Re: holding the bassharmonica correctly

[bassharp <bassharp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes, Ludo, you are correct in that the harmonica should be moved from
side to side and up and down (for upper and lower combs) with the hands,
and the head remaining center without moving. This is a rule that we
often see broken. Reasons for keeping the head stationary are several -
interval accuracy, and also to maintain a constant volume control when
playing on a microphone - whether on a mic stand or on a chest mount.
Accuracy - if you combine the movement of the head from side to side
with an inadvertant movement of the harmonica, there is very little
chance of accuracy when making interval jumps - whether thirds, fifths
or octaves. If the head is stationary, the distances between given
intervals will never change, greatly increasing accuracy. 
Moving the head from side to side is probably good neck stretching
exercise, but doesn't do much for bass harmonica artistry. Hope this
helps.
Danny
- -- 
Danny Wilson - Santa Clarita, CA
Harmonica Trio Concepts: http://www.bassharp.com/bh_trio.htm