I installed a whammy bar on my harp

[@MaybeAnnatar]

This has really high potential for lofi creators I think

[@emilyharpist]

I think so too! 🤔

[@MissionSilo]

Analog techno

[@jorgeeduardopereztasso6134]

literrally got this video recommended after listening lo-fi

[@K_man217]

I’m sitting here with my OP-1 and aux cord anxiously waiting for her to start playing

[@johnqpublic2718]

Lofi is so 2013 SoundCloud. Innovate- don't regurgitate.

[@buringairline]

Hello! I am a Dusty Strings employee, and in all likelihood, I had some hand in bringing your harp to life :) I could not be more pleased to see players experimenting with harps and finding new sounds to explore, getting these instruments into as many ears as possible :)

[@emilyharpist]

Ahhh thank you so much!!! That means so much to me; you just made my day! 🥺❤️ the Serrana really is my dream harp, so thank you so much for making it so amazing!! :)

[@trilobiota]

greetings fellow Dusty! come here often?

[@SeriiVG]

the sound of your excerpts genuinely make me feel like a child, it's just straight up magic

[@emilyharpist]

thank you so much! I really appreciate you being here and watching, FartWomanDeluxe

[@Hejirah]

oh yes it is. I was comepletely mesmerized!

[@KyleDevlinMusic]

Virtual Kevin is my new favourite character from the Emverse.

[@emilyharpist]

Portable and convenient!

[@flutechannel]

Enverse! nearly shot out my matcha tea this am! should there be a Amverse?

[@bryanwilson4326]

Most I’ve laughed in a while for real

[@ImNot]

LMAO

[@MattTee1975]

Seems to be that this would be a "game changer" for harpists - this really provides some really great sonic options.

[@emilyharpist]

Honestly it really is!

[@MattTee1975]

@@emilyharpist Like, just some subtle vibrato makes the harp sound even more interesting, but not "gimmicky".

[@wattlesplays]

ohhh the VIBES are insane with this one

[@8unnylover]

why hello wattles

[@bricelory9534]

Okay, this is absolutely way cooler and more musical than I expected - truly great on harp! I feel like this is one of the best uses of whammy I've heard (at least that I'm aware of!). It actually makes me really like Whammy! Really beautiful, and I think it fits your musical style like a glove!

[@emilyharpist]

Thanks so much Bryce! I agree, I’m trying to find a way to mount it permanently! 😂 it really is amazing when you get the hang of it!

[@bricelory9534]

@@emilyharpist that's a scary proposition on such a lovely instrument! But well worth it I think! And think of all the conversation starters 😂

[@sparkyguitar0058]

You're an amazing musician when you can take whatever noise and make it musical.

[@wolvetica]

Honestly the lofi vibes are real, can we get an album of this

[@emilyharpist]

yes!! hopefully this Friday! 🥰❤️

[@Shadowmech88]

@@emilyharpist Did you ever end up releasing an album/full song that utilized this? The Virtual Jeff album on your Bandcamp only has a couple of 1-minute songs on it, so I'm not sure if that's it, or just a demo/proof of concept.

[@ViktorSarge]

Out of all the people who have done videos of the virtual whammy bar thing you're the one who immediately found a musical use for it. People generally just mess around with it and do random dive bombs for quite a bit lol. Ampero switch was a really cool bonus, I've got a huge weakness for octaver style sounds and hearing that on a harp was awesome.

[@randybrown8872]

I started with Little Wing XD but my whammy bar isn't digital

[@noyd4172]

I've been looking for a way to take Jeff on the road with me, but I've only ever known a real-world Jeff, who is large and needy (water, food, air, etc.) Kevin-mounted effects are the new meta, and I for one am happy to see the return of Thermae thanks for sharing your adventures in swooping pitches and preserving finishes :)

[@sov777]

Virtual Kevin™ full effects board HYPE😎

[@shaihulud4515]

Incredible! I know, a lot of people actually would reach for a synthesizer to get this sound done; but Emily is using the real thing with a WHAMMY!!! I think this is highly creative!

[@almightytreegod]

Hey, my name is Jeff…. And I totally thought I was real. This thing is badass

[@denimchicken104]

2:40 this is actually really super cool!

[@jacobrancourt2508]

I think this has been my favorite sound out of the devices and/or pedals so far.

