The OctaHarp Selectable: two diatonics inline, an octave apart. In single-harp mode the front harp plays exactly like a normal blues harp, with all the typical bending and expression. But you can instantly switch to playing it as an octave harmonica - it's truly two great harps in one! Check out the video to hear it in action:
In my experience, when I've put standard and low-range harmonicas from the same manufacturer inline they play well in tune, because at the factory they are tuned to the same tuning scheme. But occasionally fine-tuning for pure octaves may be required. For the tech-minded it's not difficult - here's how to do it:
I know i am going to regret asking this question...it'll prove i am a dumbass no doubt. But how does the breath get through from the harp in front into the reed chambers of the harp at the back?
@ indigo: fair question. There are through holes at the back of each chamber in the front comb. The holes on the back edge of the front comb are exactly the same size as the holes on the front edge of the rear comb. Both sets of holes are slightly narrower than the comb dividers between the holes.
In the default single harp position, the through holes in the front comb are blocked by the comb dividers on the forward edge of the rear comb. When you push the front comb to the left against the spring, the through holes line up with the holes on the rear comb and your air can travel through.
Good point on the case for this big harp Tony... I haven't looked into that yet, should do. A lot of people stack harps vertically in a case these days, so this would take the place of two harps in that arrangement, but they are a bit longer than normal diatonics. There's bound to be some good solution...
Yes, Zydeco and Cajun would be great on the Selectable :-)
