hi I have been playing for a while on and of because of exams and I was wondering what is the best key and make of harmonica to go onto after my Honner special 20 in C?
Also does anybody know of an small microphone that fits in the hand because I wah wah when I am playing and a good small amp to start of with?
There is a lot of info in the MBH archives. I went back 2500 threads when I first discovered this site. [I would not expect anyone else to go to that extreme.] Here is a fairly recent one on key choices after C.
Someone here turned me on to the Akai DM-13 and I haven't looked back except for the possibility of modifying it by swapping the cord for a 1/4 jack and adding a volume control. Works great with the Memphis Mini amp.
The Special 20 is a good harp at a good price point. There are different things you can look for. Sound-wise, open or closed back harps and side vents can make a difference, (the Hohner Marine Band has both an fairly open back and side vents, to my ear the Sp20 is warmer and the MB is brighter). There is also something called temperament. Equal Temperament harmonicas like the Golden Melody (and Lee Oskars) sound a bit more in tune when you are playing melodies but their chords sound rougher. After that, it's what feels best in your hand and on your lips.
Pretty much any diatonic harp you buy from Hohner, Seydel, Suzuki or Tombo (Lee Oskar) at the $30 and up price range should work. When you are starting out I think it's good to mix it up a bit to see what you like.
For me, the next key would be Bb, partially because a lot of Adam's videos are on a Bb, (and partially because when I sing that's where my voice fits best). I'd try something in Equal Temperament. You may not hear the difference. It took me a couple years of playing to hear it. Both the Golden Melody and the Lee Oskar are good solid, affordable harps. You could also get any Seydel harp- for a few bucks more they will make it either ET, Compromise or Just Temperament.
An A harp is useful for playing along with guitar players, so that would be a good choice too. Like JustFuya said, there are also a lot of old threads you can find on the topic. Hering is another option for a decent harp, but I'm not as familiar with their line, and finally Rockin Rons (http://rockinronsmusicsd.com/) carries the Bushman Delta Frosts which are affordable and a lot of people like. There were a lot of problems in the past with supply issues and harps not showing up from Bushman, but buying through Ron takes away the worry.
Me personally, if money wasn't the issue, I'd have a full set of Seydels. Since money is an issue I have a few Seydels, a few Hohners and a bunch of Lee Oskars. They all play pretty well.
Stick with the SP-20 for a while, Get to know this harp in several keys before putting unknowns into the learning process. Those are good harps. Other keys, A, D, Eb, F, Bb,?? Depends on what you play.. Small mic? Possibly a lavaliere. A Shaker mic fits in the hand between the fingers. I think there is 2 models. There are all kinds of small amps suitable for harp. Collage guy, maybe a Pignose, Fender Champ, Kalamazoo (somewhat fragile), Crate 508, Crate V5,. IMO tube amps sound better but small SS might be better for the scene you are in. Old tube amps are really cool and fun to learn about. You have a buddy who is going for an EE deg? Just KEEP PLAYIN...BN
@ Scotty16, This guy is playing a Green Bullet thru a Pignose. Banjo thru another Pignose. I think the model is 7-100?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-4AtRyCQBc
Last Edited by Barley Nectar on Feb 26, 2015 5:38 PM
I,d get an A harp next. The microvox harmonica mic is a great little mic that slips between your fingers (you will need the power pack as well) Hobgoblin music and eagle music sell them.Depends where you live as to availability I suppose. The vht special 6 is great value and even cheaper is the harley benton ga5 ..both tube amps. Heres a video of Frank, who used to post regularly on here,playing through a microvox.
thank you for the help, Shakeylee I live un the uk/ England and if any of the amps and mics are on amazon iu will be able to acces them as well. thnakyou so much for the quick response.
