discouraging
I started to ask a question about compromised tuning verses just tuning - which would be the pick(or current pick) for mostly 2nd position blues playing, but began to read the questions and answers. So many people had issues with their harps that I began to question whether most of what was being asked was actually that significant for the vast majority of people who want to play. If it is the case that every time I pick up a harp I need worry about the 3 hole half step being a little flat,etc, etc, I think the fun will be over. Actually, I am a little depressed thinking that day after day instead of enjoying playing, i need to be learning how to tune new harps and be looking for a part time job to be able to afford custom work. But then, how will I be able to work an extra job when I will be working 24 hrs a day making sure my harps are perfectly tuned?
Thanks for the reply David. My point was that to me that there is something to be said for the enjoyment part of it and not getting so concerned with being perfect - tuning new harps was just what came up today. I noticed in many of your interviews that guys who I can only dream of playing like seem to have gotten that same feeling. Several of them readily admit ,for example, that they can't (or don't) tongue block everything and they seem not to be very concerned about not being perfect in any given approach. As for the harps, I have used Marine Band, Lee Oskar, Bushman, and Special 20's,etc. etc. I landed on Special 20's as a mainstay because of consistency and the fact that they don't pull on the mustach.
It is my understanding that the Specials are just tuning and the Seydel is compromised just. Along the lines of my thinking, is it any big deal really. If it is a big deal, that would be good to know, if it isn't ,that would be good to know too.
Yup. In the end it's what feels good in your mouth... plays well for you... and what sounds the best to you.
Bob: I wouldn't worry about what kind of tuning each brand of harp uses or whether your 3 hole half step is a little flat. Just have fun. If for some reason you're on the bandstand and your harp's flat, get it tuned. As for custom harps most guys jump into custom harps before they're ready (if they need one at all) The current OOTB harmonicas are superb. The Seydel 1847, Marine Band Crossover, Manji, Special 20 all are really good straight out of the box. And they use the same general tuning. Sure I can make a Seydel 1847 rock... and I'd love to sell more of them. But the bottom line if find a harp you like and wear it out. And have fun doing it.
The new mid-to-high-end harps really do sound nice right off the shelf. You really can't go wrong with any of them, and it becomes a matter of taste after that. I never really warmed to the Manji, but it certainly sounded great out of the box. The Crossover is too small for me, and the comb is just a bit too rough for my taste, but man it sure sounds beautiful! The Seydel 1847 is my harp of choice, but I think it is more a matter of feel for me than anything else.
Even with the quality being as high as they are, sometimes though, you just get a harp that almost plays itself. I just picked up a Bb Seydel 1847 this past week and man it really played well top to bottom! Bends just came out like butter. I don't know if it's a harp that just happens to have all the reeds set perfect, or maybe it's just in a better range for me, but I'm loving this new sandwich.
Test them all. You'll find one you like. Save the tuning and adjusting for when you feel like having a new hobby. You know, after years of playing guitar and having several in my inventory, I still don't do a lot of tweaking and modifying on my own. There's people out there who can do it a whole lot better than I. I'd rather pay and play.
Hi Bob,
I share the thoughts of all the contributors on this conversation. First and foremost, remember to enjoy the harmonica. Unless this is your vocation, you could leave the techie part of the harmonica to the Harp-Techs ... think of your harmonica as if it were your car: What is the intended result? [A] is your car a simple mode of transportation, or [B] are you a race car driver who lives for the checkered flag?
If you selected the first one, then gas up, buckle up and go Man. However, every 3k you should get your oil and filter replaced and address other wear and tear issues (e.g. windshield wiper blades). If you are skilled in general auto repairs, you can save some coin--a nice benefit. If not, you simply pay a little more and have a trained auto mechanic perform the tasks. Similar to a good harmonica, like your Hohner Special 20 (my overall favorite), you shouldn't have to dwell or stress about minor issues for many hours of playing or driving.
If you selected [B], your race car would be a vehicle that was custom built for you. The position of the seat, pedals and steering wheel would fit you like a custom signature suit. In addition, the engine, suspension and brakes would be tuned to exacting tolerances. A race car is analogous to a customized harmonica. The tuning, the response and entire sonic experience is built to order. But like the race car, as Jon Harl remarked, some players are not quite ready to take it on. Customized harmonicas tend to be unforgiving, for example, when huffing and puffing becomes excessive.
Regarding "Just Intonation" versus "Compromised Just", most players and listeners enjoy the CI tuning. This is because the 2/5 blow reeds and 3/5 draw reeds are extremely flat, and will sound waaay out of tune when playing single notes. In fact, I am only aware of one out-of-the-box harmonica that is tuned to JI tuning on purpose--the Hering 1923.
So the message again is to enjoy your harmonicas, and only experiment with different tunings and Harp-Tech stuff if it appeals to you.
"Play the notes people want to hear" © 2008
Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith
Musician & Harp-Tech
Harmonica Masterclass Workshop Instructor
MelBay's Harmonica Sessions Columnist
www.bluesharmonica.com Harp-Tech Expert
What great responses from all of you! I can tell in the middle of a song on stage if a harp has an issue - always keep two of each key we use. Sometimes I try to work with the harp the next day and sometimes I discard it or replace the reeds. These things just come with the territory and I don't get excited about it (except for the cost). What concerned me was that I might be really failing in not doing all the things I saw discussed so much. I know that very few people (if any) in an audience would ever know the difference between the playing a customized harp and one OOB, and now I will relax about this issue. THANKS TO EACH OF YOU!
I just ran across your post and thought I would chime in. The choice and quality of the harps we have now are better than they've ever been. If you spend more than $20 you're going to do just fine. Traditional blues guys use the just intonation tuning, like the Marine Band. Get the Crossover, it's a great harp.