Harmonicatunes
105 posts
Sep 25, 2015
4:03 AM
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I've always had trouble getting steady readings when tuning harmonicas. Variable breath pressure a factor no doubt, however the guitar type tuning apps I use probably don't help.
Has anyone tried the Hohner Harmonica Tuner at Dirks Projects, details here
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Tony Eyers
Australia
www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
everyone plays...
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hannes
45 posts
Sep 25, 2015
5:09 AM
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I have been using Dirk's "Chromatic instrument tuner" for years now, I think it is pretty much the same as the "Hohner Harmonica tuner". You can download a trial version here: http://www.dirksprojects.nl/index.php?Lan=english&Page=Tuner/tuner.php. I have been very happy with it. It is not over-sensitive ("jumping needle"), but it does react to slight changes in embouchure and the reading changes when playing long notes, but I think this is normal. I've also used it successfully to tune tremolo harmonicas. I changed computers three or four times since I've been using this program, and Dirk always swiftly provided a new installation code free of charge.
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arzajac
1679 posts
Sep 25, 2015
5:54 AM
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Hi Tony,
Using breath dynamics can actually help you tune your harp.
As you increase breath force the reed pitch will flatten. Lower reeds will flatten more than higher reeds at the same flow. If you play an octave and hear beats, you increase your breath and listen to see if the beats go away or get worse.
If they get worse, the lower note was flat (and getting flatter) so it needs to be raised - or the top needs to be lowered.
If the beats get better, the lower note was sharp and it needs to be lowered (or the top note needs to be raised)
More info here:
Perfect Pitch: Using breath dynamics for tuning
You can use this technique just like you can use an analog strobe tuner. You set your strobe to the tonic and play the octave, fifth, third, etc... and fine tune the pitch while looking at the harmoic. Well, you can do the same thing with your ear if you pay attention.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica Combs and Tools.
Last Edited by arzajac on Sep 25, 2015 5:56 AM
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WinslowYerxa
957 posts
Sep 25, 2015
9:50 AM
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I've used Dirk's Accordion tuner for several years and really like it.
You can tune up to three reeds at once, which can help get chords and octaves in tune, along with tuning tremolo and octave.tuned harps.
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Winslow
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
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Harmonicatunes
106 posts
Sep 26, 2015
4:49 AM
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Thanks all. The accordion tuner is 198 Euros, which is a lot for a "nice to have" item. The harmonica tuner is 48 Euro, which I could go at, particularly as it claims to be able to tune tremolos, something I'd like to try.
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Tony Eyers
Australia
www.HarmonicaAcademy.com
everyone plays...
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