Just learnt a nugget of wisdom from my teacher today, something which I kinda always knew but needed reminding once again. Like all musicians starting out, you always think that the next great way to “level up” your sound is to grab that extra effects pedal, or to covet after that beautiful rosewood covered Japanese-crafted 12 hole chromatic (G-48W). I was raving about all these great choices of harmonicas to my teacher, asking for his opinion for which to get as a performance instrument, when he said (in Chinese): “You shouldn’t think too much about buying a new instrument. Work on your tone. What you have is already enough.”
Damn. I felt like Ewan McGregor after being reprimanded by Qui-Gon Neeson. It’s not the lightsabre that makes a great jedi, it’s the jedi that makes a great jedi. Uh-huh.
Agreed, but an instrument that offers better playability and tone often inspires. That inspiration plays a huge part in helping one attain musicianship.