Registered: 12/14/99
Posts: 521
Loc: University, MS 38677 USA
I agree with the point about less is more. Cut the reverb and simplifiy the harmony. When you hear many of the pop country tunes, for example, it seems there's one primary harmony line singing a third above or below the melody. For example, many of the George Strait hits or what's-his-name Jackson. And, many others as well. Now, if you're doing a Manhattan Transfer song, that's something else.
Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Probably 99 % of my harmony use is a third above, either male or female gender. Yes, I do not use it to full extent, but as mentioned, a little is better than too much. DonM
I'm more of the Everly Bros. school of harmony way of thinking. Harmonies are as important as the main voice. Basically, if your VH can't stand up to that close a scrutiny, don't use it!
You probably have a much harder time wearing out the one male above preset than the big block Carpenters patch. I wouldn't dream of using that... just on a bit of one or two songs a night, tops!
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An arranger is just a tool. What matters is what you build with it..!
I agree with the point about less is more. Cut the reverb and simplifiy the harmony. When you hear many of the pop country tunes, for example, it seems there's one primary harmony line singing a third above or below the melody. For example, many of the George Strait hits or what's-his-name Jackson. And, many others as well. Now, if you're doing a Manhattan Transfer song, that's something else.
There are no VH rules.....just use what is WHEN warranted for the type of song,.....being a good singer is essential also... now can we stop talking & fantasizing and post some short Vocal Harmony demos to compare instead from different keyboards?
Registered: 12/01/99
Posts: 12800
Loc: Penn Yan, NY
I love the Everly Bros, but I also love the Mills Brothers, and the Beach Boys, and the Four Aces, and Manhattan Transfer, and MANY more full vocal harmony groups. That's the sound I go after. It's easy to get on extra voice, but to sing like the Lettermen or Four Freshman takes a different approach. That's my favorite use of the harmonizer ... always has been, and my audiences love it.
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I love the Everly Bros, but I also love the Mills Brothers, and the Beach Boys, and the Four Aces, and Manhattan Transfer, and MANY more full vocal harmony groups. That's the sound I go after. It's easy to get on extra voice, but to sing like the Lettermen or Four Freshman takes a different approach. That's my favorite use of the harmonizer ... always has been, and my audiences love it.
Exactly Dave, when done correctly like we do it ..... but we already know that!