You may have thought that playing into a “cup” or “mug” for effect was more of a “demonstrative” thing. Very cool but not much use beyond that…
Consider this…
I think the “cup mute” effect should be used in the same way a trumpet player might use a trumpet mute – not on every song but in the right place, it would be a great effect to have at my disposal.
I wanted something that:
✔ Had great tone
✔ Was convenient to use – just pick up and play
✔ Allowed me to play freely
✔ Aimed the sound directly forward, into my mic.
✔ Looked Pro
The Harp Wah was the result.
Over the years I tried the old-school “playing into a cup” technique on a few select recording sessions and live situations, but I always found it awkward – especially when trying to aim the sound into a mic. MORE IMPORTANTLY, I found it quite limiting when trying to just play “freely”, the way I normally do, (without the restrictions of holding a large cup). My hat’s off to the players that are masters of “the Cup” – Joe Filisko, Kim Wilson, Jason Ricci, Carlos Del Junco, to name a few, but I could never get fully comfortable with it.
“This was something I originally created just for myself…”Roly Platt
A Better Solution.
I tried several home-made ideas to get that effect, but finally decided to design a proper, professional solution for myself.
Benefits:
- Fully forward-facing design aims the sound directly out from you and into your mic
- The Harp Wah™ becomes an extension of your regular hand cupping position – making it feel natural, with minimal effect on your playing style.
- Shape focuses the sound into narrow, controllable field.
- Anodized polished aluminum – safe, rock-hard and extremely durable finish – inside and out.
- Light weight and durable, for a lifetime of road-worthy abuse.
- Universal shape and gender-neutral size accommodates a wide range of harp players.
- For left or right-handed players.
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“It’s just perfect. Fantastic sound and very expressive!”
It’s the best wah sound effect I’ve ever tried – beautifully designed and easy to hold in your hand.
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“On tour, I use the Harp Wah… and the new Wah Claw handle makes it even easier to hold.
It’s just a great muted effect for harmonica! A great invention and a beautiful device!”
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“Everyone loves it!”
“In my Intermediate Harmonica Course at Niagara College, I include the Harp Wah as part of my gear seminar.”
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“This is THE sound I’ve been looking for in a cup style wah.”
I just received my Harp Wah, and I already love it!
It’s waaaay more comfortable to use than a coffee or tea cup, plus it’s much easier to direct the sound into a mic. I look forward to recording with it.
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“Best harmonica innovation in a long time.
It takes harp “muting” possibilities to a new level. Thanks, Roly!”
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A great investment!
It (the Harp Wah) arrived this morning and it is brilliant, everything promised and more. It adds a lovely tone to the playing, much better than cupped hands. I would certainly recommend everyone to get one, a great investment.
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I definitely love the Wah Claw!It’s great! If the Wah was perfect before, now it’s even better!
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“Yes!!!! The Wah Claw handle makes it even better!”
“It’s cool. The Harp Wah has it’s own thing – a different sound than using a tradition cup.”
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Wow! What a great product!
The Wah Claw makes the Harp Wah 1000% better… much easier to hold and play.I WAS an amateur, and now I sound like a professional! (At least I think so)
Thanks for a great addition to an already great idea.
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“Your teaching is deeply appreciated…
I really appreciate the warm, friendly, welcoming and insightful way that you teach your workshops.”
