(For those if you are wondering, an “axe” is another term for the harmonica)
For musicians, getting the right tone is most essential. Normally, this is achieved primarily by one’s playing technique, and secondly by the quality and construction of the instrument. But, thanks to the scientific advances of today, there’s now a crucial third factor, available only the last 10 or 20 years or so — technology.
Using the money earned from my three-month internship, I purchased a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) which allows me to record and produce stuff on my own. For software, I’m currently using Ableton 8 Suite, just about the best DAW software out there I think, save for Apple’s Logic (or so they say). One of the wonders I’m learning about concerning sound production is the power of adding Audio Effects — not just adjusting volume, or changing the EQ, but thanks to today’s technology, modifying a whole range of other things. Let me demonstrate.
One song that really encouraged my harmonica playing was Plant’s solo for the intro of the Led Zep song, When The Levee Breaks. Many have actually confused the initial solo to be an electric guitar, but it’s really a heavily-amped diatonic playing. The harmonica is a wonderful instrument; but due to its size and design, it lacks the volume and sonic range of many other instruments. Plant’s solo was groundbreaking for me, because it proved that you don’t have to be an electric player to do a wicked solo. After experimenting around with Ableton Suite 8, here’s what I got so far:
For harmonica buffs, another one cool thing for me as an exclusively chromatic player is that it helps to bridge the gap between the chromatic and diatonic sound. Most blues harpists tend to play diatonic because of the difference in timbre, which arguably makes it more suited for R&R or blues standards. With the help of technology though, this difference is equalized, as these effects open up a whole new range of sonic capabilities for the chromatic. And get the best part: as long as I hook up the mike to my audio interface and Mac, I can get the exact same sound live (or whatever I adjust using Ableton), so I don’t have to be dependent on a limited series of amps for the harmonica.
Ableton is awesome. So is your playing.
Thanks for the encouragement Mr. Woo
Yes, Ableton is very awesome. I’ve been wanting to compare & contrast it with Logic though… But I don’t know a single person well who uses Logic
Hahaha you’re welcome Mr. Su
Oh I don’t know Logic. And I remember having lotsa fun playing around with Ableton’s built-in instruments and sampling. Mine was Ableton Live though. Don’t know how that’s different from Suite.