Philosofy
790 posts
Jan 21, 2017
8:59 AM
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So, if you're going for harmonicas produced, I'm sure the key of C wins hands down, probably followed by A. But I'm wondering what the most popular keys are for the harmonica when its actually used by a musician. The customizers here probably have the best idea. What are the most popular keys of harmonicas? What would you guess the percentages are? I'm sure not many people get their F# customized!
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nacoran
9354 posts
Jan 21, 2017
11:45 AM
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I use Bb and D most. Not as good a data set as a customizer would have though.
Of course, a manufacturer would have the best data. I wonder if that's a detail they'd share or if that's a trade secret, secretly hoping their competitors will produce too many F#s and not enough Gbs.
;)
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Nate
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Bass410man
115 posts
Jan 21, 2017
12:57 PM
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I would say C, A, D, G, Bb are the most popular.
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SuperBee
4442 posts
Jan 21, 2017
1:00 PM
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When I'm doing repairs I definitely see more D harps than anything else. A is next, then C. After that it's fairly close, Bb, G, F, Eb
An audit of songs in my band sees D and A harps account for 70% of the repertoire. The A harp gets use in several 1st position numbers as well as the common E tunes. C harp is next but only 15%. Bb, F and G get 15% between them.
Previous bands have been somewhat less dominated by Song keys E and A; (I spent a couple years in a band where 90% was in G, but finale involved an Ab) but I would expect to see harp keys D, A and C at the top of most surveys
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dougharps
1341 posts
Jan 22, 2017
9:46 AM
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I would say C, A, D, & G in that order of popularity. Then F & Bb, then Eb & E.
D seems most likely to have reeds fail first. I used to blow out Ds far earlier than other keys.
With Hohners D has been the lowest commonly used key of short slot harps. I don't know that slot length affects reeds going flat, but it is a nice theory...
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Doug S.
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Goldbrick
1749 posts
Jan 22, 2017
3:05 PM
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Bobby Keys was really good but he passed away sadly. alicia keys is still out there tho and she is pretty popular
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