There are several harmonica effects that I use. All of these come in the form of pedals or a pedal board, and all are for “amplified” harp playing only (running these effects into an amp).

Delay, reverb, octave and an envelope filter – are my go to options.

But are there any effects for acoustic harmonica playing?
Nothing beyond our hands unfortunately.

That was the idea behind the Harp Wah.

“…Like a trumpet mute for the harmonica”

I wanted something like the old “cup mute” effect which 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 tried the “playing into a cup” technique on a few recording sessions and live gigs, but always found it awkward – especially when aiming the sound towards a mic.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, I found it very restrictive when trying to play the way I normally do. I could never get fully comfortable with it.

I created the Harp Wah to solve that problem.

The Harp Wah was something I originally created for my own use, and now I wouldn’t be without it as an acoustic harmonica sound option.Roly Platt