Ronnie Schreiber joins me on episode 134.

Ronnie runs The Electric Harmonica Company, producing the Harmonicaster, which is an alternative to the traditional harmonica microphone, using guitar style pick-ups to create “the first practical true electric harmonica”. Ronnie first came up with the concept some thirty years ago and has been developing it in earnest over the last ten years.

Ronnie tells us the story of how he developed the idea, from the need to use steel reeds, the custom harps needed and the availability of pick-ups to use with the harmonica, and some of the harmonica players who have supported him through his journey.

We discuss the advantages of using a pick-up with the harmonica, such as having a different sound to the traditional harmonica microphone, and the feedback resistance it brings, as well as some of the challenges of using the Harmonicaster.

Links:

Harmonicaster website: https://rokemneedlearts.com/harmonicaster/wp/

The Frank Harmonica mic developed by Ronnie: https://rokemneedlearts.com/frankmic/

Harp-l post introducing the Harmonicaster: https://groups.google.com/g/harp-l/c/_ETwuJvbRRA

Brendan Power playing some Irish music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rx8kVBjAL4

The Turbo Harp: https://turboharp.com/

Dyna-mic: https://www.dyna-mic.com/

Videos:

Harmonicaster YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonicaster8106

Ronnie overview of the Harmonicaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzbYxwKLPR4

Jonah Fox YouTube review of the Harmonicaster: https://rokemneedlearts.com/harmonicaster/wp/

Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
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Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com

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