Paddy Tuned Hohner Low F Rocket Harmonica

Hello Harp Techs, have you ever played a Paddy Tuned harmonica? For Blues players it is a wonderful segue into learning how to play the “missing” notes in perfect pitch (read: in tune). In 1994 our friend Brendan Power--a master of alternate tunings, originally created the Paddy tuned diatonic harmonica to easily navigate the myriad of notes found in Irish songs. The advantages of the Paddy tuning for diatonic harmonicas are numerous (my examples refer to: C diatonic harmonica):

1. For many 2nd Position (Cross Harp) players, the three blow reed “G” is considered redundant; and therefore unnecessary, preferring to play the “G” on the two draw reed. For the out-of-the box Richter tuned diatonic harmonica, this means to play an “A” note in the lower register of the harmonica, the player must be proficient in bending techniques. The “A” note lives in hiding and only comes out to play as a whole step bend in the third hole. For the Paddy Tuned harmonica, the “A” note is simply a breath away

2. For many players, learning to master the Bb “in-tune” is a lifelong endeavor. On the Paddy Tuned harmonica, it only requires rudimentary bending skills. The reason for this is because the 3 Blow/A note is closer in scale degrees to the 3 Draw/B. The player now has a pitch perfect “Bb” note available on the 3 Draw bend! Compare this to the player with a standard Richter tuned diatonic harmonica that has a 3 Blow/G note, and therefore, the spread (scale degrees) of notes between the Blow 3 and Draw 3 are greater. The harmonica player is challenged with three draw bends on the third hole. Including; Bb, A and Ab. 

How does the Paddy tuning compare to the Lee Oskar Melody Maker tuning

There is no confusing the Paddy tuning with the Lee Oskar Melody Maker, because the Paddy tuning does not alter the 5&9 draw reeds from “F to F#”, like the LO/MM. The inspiration behind the Lee Oskar Melody Maker tuned harmonicas was to enable the 2nd Position player to play Major tuned songs without any bending techniques required. Raising the 5 draw ½ step is essential to laying out a “Major Scale” on a diatonic harmonica.

Can Blues Players use the Lee Oskar Melody Maker?

Yes, but will only work if the player replaces the “F#” on the 5 draw with the draw bent (½ step) “F”

The LO/MM is wonderful for players who play single note melodies in 2nd position with songs written in Major keys, because bending techniques are not required! The player is ALWAYS in tune. For example, with the LO/MM, to play in the song key of G, the major scale would be: 

• Draw 2   Low {G} 

• Blow 3+ {A}

• Draw 3   {B}

• Blow 4+ {C}

• Draw 4   {D}

• Blow 5+ {E}

• Draw 5   {F#}

• Blow 6+ Mid {G} 

On my bench today is a Hohner LOW “F” Rocket. Great for playing 2nd position in Song Key: C or 3rd position in Song Key: Gm. The customer requested this harmonica be retrofitted from the original Richter tuning to the Paddy tuning. This means, the #3 Blow reed needs to be raised one whole step, from the current pitch of “C” to “D”

Unmistakable with it’s Aqua Blue ABS indexed comb and new cover plates.

Astute Harp Techs will notice aside the new artwork on the cover plates and the colorized of the comb, the Rocket Low is built on the Hohner workhorse; the Special 20

Remove the Pozi machine screw fasteners using the Wiha Pozi drive screwdriver (262/PZ 1x60)

The #3 Blow reed matches the #2 Draw reed: “C”

My target is to raise the pitch one whole step: “D”

I rely heavily on this battery operated non-evasive buffer tool for tuning harmonica reeds https://www.micromark.com/MicroLux-Roto-Buffer_2

With my left fingers, I support the upper part of the reed from turning on its axis; and the reed plinking tool (shim). With my right fingers, I hold the buffing tool like a pencil (alright-a FAT pencil). The buffing tip smoothly removes metal from the free end of the reed. I test frequently to see how close I am to reaching the desired “D” pitch

The next step is to set the zero point gap of all 20 reeds, using the brass lined pliers https://www.micromark.com/Parallel-Jaw-Brass-Lined-Plier

Sizing all the reed slots (aka, embossing, burnishing) is next

I like to size 75% to 80% of the reed slot. Next step will be to set the reed profiles (gapping)

Next, super tune all 20 reeds to “Compromised Just” tuning. I’m using the MasterHarp Tuning Table. Available from John Ingham of MasterHarp

https://masterharp.com/

Reattach the reed plate and cover plate fasteners

Ron, you are going to love your new Hohner Rocket Low F!

Your Harpsmith, Kinya