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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

About Consistency in harp choice

1 reply [Last post]
Fri, 07/01/2016 - 11:37
Sophros
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Joined: 06/22/2016

Hi David,

First thank you for the quality of the teaching. I'm on on one month trial lesson but will certainly go on :)

I'm absolute beginner with the proper way of tongue playing harmonica (am a Bb horn player).

I purchased C, A, and Bb Special 20 models. I started Lesson one (LOA) and enjoy the learning. Now as days go, we are more and more aware about what can be done. I watched with great interest video Getting to Know Your Harmonica (Harp Tech Study 1).

I understand that my special 20 has a 'Just Intonation' tuning. Which is not the best if you want to play note to note beside playing chord. Ok for the blues (bluesy notes :).  The Crossover has a 'Compromised Just Intonation' tuning which is better for both melody and chording.

I'm planning to buy extra harps (G, D, Eb) and Crossover seem better choice.

Would you recommend to stick to one model or can we mix Special 20 and Crossover?

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Fri, 07/01/2016 - 14:36
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Thank you Sophros, I'm glad

Thank you Sophros, I'm glad you're enjoying the site.

Generally this is getting a bit too picky... most players will choose a harmonica for its playability first.

The Crossover in my opinion is the best harmonica out of the box made today and am happy to play it for all applications. Special 20's are good harmonicas for the money, but if you don't mind spending the money, go for the Crossover.

If you get into working on your own harmonicas then you can modify the intonation of it if it bothers you. We generally prefer Compromised-Just, which is what the Special 20 is... it's rare to play just single notes in a song (so a harmonica that has smoother-sounding chords is prefered)... and even then, the slight difference between temperments is not enough to hear with single notes.

Keep the questions coming and best wishes on your studies.

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