Re: [Harp-L] Rack

[Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This topic pops up from time to time on the lists. I can't recall if I 
posted this here or elsewhere.

My biggest problem with racks, other than being so uncoordinated as to 
be unable to play using one while doing ~anything~ else, is that none 
I've tried fit me very well. They always forced me to crank my neck into 
a very uncomfortable position or to get used to being unable to approach 
the racked instrument straight on, forcing me to severely modify my 
embouchure. These problems kept me from even trying to do much of 
anything with racked playing. That was until Gary Lehmann posted a video 
about a clever modification in which he splices two K&M racks together. 
His set-up allows much more freedom in placing the harmonica precisely 
where you want it.

http://youtu.be/t3b7H9SbqNQ

Gary's mod retains the nice features of the single K&M rack (sturdy 
build, positive locking knobs, strong grip on the harp, etc.), while 
allowing you to position the harp where ~you~ want it instead of where 
the rack wants it. I call it a poor man's Ergonomic Rack (after Vern's 
design).

If you look at Rockin' Ron's rack page 
(http://rockinronsmusic4less.com/content/harps/accessories/harp_holder.php), 
you'll see several K&M racks. The two of interest are the models 415 & 
416. You can choose any combination of these two racks for Gary's mods 
(the business end of one rack becomes the harmonica holder and the other 
becomes the neck hoop with its adjustable extension). The principle 
difference is the type of the actual part that grips the harps. My 
preference is the 415 holder as it has little pins that keep the harp in 
a more positive locked position than the 416 which omits these 
positioning pins.

The only downside is that the GL spliced rack is pretty big when 
"unfolded" and it doesn't fold flat. These limitations mean that the 
rack is going to take much more space in your gig bag than the silly 
"coathanger" models you've probably long suffered with. Oh well, you 
can't have everything.

BTW, my efforts at racked playing are focused at accompanying my harp 
playing with rhythm bones. Right now, I'm working on one-handed bones, 
which is my preferred method. I may graduate to accompanying myself with 
two-handed bones if I ever feel like I've reached some level of 
proficiency with one-handed bones while playing my racked harp, which 
may never happen...

Thanks to Gary for sharing his ingenious modification! Works quite well 
for me.

Michelle