[@MassRelayed2183]

2:37 (Leaving this here for looping purposes)

[@cactustactics]

Dang what a pro, I love how quickly you took to using it and throwing all that expression in there, feels like you've been using it for ages!

[@thegoodlookers3590]

Some absoluttely gorgeous chording! 2:00 that one got into my heart and stayed there.

[@woocifer]

Nice death's head moth. Also...as lovely as an instrument is, it's the human that brings out the magic in it. So leaving a dent here and there is just you leaving the mark of yourself on the instrument. Unsightly, sure it can be...and as beautiful as instruments are...it's still nice to leave your mark ;) In fact...I had a Strat when I was first learning to play guitar, given to me by my now departed brother. I in turn moved on from it and gave it to my friends brother. The year my brother passed away in his sleep, the guy I gave that guitar to just happened to be passing through my way...ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTRY(literally was)...and he brought me back that guitar. There's a sticker on the back, and certain dents in the wood that was like saying hello to an old friend that I was so happy was still with me. Sometimes marks are important :)

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

Yes, as with most treasured items, "initiations" seem inevitable. 💖🙌😺

[@jasonbates2687]

Single-handedly bringing harp back in style.

[@thenameless3271]

That was so beautiful, maybe my favorite piece you've done so far! Pitch is such a expressive thing, and even though you can add it in post, it's so wonderful to hear it done in real-time! Give my regards to _the small creature_ and don't trust what Big Food tells us about the wonder that is silica gel.

[@tomemaster1744]

Came from the Horrible Comment Response video… Stayed to learn about music and appreciate how cool a Harp sounds with a Whammy Bar. Also Whammy Dog is so Cyberpunk.

[@vesuvius2444]

Kevin is my favorite musician. 10/10 would be in a band with them.

[@virginiagerardi2056]

Naptha on ANY finish is a YIPES situation. It dissolves not only adhesive, but will soften and eventually remove the paint. That said, I love how tech savvy and delighted you are by new sounds and effects. MY musical brother, who has passed on, was always pushing the edge and showing me his latest tunes and gadgets. I can continue to enjoy that musical journey by tuning in to your channel.

[@jadefalcon001]

What absolutely FLOORS me is how Emily bolts on this new kit, and so swiftly has incorporated it into a fantastic new piece leveraging this new functionality. I am absolutely blown away.

[@kingfisher7960]

She glued it to a dog

[@ZetaCarinae]

I think this is really cool, and in general you show how using technology to augment a traditional instrument opens up so many expressive possibilities.

[@BazilRat]

There's a joy in your eyes when you're hearing all this for the first time that's actually quite beautiful.

[@DeanofMachines]

I love watching your thought process pan out as you toy with new equipment. Thank you for bringing us along!

[@f33rcetv34]

Theres something so mesmerising and cathartic watching musicians playing like this

[@flutechannel]

it's whammy whoopie time!

[@ajanator5263]

more instrumentalists need to start embracing technology like this, the amount of possibilities with this are endless

[@Bassitude723]

Praise be to Virtual Kevin and his little sweater This is such a cool product and such a well made demo. Well done guys!

[@conblurgh]

Using it rhythmically like that was so good!

[@beastabuelos6421]

I really like that it can pitch down and up, that's very cool

[@Bobert-Rob]

So yeah, I wasn't expecting to subscribe to the channel like I did. But during the live stream I was watching, you played Canon and that's a weakness of mine, so I went ahead. I'd seen another video, the voice box one you did, and liked it. But the quality both of the video production and your improv humor style is really something to behold. I really enjoy it, plus it's informative as hell. Like, what the hell? You keep flexing talent like this and you'll break that poor Harp. Sheesh! And that's not even mentioning how cool the Harp as an instrument is already. Like, come on. COME ON. QUALITY. OVERLOAD.

[@emilyharpist]

hahah THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I'm so glad you're enjoying the channel; it's a pleasure to have you here with us!! 🥰❤️ I really appreciate the kind words!

[@Bobert-Rob]

@@emilyharpist Well it's all your fault! You and your high quality... well, frankly, EVERYTHING. Like, every video I see I have to watch, and I find another thing about your work to enjoy. It's not bad enough that I've always enjoyed the harp, but I also enjoy absurdity, experimental music, banter, willingness to try anything, a love for dogs... Needless to say, I'm thoroughly impressed. You earned your success!

[@Ryousake]

This is sick! I'm here for this! I didn't expect the whammy to have so many options or be so interesting musically :O awesome!

