Rocky Harpoon
36 posts
Sep 19, 2014
10:57 PM
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What are the options for cross harp when the band de-tunes. Does it hold good that if they key say goes to A - must play harp key D -
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STME58
1081 posts
Sep 19, 2014
11:07 PM
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The key is the key no matter how they get to it. If they are in A an A harp in first or D in second etc.
If they tune down a quarter step, they may be trying to get rid of you! :-)
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Rocky Harpoon
37 posts
Sep 19, 2014
11:22 PM
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Yep and haven't even started yet. Got invited to guest and " by the way we de- tune, have you got all the keys??
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Dragonbreath
26 posts
Sep 20, 2014
12:26 AM
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What they mean is that they tune down. Either they mean they tune to D (D-tuned) instead of E, referring to the low E string on a guitar. So every string is tuned down a whole step. Like albert king, or Skip James, among others used to do. Maybe because of the easier bending strings or they like the sound. They could still be calling out the "original" key, just because it can be easier not to have to think what key it becomes when tuned down a whole step. In that case you're gonna have to do the thinking. If they say A, it will actually be in G and you would use the C harp if you play in 2:nd.
Maybe they just meant they down-tune, and mean they tune down a half step, like Stevie Ray Vaughan among others did, then if they call out what key it is without taking the downtuning in concideration (again, because it's easier), then you need a half step lower harp than you would usually use. If they say they will play in A, it will actually be in Ab and you will need a Db harp to play in 2:nd.
So you just want to make sure how much they've tuned down and if they will be calling out keys without taking the downtuning into concideration or if they mean what key the song actually becomes after the altered tuning.
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Rocky Harpoon
38 posts
Sep 20, 2014
12:46 AM
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That all makes sense DB , just hope it's a full step down otherwise I'm going to have to hunt around for some more harps, so much for the harp being a cheap instrument to play, particularly when you want a decent amp, mic and at least a dozen or so harps!
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Rubes
894 posts
Sep 20, 2014
5:31 AM
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Get those flat harps anyhow Rocky!
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Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
Dads in Space at Reverbnation
Benny and Rubes at Reverbnation
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jbone
1764 posts
Sep 20, 2014
6:35 AM
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There have been times when all I could do was use a flat harp or sit out. Last I knew Hohner's Big River had all the keys for not too much cash.
It's true, no matter how the band gets there or why, you have to be prepared. At least they told you something and did not put you on the spot in the "moment"!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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Rocky Harpoon
39 posts
Sep 20, 2014
9:42 AM
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Thx to all for comments, flat harps here we come then, always had a Bflat of course, but others here in SA are like hens teeth so will have to import I expect!
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STME58
1082 posts
Sep 20, 2014
11:41 AM
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You could also re-tune harps you can get easily. It is not too hard to bring a harp up half step by removing material from the reed tip. You can bring it down a half step by adding solder or blue tack to the tip. If you go this route you could even deal with the quarter step if you needed to! :-)
@arzajac has posted some very good descriptions on how to tune harps.
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STME58
1083 posts
Sep 20, 2014
11:58 AM
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The confusion caused by de-tuning is very similar to the confusion in orchestra because the trumpets and clarinets are scored in Bb, the horns scored in F, the Alto sax in Eb etc. If you ask a trumpet player to play their C you will hear a Bb. Ask the same to the Alto Sax and you get a Eb. TO eliminate the confusion the term Concert is added to the note you want if you don;t want it in the transposition of the instrument. Ask anyone for a Concert C and you will get the same note. In beginning orchestras with young musicians it is not unusual for the conductor to ask for a concert Bb scale, then add, trumpets that is your C scale and horns that is your F etc.
By de-tuneing a guitar you have made it a transposing instrument and that needs to be dealt with if you play with non-transposing instruments. At least is seems your group is aware of this and communicated it to you.
Last Edited by STME58 on Sep 20, 2014 12:13 PM
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