I'm also a Hohner Marine Band player, mainly playing the Marine Band Crossover nowadays, but only Marine Band style harps for me. I believe the newer "stock" Marine Bands even have sealed combs, so they won't swell...or at east early as much as they used to. I tried a few and loved them!

Hi Daniel - I just happenned to find this question as I checked my messages on here and I hope you don't mind me chiming in.

I have spent many years working with mics and amps for harmonica, and aside from being an amplified harmonica performer, I have been re-building vintage harmonica microphones for over 20 years and love to continue to do so (and played through hundreds of amps and literally thousands of microphones). One thing to remember is that every microphone/amplifier combination will soundand act differently. Unfortunately this means that there is really no "standard" of how to set up amps for harp, also because each players' microphone cupping technique is different, and the cupping also makes a huge impact on the amplified sound (and how you should possibly change the settings).

As a starting point, I usually start with the volume on 0 (always a good place to start, haha!)...if there are separate tone controls I will set the treble somehwere between 3-4, and bass between 6-7 and go from there. If there is just one "tone" setting, I would set it at around 3-4. All the other controls (there may be no more, or possibly up to 10 more depending on the amp) can start to confuse things or may not be all that important just to get a setting to start at. For example, "reverb" or any effects will not be needed just for a good tone/volume. However any "master volume" or "gain" controls (if there are any) may interact with the normal "volume" setting depending on the amp, and in turn make things a little more confusing.

When using a microphone with a volume control, I would make sure to set it all the way up (or close to all the way up, if you want a little room to crank it full blast for a boost here & there).

This comment is already loger than I originally intended (sorrry!), but maybe it gives you a little help in understanding my thoughts and understanding the overal amplified harmonica thing. Remember that each mic/amp combo will act differently, but the above is basically my recommended starting point. I also agree with Larry that spending time yourself with the equipment will help you get a handle on working with it, and to find the correct setting for yourself and your equipment.

Hi Bob --- great idea.  As an FYI --- we have members in 40 countries --- so it may be a little tricky finding one close to you.  

Good luck and thanks for being a part of Sonic Junction.

Hi Sonic junction, I'm looking for a guitarist that wants to develop a potrfolio of music with me. I play Harmonica and a little electric bass guitar. I live in the western part of Virginia south of Roanoke Virginia and close to Blacksburg virginia where virginia Tech is located. The goal is to have fun AND improve my playing. Thanks

Yeah, I'd like to see some chromatic lessons too!

BLUES RHUMBA

Hi Duke,

How about a look at the blues rhumba a la 'Crosscut Saw' or 'All Your Love' ???? It's such a great feel.

Thanks for all of it,

Vinnie

Hi Graham --- great questions.

For each of the Artists Hub pages we have some of their most popular lessons at the top along with their current lesson.  Just below that we have a section called All Lessons which is in chronological order.   Each lesson series generally starts at the intermediate level and get progressively harder.

To better answer & recommend some lessons, I have three questions

1. when you preview songs on Duke and Corey's Artist Hub pages --- what inspires you?

2. if you look at a couple lessons, do they appear challenging, about right or a little easy?

3. how interested are you in branching out to get new ideas?

Once I know these, I think I will be able to find you a good first set of lessons.  After that --- I think inspiration will be your best guide.

I hope that helps.

Hi Mike,

Excellent lessons.

I'm looking for some guidance on where to start and how to proceed.

So far my efforts are somewhat random.

Is there an order to how Duke and Corey progress lessons?

What is the oldest lesson - That's Alright and Everybody Ought to Change?

Is there an order to how lessons are listed down the page? 

Is there any order or rating indicating difficulty?

Thanks

Graham

...Sorry hit the button to soon.

As a follow-up to the terrifc series of lessons with Dennis Gruenlin (third position) I recommend "Last Chance" by George Harmonica Smith.  That would make a great lesson.  

Also, regarding George Smiths playing of that song, is he playing a low tuned harp (key of B flat)?

Thanks!

Joe

Jerry,  Thans for being a great instructor. 

As a follow-up to the third position lesson with 

some songs im interested to learm would be, I want to be loved from Muddy Waters Hard Again album, , Rock Me by Muddy,, going away baby, or you are so fine by little Walter, 

athanks Jerry

this a shuffle in f from Michael Williams book blues guitar technique. good book to work along with dukes lessons. 

Maybe "Blues Wail" - also another Freddie King "Sen-Sa-Shun"

Ray, We will do a Tiny Grimes tune soon. Thanks, Duke

Hello Duke.  How about a lesson on something by Tiny Grimes like Call of the Wild?

It's great to see all this talent here o Sonic Junction. Keep up the good work friends! Duke 

So many great posts from all the artists here.  I have really enjoyed your performances.  So much talent!

I have had a look at some of the guitar lessons and they seem to be aimed towards the intermediate/advanced players, are there any plans to add and beginner lessons to the site?

Little martha on Open G Dobro; this is a 1 guitar arrangement I've been refining for a while. Hope you like it, and sorry for my noob video skillz

Gumtree hasn't been too successfull, but I am always looking out for someone at the jam.  I think it would help if I could sing so that is something  need to work on.

You should get yourself into a band that'll bring your playing on. Stick an  add on gumtree or ask about at a jam session. I've played in a load of bands over the years.  trying to get a band going the now but all the bands that say they're blues are really just rock bands who play a few blues numbers or even look out for singer/ guitarist looking for a harp player

There are a few good blues festivals through out the year, a couple local blues bands and there is a monthly blues jam near me.  

I am not in a band, although I would like to find a few people to jam with regulary as I think it will help my playing.

What's the blues scene over there like? I stay about 10 mile out from Glasgow. no many real blues bands about here. Well known that a Know of anyway. Do you play in a band. 

Yes, not far from Bellfast.