[@Ryousake]

Kevin is also incredible and versatile! :O

[@alrizo1115]

love the whammy making a higher octave effect. It feels like sipping your hot coffee while watching the sunset. There's only the sound and smell of the ocean breeze in the background with some birds chirping.

[@ericm8811]

Hey Emily Hopkins and Russ! I woke up this morning and wham there was an awesome harp whammy vid to start my day! I was watching it when wham it got even better as Kevin was whamied! Try an art store to find a felt pen that matches the harp finish so Russ's over enthusiastic scraping will be less prominent! Ride ride ride!

[@emilyharpist]

Hey Eric M! Thanks for being epic! Ride ride ride!

[@JustPlayItLoud]

Absolutely LOST IT at seeing Virtual Kevin

[@vgaportauthority9932]

Call the manufacturer of the harp, ask them to send you a lil bottle of paint. Lots of manufacturers of all sorts of stuff from bikes to cars to instruments to appliances are really cool about stuff like this. Especially higher end manufacturers who rely on happy customers.

[@Davepotnoodle]

I knew this would be good. I didn't realise how good.

[@MQFahey]

Virtual Jeff+Harp+Emily's playing is captivating. But there is a certain I don't know what that virtual Kevin adds which Is fully mesmerizing.

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@Matthew Fahey, Yeah, like, "I don't dare bust a move!" 😛😹💖🙌😺

[@DeformedDevices]

You add so much to the world of music. Using different instruments and effects thst were never designed for it helps us all think about our music differently.

[@seanwick1076]

Emily is a trend setta! Now that you've been seen with a whammy on your harp, all the harpist will be doing it 😂 And don't get me started on virtual Kevin!

[@emilyharpist]

It really changes the game for harpists!

[@johncanada8334]

OMG truly wonderful- Thanks!!And to Kevin too! :)

[@thecakeisalie7070]

That Imogen Heap vibe from the octave up setting.

[@Djiggity]

This was really really cool. It’s awesome when someone who’s just messing around with a new pedal just sounds so good and fluid. Very enjoyable.

[@5UBL4H]

Really cool. A tech wizard needs to invent something that fits to the hand that would allow fine control over that effect without impeding the ability to pluck the strings. Also good because you wouldn't have to take your hands away from the strings to use it, or need to mount it on your instrument.

[@haxenheimer9707]

I think the source audio hot hand might fit that description

[@mjkhan9664]

This is tickling something in my brain, like hearing it together with a beat just lifted my soul and all my serotonin levels

[@Brumata]

Dang! That was way cooler than I expected. Maybe a little confusing, but cool! 😎

[@pandarico5182]

2:12 , First timer here, I don’t know much but I do know this is my fav new tune. Amazing!

[@lilac_slate]

This is one of my favourite devices I’ve heard you use, amaaazing sounds!

[@artbk]

This is what I thought you'd ne doing in the whammy pedal video. So satisfying to see it happening and I knew the songs would be just ace!

[@Blue_Camera_Cat]

Its always really cool to see new and unique ways of adding expression to your music, great video!

[@alexiosanest]

one of the coolest things i have heard in a long time! you are amazing

[@BatmanWangChung]

Virtual Jeff really impressed me omg! Very neat trippy sounds with the Harp!

[@emilyharpist]

Isn’t it epic?! I’m surprised how well it paired with the harp!

[@1Sariat5]

I think the harp is one of the coolest and most beautiful instruments out there! This is a really cool addition to it as well :D I have huge respect for anyone learning to play pretty much any instrument, let alone such a cool one

[@herr0zeit]

You've turned your lever harp into a pedle harp! With just one pedle! I can't wait to see you play around with it on the live streams.

[@michaelfox1432]

I just put a Virtual Jeff on my harp at Christmas. I took a pen and took the ink/ball point out and taped the empty shell to whammy to extend the bar. For a harp as large as yours you might look at a small diameter PVC tube to get it so wherever you are playing the bar is accessible. On guitar you almost always bend up but I found for my harp that I bend down, hit the string, then control the return to the note that i want and that seemed to feel more natural and sound better.

[@anthonyagins7872]

Sounds like lofi harp lol good stuff! Keep creating awesome new sounds! You’re really doing great 👍 it inspires me to be different and keep trying to do new things 😊

[@LadyandHerCrazyCats]

You are a master. Incredible the way you can so quickly learn to adapt and use these neat tools with your instrument.

