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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
the key, the brand... and the model :/
the key, the brand... and the model :/
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Yunusuu
11 posts
Nov 17, 2012
4:24 PM
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Hello Friends :)
I want to ask a question.. from the same brand and model of any harp is there differences on quality? like tone and respond of each key of the harmonica is tuned to? and if yes I want to get a harmonica in the key of Eb and F and i want to know what is the best brand of each of them. BtW i cant buy an expensive harp :D Thanks to all of you.
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Nisei
17 posts
Nov 17, 2012
7:54 PM
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Let me see if I understand your question...
If the brand is the same and the model is the same, what is different about the key? For example, if I have a Hohner Golden Melody in G and Hohner Golden Melody in F, how are they different?
Well, generally, it's harder to cleanly and clearly bend draw notes with lower keys (A, G, anything marked Low). Also, the reeds move a little slower so its a little harder to play quickly. But blow bends are relatively easy, and many people like low harmonicas for rhythmic, chordal playing.
Higher keys (E, F, anything marked High) can be squeaky, especially the upper register. Blow bends are harder to achieve, but draw bends are easier.
I like my Golden Melody in F. If that's too expensive, try a Big River.
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nacoran
6207 posts
Nov 17, 2012
10:43 PM
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Most of the brand/models are pretty good in the standard keys. When you get down into the lower harps some models sometimes get some reed rattle on the low reed. Whatever model harp you like should be fine for Eb and F (assuming you are talking about regular F, not low F, which some people prefer).
That said, on higher harps like the F you might be more likely to be playing mostly melody instead of chugging, in which case you might want an Equal Tuned harps. Lee Oskars and Golden Melodies and most Suzukis (except the Manji) are Equal Tuned. On lower harps where you think you'll be playing chugging lines you might lean more towards a Compromise Tuned/Just Tuned Harp. The difference is ET harps sound a little better on melodies but their chords sound rougher.
If you are just building your collection, I think it's worth experimenting with different models and makers to find what you like best. For the price, I buy Lee Oskars, but a lot of people don't like them. Seydel's 1847 is supposed to be a great harp, as well as Hohner's Golden Melody, Special 20, and Marine Band Crossover. Suzuki's top model is the Manji.
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Nate
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Komuso
107 posts
Nov 18, 2012
1:10 AM
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Best price/performance ratio is Lee Oskar imo.
With respect to tunings and dissonance it's all in the mind and culture;-) This is an interesting recent article from Nature:
Why dissonant music strikes the wrong chord in the brain
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Paul Cohen aka Komuso Tokugawa
HarpNinja - Your harmonica Mojo Dojo
Bringing the Boogie to the Bitstream
Last Edited by on Nov 18, 2012 1:10 AM
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Pistolcat
330 posts
Nov 18, 2012
2:02 AM
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Keys from D and up have shorter reed slots (exception: some (all?) seydel models). High key harps feel toyish compared to a lower key due to this. I have been favouring my sp20 lately above my crossovers and mb deluxes. And that is besides their lower costs.
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Pistolkatt - Pistolkatts youtube
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