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Chromatic Vs. Diatonic

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Mon, 10/28/2013 - 15:48
Homer
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Hi Winslow...Is it generally accepted that playing a chromatic harp is very different than playing a diantonic.  I am specifically referring to the amount of air required to get decent volume.  I recently purchased a Hohner 270 Deluxe, and after adjusting the the gap on holes one and two, I am still finding that it requires more air than a diatonic.  Before I adjusted the gap, I found holes one and two were choking on both blow and draw if I blew too hard.

 

Homer.

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Tue, 11/05/2013 - 05:45
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Expert Winslow Yerxa
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Chromatic air use and volume

Chromatic generally requires a less aggressive attack than a diatonic, but a similar amount of air.

Reed adjustment is not the only potential factor in air usage. Other include:

  • Presence or absence of reed valves (presence is much, much better)
  • Airtightness of fit between reedplates and comb (which have a much larger contact surface on chromatics and hence more potential for air leakage)
  • Airtightness in the mouthpiece/slide assembly and in the assembly's mating with the body of the harmonica

The easiest thing to check is the tighntess of the mouthpiece screw at the left end of the harp (nearest Hole 1). This should be as tight as possible without affecting the freedom of the slide to move in and out.

 

 

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Tue, 11/05/2013 - 09:44
#2
Homer
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I'll Check the Screws

Thanks, Winslow.  I will check the screws.  Usually I play an OTB Special 20, so I think I am used to that kind of air-tightness.  Seems to be a significant difference.

 

Homer.

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