[@kennyrosenyc]

You're insane! Not like Joker insane, but that 'quiet person who would put a whammy bar on a harp' kind of insane. And I love it! LOL Keep it up!

[@ShortsForThoughts123]

3:00 what!! Such a tune!!

[@aiaiaaooe]

How are we even awake rn you'd think we'd be... ✨ out of gas ✨ after last night's stream-- thought y'all would need a *break*! This actually sounds so awesome, I didn't think that it was actually possible to get this smooth and realistic of bending. Whammy harp, made from scratch-- the 2024 we need

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@Aidan, It was, especially, fun at the end_wasn't it?! 😹💖🙌😺

[@blessedheavyelements8544]

Hey Lady. You bring me joy watching you smile and laugh and my heart feels happy and young. All guitarists look the same way the first time they have an experience with a whammy/trem. I would have launched if my finish had been gouged like that. Your restraint is Legendary :) Best Regards and Best Wishes for 2023!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

Well, we don't know what went on behind the scenes. 😱🙏 💖🙌😺

[@eduliborio8]

This sounds really amazing! What a great tool!

[@BurpinElmo]

I truly loved when I heard this snippet on TikTok (2:38) and glad to hear a little longer version even if only for a few more seconds.

[@emilyharpist]

There’s a longer version on my Bandcamp!! 🥰❤️

[@andyleach3625]

@@emilyharpist could you perhaps tell us the name of the track?

[@skylarkessler9805]

This is very neat! I bet there's tons you'll be able to do with that!

[@hawtenslaton4307]

This shows that anything can be added to the harp! Love the melody too, she is so inspiring!

[@dinopanda_sql]

What a clever approach! Keep it bendy, yo.

[@sov777]

He'll ye'ah🙌😎 Bendy AF

[@dereklundblad]

This is why I keep coming back, funny, cool products, fun, puppers, cool songs, love the track!

[@emilyharpist]

Thanks so much Derek!

[@chadmwest]

I had a hard time keeping that kind of plant alive, too! I was told they were easy to take care of, but I was lied to!

[@emilyharpist]

lmfao WHY IS IT SO HARD TO TAKE CARE OF PLANTS?!?

[@WhiskeyTape]

0:42 For some reason I expected the next phrase to be: "And we still can't get it off."

[@scapegoatiscariot2767]

First video of you I saw was the one with the Wawa tube in your mouth. I almost baptized the living room in coffee. You were absolutely hilarious. You got my vote. ♥️👍

[@terminalglimmer]

Jesus Christ, I was screaming NOOoooo at the screen when she popped the bag of silica gel for real ADHADHASDsa

[@GuitarJawn]

02:43 changed my life

[@emilyharpist]

Honestly same

[@thaphreak]

For what it's worth, I use those 3M Command Strips to put things on stuff I don't want damaged. They always comes off with a nice slow pull on the tab no residue no damage, I trim the tab down and use a sharpie to make it black.

[@acledfloyd]

I love this channel

[@emilyharpist]

This channel loves you

[@JOrtizDrum]

That’s friggin awesome.

[@dainhamilton7746]

Does it sound strange at all hearing the blend of the natural pitch of the harp and the detuned pitch at the same time? I'd imagine it makes some weird dissonance Edit: Oh my word I just finished the video, you answered that. I'm silly

[@dainhamilton7746]

Maybe it'd be more tolerable listening through closed headphones?

[@emilyharpist]

Only with the virtual capo! Otherwise it sounds totally fine, barely noticeable and a little more “chorus-y” - kind of like the blend function is always on!

[@pitapitapitapita]

Appreciate having the answer in the comments! Such a cool effect

[@DJBuglip]

You encounter that with a Variax too. You'll switch into an open tuning, say for slide, and if you can still hear the ambient noise of the strings in the room you'll be WAY out of tune. It takes some practice to get used to just listening to the amplified signal at low volumes. Of course, when you crank it you'll only hear the amp.

[@showmeyourskeletons]

@@DJBuglip was going to say i ran in to this all the time with the variax. great kit but makes your brain hurt trying to play with that tuning clash!

[@blazepond5518]

sick, it sounds like some lo fi effects pedals, looks fun

[@remicardona_poly]

googly eyes over the scratched finish 👀

[@emilyharpist]

Omg YES!

