Micha
134 posts
Nov 12, 2010
9:53 PM
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I was wondering if there is still a brand that still makes 12 hole diatonic harmonica's?
Has anyone played them? Is it still possible to cup them properly?
I'm looking for it, because I'm thinking about extending Brendan's PowerBender tuning more naturally. I feel the 9 and 10 hole are not optimal...
Thanks in advance,
Micha
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oldwailer
1410 posts
Nov 12, 2010
10:39 PM
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I have a couple 12 hole MB's in low C tuning. I have been thinking about converting one of them to powerbender--it seems like the PB tuning might be great on a low harp, since it seems to hold me captive in the high end so much of the time.
Please let me know if you come up with anything cool on those upper two holes--I don't think I've ever used them. . .
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Micha
135 posts
Nov 13, 2010
1:25 AM
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Would you happen to know if Hohner still sells them? Is the distance between the notes the same as classic MB's? Is it still possible to cup properly and to use hand effects?
To use them in 2nd position, the upper holes are fine. For example, treat the 9 hole in the same way as you use the 2nd hole. And with the 9 and 10 hole draw you can do that Magic Dick lick as you can with the Richter tuning. In second position blues you can do a lot with those draw notes and whole step bends. And they're pretty easy to get.
For me the problem is the semitone bends... They're a bit unstable up there.
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Jagrowler
11 posts
Nov 13, 2010
1:36 AM
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Here in the UK 12-hole and 14-hole Marine Bands are available from:
www.harmonicas-direct.com
There is also a 14-hole 'Steve Baker Special'. Not sure if that is the same as the 14-hole above.
The site has no detailed info on the tuning, but you could email them and ask. I have always found them very knowledgeable and helpful.
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nacoran
3224 posts
Nov 13, 2010
1:39 AM
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Shoot, the internet ate my post. Yes, Hohner still sells several models. I had everything linked. Hohner has several extended harmonicas, the 364, 365, solo tuned and Steve Baker.
http://www.hohnerusa.com/index.php?1572
Seydel has the Soloist Pro 12
http://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel.sf/en_GB/?ObjectID=101875&Locale=en_GB
I had more to say but it is incredibly late and I don't want to retype it all. Darn internet. Night.
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Nate
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Micha
136 posts
Nov 13, 2010
4:13 AM
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Thank you for the information guys!
No worries Nacoran. I thank you for the post, even if it didn't came true. The internet gives and takes :-).
Anyone played 12-holers? Does the size become a problem?
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jim
436 posts
Nov 13, 2010
6:33 AM
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Hohner 12- and 14-holers are awful. They are big, nailed. They swell. And their covers buzz (not suitable for low keys).
Get a Solist pro 12 and you'll be happy.
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www.truechromatic.com
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wheezer
175 posts
Nov 13, 2010
6:35 AM
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I have a couple of Echo 12 hole harps, C & Eb.
Nice harps but I find them difficult to cup.
The link will take you to a video on the 12 hole harp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcuFDgLxq-c
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mlefree
18 posts
Nov 13, 2010
8:45 AM
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@jim: Or get two Soloist Pro 12's and be twice as happy! ;^) I'm particular to the low-tuned SBS models -- great harps. Sealed comb, screws, not nails, strong & slippery stainless covers. What's not to like?
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oldwailer
1411 posts
Nov 13, 2010
11:23 AM
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I have petty big hands--I can cup a 12-hole just fine. The 14-hole is harder to cup and seal--but you can do it just on the end you're playing. Check out Grant Dermody's cup sometime--he leaves the whole top end hanging out even on a regular harp and he plays great hand effects.
These bigger harps are different to play--but not impossible. I like them a lot. I haven't had any trouble with swelling or nails--I just replace the nails and seal the combs.
Be careful buying a MB 12-holer--some of them are "Solo Tuned" and some are Richter. I like the Richter ones. I got a Solo tuned one a couple of years ago by accident from Musician's Friend--they wouldn't even answer an email about an exchange. Someday I might figure out what to do with the solo tuned one--but so far, it just sits there and taunts me and calls me an inadequate puss. . .
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nacoran
3225 posts
Nov 13, 2010
12:01 PM
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Shoot. I was actually bidding on one eBay. I lost the auction. :( Probably just as well. I think there is something funny going on. There are several auctions with what look like the same pics.
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Nate
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Arnoud73
18 posts
Nov 14, 2010
2:06 AM
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I have a Seydel solist pro 12 in A.
It has a Low octave extra which souds excellent.
The harp has no 'hole 10', (the high note from Whammer Jammer...)
You need to keep the harp upside when you don't play it, because the low reeds are very heavy in weight.
It 's a beautifull harp that sounds good.
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http://www.myspace.com/arnoudbluesharp
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Micha
137 posts
Nov 14, 2010
2:29 AM
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Allright guys, thanks for all your responses!
I'm gonna go for the Seydel Solist Pro 12 then. I'll have to order a custom note layout however...
I would like to make a PowerBender in G. The regular G (not the high one). Would anyone know which G note that is: G2, G3, ...? It is the same note as the 1 blow on a normal G richter diatonic.
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Arnoud73
19 posts
Nov 14, 2010
5:17 AM
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How will you make a powerbender ?
Will you replace reeds ?
Ore will you adjust the reeds that are already in the harp ?
You'll have to adjust some reeds a hole tone..I'm not shure if the reeds will stay good...
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http://www.myspace.com/arnoudbluesharp
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JohnnieHarp
80 posts
Nov 14, 2010
8:33 AM
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> You'll have to adjust some reeds a hole tone..I'm not shure if the reeds will stay good..
You can DROP reeds a full tone using the Brendan Power Blu Tak trick ... the higher reeds can be dropped more ... four or five semi-tones ...
Agree with Jim ... the Hohner 364 anyhow ... needs a LOT of work ... also, much wider top of harp to bottom of harp so must use a wider embouchure ... some will love the harp, others will hate it ...
>nacoran says ... Shoot, the internet ate my post
For most posts I type them in a word processor then copy and paste them ... do with online email as well ... prevents loss of effort on a post ...
Last Edited by on Nov 14, 2010 8:39 AM
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Micha
138 posts
Nov 14, 2010
11:45 PM
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I'll ask Brendan if he can make me one. Or I'll use the harp configurator of the Seydel Website.
Anyone that can confirm that the 1 blow note on a richter regular G harp is G3?
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jim
439 posts
Nov 15, 2010
6:48 AM
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go for configurator. For godssake don't reinvent the wheel - the self-made result will be much worse than a configured one.
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www.truechromatic.com
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chromaticblues
288 posts
Nov 15, 2010
8:17 AM
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I bought a couple Hohner 364's. Terrible harps! About as useless as I've seen. Its much esier to play a chromatic. I heard a recording of Jerry Pornoy playing one and sounded really nice. So I thought I'd get a couple. I found out they don't make them at the Hohner factory any more! They are made in the Czech Republic and are dreedfull!
Last Edited by on Nov 15, 2010 6:07 PM
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Micha
139 posts
Nov 15, 2010
1:35 PM
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Jim, to use the harp configurator:
What is the 1 blow note on a regular G harp? Is that G3? I want that as my lowest note on the 12 hole Powerbender I'm gonna make...
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jim
441 posts
Nov 15, 2010
2:53 PM
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G3
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www.truechromatic.com
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