Contrabass Digest

2001-05-09

Date: Wed, 9 May 2001 15:58:18 -0400
From: Eric Mumpower
Subject: [CB] Simon, Garfunkel, and contrabass

I happened to put The Boxer (by Simon and Garfunkel) on to play just now,
and about 36 seconds in, I noticed (not for the first time) the low-pitched
reedy instrument which came in there (featured more prominently 3 minutes
in).

In the past when I'd heard this, I'd puzzled as to what instrument it might
be, and thought it sounded like a really deep-voiced harmonica, but that
seemed like it must be an odd beast, and I couldn't imagine it being small
enough to play with such agility.

And now, on my first listening after Grant described his (relatively tiny!)
bass harp, I realize it's not so far-fetched. Can anyone confirm whether
that is in fact the sound of a bass harmonica?
---------------------------------------------------------

From: "Dr. Daniel W. Kunz"
Date: Wed, 9 May 2001 16:06:31 -0400
Subject: Re: [CB] Simon, Garfunkel, and contrabass

sorry, can't confirm that, but as a question:  where can one get a base
harmonica???  thanks.  dan kunz

---------------------------------------------------------

From: Heliconman
Date: Wed, 9 May 2001 18:15:30 EDT
Subject: Re: [CB] Simon, Garfunkel, and contrabass

In a message dated 5/9/01 4:00:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time, nocturne writes:

<< I happened to put The Boxer (by Simon and Garfunkel) on to play just now,
 and about 36 seconds in, I noticed (not for the first time) the low-pitched
 reedy instrument which came in there (featured more prominently 3 minutes in).
 
 In the past when I'd heard this, I'd puzzled as to what instrument it might
 be, and thought it sounded like a really deep-voiced harmonica, but that
 seemed like it must be an odd beast, and I couldn't imagine it being small
 enough to play with such agility.
 
 And now, on my first listening after Grant described his (relatively tiny!)
 bass harp, I realize it's not so far-fetched. Can anyone confirm whether
 that is in fact the sound of a bass harmonica? >>

I don't know specifically about "The Boxer" without listening to it again,
but two years earlier, on the album entitled simply "Paul Simon" he recorded
a song "Papa Hobo" which was the song which made me fall in love with the
sound of the bass harmonica. The instrument can also be heard in the Beatles'
recording of "Fool On The Hill" behind the the solo recorder or ocarina and
also on the theme from "Sanford & Son", available on "The Best of Quincy
Jones" CD. The TV series "Green Acres" and "Petticoat Junction" always had a
bit of bass harmonica in their incidental music.
---------------------------------------------------------

From: Heliconman
Date: Wed, 9 May 2001 18:22:28 EDT
Subject: Re: [CB] Simon, Garfunkel, and bass harp

In a message dated 5/9/01 4:12:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time, drdwkunz writes:

<< sorry, can't confirm that, but as a question:  where can one get a base
 harmonica???  thanks.  dan kunz >>

Since I fell for its sound in the early seventies, I've seen a bass harp in a
store only once, several months ago in a small, very hip music store across
the street from Symphony Hall in Boston. Perhaps it's still there. Next time
I go through the neighborhood, I'll pop in. Other than that, check eBay
frequently. They do pop up fairly often. $400 is a good ballpark price.
Almost had one from a Chicago pawn shop for $200, but after I won the auction
and sent him the money, he made some excuse about sending it to the wrong
person and refunded my cash. I suspect he weaseled when he found out he was
selling too cheaply. Also check the bass harp website and I'm sure someone
there can hook you up.
---------------------------------------------------------

From: BJacobs571
Date: Wed, 9 May 2001 18:29:03 EDT
Subject: Re: [CB] Simon, Garfunkel, and bass harp
 

Almost had one from a Chicago pawn shop for $200, but after I won the auction
and sent him the money, he made some excuse about sending it to the wrong
person and refunded my cash. I suspect he weaseled when he found out he was
selling too cheaply. Also check the bass harp website and I'm sure someone
there can hook you up.
 

***End of Contrabass Digest***

 
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