bit. Not enough energy to do everything I was doing 20 years ago. I try to play 30 minutes or an hour most days but family/church/work/chores/prayers all come before music so it doesn't always happen. After 50 years of playing music I don´t practice much, just make music for the enjoyment of it. I don't watch a lot of TV. That leaves time for reading or music. Recently I have been studying the chromatic but not on any sort of schedule.
Mick, one of the most important things you can concentrate on is timing. As far as driving and playing; it depends on the traffic you are in. I have driven many miles playing the harmonica, but not when I'm in heavy traffic. You're a smart enough guy to know when you can play while driving and when you can't. Practice when you want to. If you don't feel like playing, then don't. I've been playing now for 62 years (started when I was 10) and the only time I practice is when I'm learning a new song. I play strictly by ear so I listen to the song several times to get it in my head then start playing it, slowly at first then speed up as I learn it.
The older I get the more I know how little I knew when I knew it all.
I just started playing a few years back. Prior to that, ZERO music background. I can’t play by ear nor can I read music (I’ve been trying but not much luck) currently I have to have tabs to play anything. I get very frustrated because I can play a song many many times using the tabs sheet but take away the tab sheet and I can’t play the song. For example I have been practicing the song of the month Little Liza Jane about 15-20 minutes each day, even though the notes keep repeating themselves – without the tab sheet I’m lost. I am amazed at all you guys that play with such ease and you make it look so effortlessly. But the bottom line for me is I’m having fun and enjoy it a lot. Thanks to all of you for posting your videos
But the bottom line for me is I’m having fun and enjoy it a lot.
That's what's important Chuck! You will get better as you keep at it. A good example is Keith. The first time I heard him play there was at least a second between notes and sometimes the note was not clear. Now, he can play notes of a song clearly, accurately and in time!
The older I get the more I know how little I knew when I knew it all.
I just started playing a few years back. Prior to that, ZERO music background. I can’t play by ear nor can I read music (I’ve been trying but not much luck) currently I have to have tabs to play anything. I get very frustrated because I can play a song many many times using the tabs sheet but take away the tab sheet and I can’t play the song.
I had the tabs of 'Blowin' in the wind' written in big numbers on a poster in my room for two years and couldn't play it by heart. That was at the time when I could only play Kumba Ya, Yesterday and Oh Susannah. Nowadays its better for me to learn a new tune piece by piece. Like: 1) Play the whole song with tabs 2) Play the first phrase (6-8 notes depending on the tune) about 20 to 100 times 3) at the end of 2) try to do it without tabs 4) lay the harmonica down and sleep; it's not important if 3) was a success 5) start at 1) the other day and find out, that you can choose another phrase for 2) because you're not concentrating any longer on the tabs of the first phrase.
I remember struggling to learn as a kid, but persevered because I loved playing music. I can play for a couple hours and not get bored. When I was in a band we would play two 45 minute sets at a gig. Band practice often lasted 2 or 3 hours once a week. Eventually you develop an ear for music. If I can get the tune in my head so I can hum it then I can usually play it in a short time. As a kid my mom said my brother had the natural musical talent, but he hated to practice and gave up music. I wasn't a natural. It took me time and effort. Playing in that band took me to the next level. You have to listen to others and you have to know your part well to get on stage. Fear of looking silly can be a real motivator. ☺️
I just started playing a few years back. I am amazed at all you guys that play with such ease and you make it look so effortlessly. But the bottom line for me is I’m having fun and enjoy it a lot. Thanks to all of you for posting your videos
Chuck, we guys playing with ease have been playing for many many years longer than you have. Does that say anything?
Bend, that’s the way , section by section. You’ll find a song often has a few easy, sections which are learnable quickly. Then take time to learn the difficult parts. Then put them all together.
Well I have taken notice of all of you all and thanks very much. The main thing I have learned from this discussion is to practice more. It takes me about 30 minutes to play the tunes on my list. By that time I need a rest from it in case I start to dislike the songs and don't come back to them. There is only one tune that I had never heard of before and that is "Red River Valley" and now that I know it, I love the song. All the others I have known for many years, but never tried playing them before. It certainly makes life easier if you actually know the tune first.