Schook
1 post
Feb 06, 2015
1:58 PM
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Just learning to play the harp, been at it about a month and a half. Also been lurking around the forum a little over a month, so this is my first post.
Started on a cheap harmonica just to see if I would like it but quickly moved up to a Special 20 in C. Shortly after that I got a Lee Oskar also in C. Right now I am still finding my way around the harp working through some lesson books so no real preference to which one I play.
So, my question is about the hole size in the comb. Is a different size hole just a design feature of each manufacturer, or is there a advantage/disadvantage to each, or is it a personal preference thing? (Thanks in advance)
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nacoran
8249 posts
Feb 06, 2015
2:29 PM
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If you can find the answer you'll make a fortune! :)
Mostly it seems to be a matter of preference. If you look at the total length of the row of holes instead of the single holes you'll notice they are pretty close. I think Sp20s seem to have narrower tines. There was a thread the other day with a bunch of customizers discussing the size of the reed chamber and while they had some theories about reed response compared to the size of the chamber the difference seemed to be fairly small.
The difference in hole sizes does throw some people off when they are switching back and forth though, but you get used to it pretty quick (my gig set is a cross of mostly Sp20s and LO's.)
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Nate
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First Post- May 8, 2009
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Cotton
35 posts
Feb 06, 2015
2:48 PM
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I am still a new player as well (2years) When I was brand new (less than 6 months) I had lots of trouble with a lee Oskar (holes too large) I did not seem to have enough air, and I was sucking, not inhaling. Tried different harps and finally settled on Suzuki to learn with. Full covers, which I like, and narrower holes. Now, I can play either one. Still like Suzuki-- It is all personal preference.
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Harmlessonica
58 posts
Feb 06, 2015
4:58 PM
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Hi Schook, and welcome.
I'm playing at a beginner's level, but buying at a pro's. :)
I first settled on Seydel harmonicas (one main criteria was recessed reeds and moustache-friendly cover plates). I later realised that Seydels have larger holes than Hohner and Suzuki, which I now also own.
I found that playing pucker style on the smaller holes quickly became tiring for me. This frustrated me somewhat, but on the other hand, I'm learning to tongue-block, and I feel the narrower holes are advantageous to this.
But yeah, I agree that it's personal preference at the end of the day.
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GMaj7
612 posts
Feb 06, 2015
6:54 PM
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I suspect that any noticeable change probably has more to do with the key of harp and not the hole size. In other words, one can't compare a (C) harp with a (G) harp as they play very differently.
Seydel has a little bit larger holes which are so optional wind savers can be installed.
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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