[@dethengine]

I guess some of it might be the magic of editing, but I am nonetheless impressed with how quickly you were able to incorporate the whammy into the music you played. It was amazing and beautiful. And to me, a little scratch in the finish just adds a touch of charm and story to anything.

[@1ups_15]

tbh I don't mind my instruments getting scratches, I just think it makes them tell a story, like how you installed a wammy bar on your harp for example 😅

[@brycec42]

Found myself saying "wtf that sounds so rad " so many times through the video.

[@davidcunningham5485]

I thought I was happy with my Whammy, but Virtual Kevin™ proved me wrong ❤️

[@bartliff]

An amzing invention and it works so well with the harp, the potential is limitless imo.

[@paw_wall]

You should try gaffers tape! It sticks well, easy to peel off, and doesn't leave any residue (assuming you don't leave it on for many months like I sometimes do).

[@MrSunlander]

cool whammy bar, unphased mobile pooch with whammy bar saddle, dead plant..... so cool to see all the exploration..... Harp on!

[@thelongspring]

Awesome! Now we need some shoegaze-style harp jams

[@emilyharpist]

Coming in February :)

[@madarab37]

Hey I just saw that people are saying your nose ring is 'inappropriate'. These are probably the same people that who said putting an effects pedal on a harp is 'inappropriate'. Forget the haters. You do you, Emily :)

[@keithsquawk]

Was hoping you could use it as an expression controller as well. I supposed you could if you remapped the MIDI but that involves more messing about with boxes.

[@emilyharpist]

If there’s a way to remap the MIDI, I will definitely try it and either post an update or include in a future video! I couldn’t find a way how to, but please let me know if there’s a way to do it

[@keithsquawk]

@@emilyharpist So far the only stuff I've seen is remapping in a DAW - I assume you can them send it out from there once remapped.

[@Sursie_Metzger]

Now I need one of these for my Grand Harpsicle for the hell of it, because the chaos I could create is virtually endless 😂

[@rams6702]

someone get emily that bag of edible silica gel packets that vsauce has

[@emilyharpist]

the WHAT

[@itsregal]

That first test play with the beat has not left my mind since you posted it over on tiktok. it's SO GOOD.

[@robyndawnhannigan]

Emily put pedal mods on everything…. a harp… and even Kevin, her dog. You’re epic Emily. i hope he’s okay though.🎉

[@emilyharpist]

HAHAH he is totally okay!! he was such a good sport with that, and I made 100% sure the painter's tape we used to hold VJP in place was only placed on the fabric of his Christmas sweater, not attached anywhere on his fur! ❤️

[@adamstrudwick9384]

Your videos and music show how traditional art forms can seemlessly and beautifully marry with modern technology to create something new and unique and exciting. Thank you

[@silkbirdmusic]

That was SOOOOOO cool!!!! Now I want one!! Also so sorry about the harp! I’m watching on my phone and I literally can’t see any scratches for whatever that’s worth! My harps are all full of scratches and dings from various things, and I badly dinged my dream harp like two or three days after I got it, like down deep into the wood, and tried to fix it myself and ended up taking a ton of the finish off and then had to part with it for weeks to get it restrained and fixed and I cringe whenever I think about it. I literally had a conversation with my harp apologizing to it and asking it to forgive me lol. I promise it will be okay! 💝💝💝 Maybe you could just leave the whammy bar on because it’s SO COOL!! Not sure if that keeps it from fitting in the case though. Amazing video and digital Kevin is the best!!

[@sov777]

🫂💖🕊️

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@SilkBird Music, New to this whole gig with Emily and Russ, and enjoying it. Just subbed to your channel, looking forward to watching/listening. Love, Light, and Blessings. 🙏😇✨💫🌱🌿🌻🐝🌳🌎💖🙌😺

[@saltspringdesign]

I love how creative, playful and experimental you are with your instrument. thx for sharing your journey!

[@SheldonBird]

V i r t u a l K e v i n

[@sov777]

M O A R 😲

[@dbeast03]

Might be just a bit obscure/specific. But as soon as I heard the whammy, something reminded me of the Ultrakill soundtrack. Not sure what it is, but this feels like an effect that doesn't belong in a normal context, but the whammy sorta gives me the same vibes as that game's more chill music. This has got to be my favorite effect I've heard on a harp in a while, I'd love to see some more blends of whammy + bit crusher, distortion, honestly just about anything feels like it'd be good w/the whammy.