Tnfishdaddy
1 post
Mar 27, 2012
2:10 PM
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Figured I would introduce myself. I am a 44 year old father of two boys. My 10 year old is learning to play the guitar while my 8 year old is learning the mandolin. Figured I needed an instrument. Wasn't sure what until this weekend. Went to visit my dad who is not doing very well. 88 years old and battling cancer. Growing up, I listened to my dad play the harmonica but never had any interest in learning. I asked dad if he still played. He said he hadn't in a while. He then instructed me to get a box out of his closet. Inside was 25-30 harmonicas. I asked to borrow one for the day. Not sure if I can learn to play or not but figured it would be nice to play with my dad while I still can. Not sure what kind I want to buy yet and that is what lead me to this site. Dad has several different boxes full of Hohner and he said he enjoyed them all. Any recommendations? I was thinking Marine Band but wasn't sure.
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MJ
397 posts
Mar 27, 2012
2:16 PM
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Welcome aboard. I too first heard a lot of harmonica from my Dad. I still have one of his Hohner Marine bands. Good memories.
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eharp
1769 posts
Mar 27, 2012
3:06 PM
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welcome.
i wish your dad well in his fight.
besides sentimental value, his harps may be worth something.
just a heads up so you dont trash them.
take it slow and easy and enjoy the journey of learning the harp.
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WestVirginiaTom
52 posts
Mar 27, 2012
3:34 PM
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Welcome to the club! I started playing just before I turned 50. (I'm 52 now.) So you are starting out young!
Don't worry too much about what harp to play. If you are like me, it will take you a couple years before you settle on a favorite make/model. Unless you are musically gifted, they will all sound like crap for a few months!
Here are what I would consider quality entry-level harps:
Suzuki: Harpmaster or Bluesmaster
Seydel: Blues Session or Solist Pro
Hohner: Special 20 or Marine Band
I believe all of the above are in the $35-40 range. I would stay away from cheaper models because they will just frustrate you.
I would advise starting out with keys C, A, and Bb (in that order).
Good luck!
Hope your dad gets better soon.
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Greyowlphotoart
990 posts
Mar 27, 2012
3:38 PM
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Welcome and an interesting first post. That's a nice opportunity to look at your Dad's harps. As far as recommendations go I would stick with Hohners at first as a nice connection to your Dad's preference.
The Marine band is a harp with a great tone and is still very popular, however it would not necessarily be the easiest or most comfortable harp to play as the finish on them can be a bit slapdash. Also the wooden comb is prone to swelling over time.
I would recommend a Hohner Special 20 as they have a plastic comb and are easier/ more comfortable to play. They have a decent tone as well and they are around the same price as the MB.
Of course the selection is vast these days and you can spend a lot more money on certain models.
Get one in the key of C as lots of free online lessons use this key and you can play along with the tutor.
If you intend to learn from Adam's videos, I think he uses harmonicas in the key of Bb a lot.
I have many different types of harmonicas now from different manufacturers and like your Dad, I like them all although I do have my favourites.
It would be interesting to know your Dad's favourite Harmonica. Wishing him all the best.
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Grey Owl YouTube
Grey Owl Abstract Photos
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tookatooka
2867 posts
Mar 27, 2012
3:37 PM
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Welcome. If you are up for the challenge, you'll enjoy it. Harp is easy to play if you just want to play simple melodies but if you want to play blues harp, get ready for an enjoyable shock.
It's like fishing. You hold the rod and catch tiddlers but then someone tells you, if you want to catch the really big fish, you need to learn to fish by holding the other end of the rod.
Same with the harp.
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Hobostubs Ashlock
1765 posts
Mar 27, 2012
3:50 PM
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Howdy,i bet it would be cool to jam with your kids,glad you stoped on in
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Hobostubs
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Tnfishdaddy
2 posts
Mar 27, 2012
8:14 PM
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Thanks for the welcome everyone. Got home this evening and unpacked. Turns out dad stuck a Marine Band in my suitcase. I really wished I had taken some pictures of all his harmonicas. He wasn't feeling well so I didn't ask to see everything. The box I got into had a set of Golden Melody's and a bunch of old chromatics. He has been at it a long time. Next time I visit, I will see if I can get a list of everything or get a picture or two. Look forward to learning a little something here.
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Ant138
1170 posts
Mar 27, 2012
11:04 PM
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Welcome aboard. Greetings from North Wales:o)
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http://www.youtube.com/user/fiendant?feature=mhum
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harpdude61
1330 posts
Mar 28, 2012
3:17 AM
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Welcome! I noticed your handle...could we be in the same part of TN? I'm in Kingsport.
Cool that your dad has a variety of harps. GM is my harp of choice.
Good luck on your journey!
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Tnfishdaddy
3 posts
Mar 28, 2012
6:09 AM
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@Harpdud61, We are neighbors. I am in Greeneville. Small world. So who locally sells harmonicas?
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harpdude61
1331 posts
Mar 28, 2012
8:52 AM
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Hey..I've been called harpDUD on the forum before...lol
If I'm ordering out of the box harps, I either go Rockin Ron or Musicians Friend. You will save a few bucks and probably get a newer harp by ordering.
I've played at Ella's with Jimmie D a couple times.
Drop me a line..harpdude61@yahoo
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Tnfishdaddy
4 posts
Mar 28, 2012
9:42 AM
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Whoops, email sent.
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
759 posts
Mar 28, 2012
7:09 PM
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Being an internet dealer, obviously I'm gonna say "get them on the internet," but seriously compare the prices and availability of harmonicas that aren't Hohners if you want to try something that isn't a Hohner.
I'm a third generation harper myself.
If you're 8 year old is playing mandolin, I'm assuming there's a chance there is some bluegrass involved. Is that right? By all means, do, I mean do, learn chord rhythm, it's the first thing I teach my students. You can start playing with other people right away, just chord on the 2 and 4.
Your chords are in cross harp, second position. That means when playing in the key of G, you'll have a C harp. Your G chord is any combination of three notes at 1-4 draw, G7 is 2,3,4 draw. Your C chord is any three notes on the blow and your D chord, just hit a D note for that for now, the D chord is usually quick in passing. If the VI chord comes up (the usual minor chord, in G it's an Em), play only 1 and 2 blow. That's two thirds of the chord, the band is playing the entire chord, so it works.
The rest might be confusing, but keep in mind, work on hitting an 1 and 4 draw octave for later. That's where you put your mouth over holes 1 through 4 and put your tongue over 2 and 3 to block them so you only play the 1 and the 4 draw.
Now I used to play the octave for my D chord, but lately I just switch to another harmonica for that chord, so I've got at least two harmonicas in my hands when I play.
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David
Elk River Harmonicas
Elk River Harmonicas on Facebook
"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." - Lewis Grizzard
"Also, drinking homemade beer." - David Payne
Last Edited by on Mar 28, 2012 7:10 PM
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