Every musician knows what it is like to show up for a performance and discover that the stage or hall is dead. No resonance or decay, just that deafening silence that only enables you to hear your heart beating.  Instinctively we try to compensate in any possible way to project and create resonance, usually resulting in a forced and sometimes even choked quality of sound.  This is no way to start a performance.

Equally, every musician knows what it is like to play on a fine resonant stage. The resulting cushion of sound creates a comfort zone that can only instill confidence.  I have found that the Harmonic SoundBoard (HSB) is very effective in acoustically deficient rooms. Being a University instructor I am often asked to give clinics and demonstrations in surroundings which I can only describe as less than perfect. The Harmonic SoundBoard gives me the resonance I need to project in a sonically dead environment. If you know anything about the Contra Bassoon, you know this is imperative  The HSB is a tuned fully adjustable platform that houses the endpin.  It resonates freely with every vibration of the instrument.  It helps notes react quickly with less effort as well as resonates freely across the entire sound spectrum. I have found the added resonance to help correct poor sounding or less dynamic pitches. I used to think the HSB's biggest plus was creating volume and emphasis to each attack.  Once I got over that initial excitement, I realized the most important result is that the quality of my sound is enhanced. Using the Harmonic SoundBoard is like putting your endpin in Carnegie Hall every time you play.
John M. Kehayas
Contra Bassoon, The Florida Orchestra


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