mandowhacker
9 posts
Dec 18, 2010
3:34 PM
|
I've heard that some things are easier in certain key than in others. Like the 2 draw is easier on a D than a C harp. I believe it was Adam in a video that said that.
I've been working on single notes---the "Oh Susanna" video to be specific.
I have two harps, a B flat 1847 and an F Manji.
I am making some progress on the 1847 and am not worth a crap on the Manji.
THE QUESTION:
Is it:
The Key---B flat vs F
The Instrument----1847 vs Manji
or....
The Player---Me
Thanks, you all have been a great help.
|
Hollistonharper
203 posts
Dec 18, 2010
3:50 PM
|
I would say it's the key. F is the highest key and I don't think anyone would ever recommend that a person try to learn on one. The conventional wisdom is to start on a C harp and it probably is really the best one to start on. Key of D would be ok to. Also Adam uses a C on lots of his beginner lessons, if I recall correctly. Doesn't Adam post some advice on which keys to start with, you might check that out. Good luck on your journey!
|
tookatooka
1947 posts
Dec 18, 2010
3:54 PM
|
Hi mando, FWIW In retrospect I found the best thing to do when starting was to concentrate on the one harp (in my case a C)in order to find your way around the harp and get to know it's idiosyncracies. You'll have enough problems with just the one harp without having to modify your techniques to play the two.
Learn the basics and get familiar with a few tunes so you don't have to keep looking at the numbers, get a few bends under your belt, then start looking at the other keys.
They all vary to some degree from key to key and manufacturer to manufacturer. As you have found the F manji needs a totally different approach from the 1847.
Do the SAS first, then the GAS later.
SAS = Skill Acquisition Syndrome
GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome
I wasted a lot of time and money going down the wrong path before I found MBH. Keep asking the questions and there's always someone to help.
----------
|
saregapadanisa
307 posts
Dec 18, 2010
4:21 PM
|
Yes, it must be the key. Manji and 1847 are both very fine instruments.
F being higher, the reeds are shorter and have less span for easy vibration i.e. need better breath control to sound good.
For example, I wouldn't advise anyone to learn bending first on a F harp. Bb is just perfect for that IMO.
One more thing to consider is embouchure. However slight the differences may be beetween models, there's always small adjustments to be made in your playing when switching harps. But I guess you've got that already.
|
mandowhacker
12 posts
Dec 20, 2010
4:39 PM
|
Thanks for the advice. I'll set the F back for future use.
Actually, the fact that I don't have a C harp is due to the dismal customer service provided by one harp maker (importer?). Rockin' Ron has fixed that problem and I have a few that he sent me waiting for my return home to Georgia.
Greg
----------
Just when I got a paddle, they added more water to the creek.
|
eharp
1024 posts
Dec 20, 2010
4:57 PM
|
SAS
niiiice.
gotta remember that one.
|
Barry C.
90 posts
Dec 21, 2010
7:12 AM
|
Many teachers - Annie Raines & Jerry Portnoy included, start students on an A harp. Also the embrochure on an 1847 is different than many other harps (plus it's not numbered)- I would think most newbies would learn on a Special 20 or Lee Oskar first.
F harp will be about the last you learn.
Happy Harpin!!
----------
~Banned in Boston!
|
Miles Dewar
549 posts
Dec 21, 2010
7:31 AM
|
I learned on an "F" Blues harp.
I love the high harps now. But that's partly Junior Wells' doing.
The "Bb" is most definately easier, though you need significantly more breath. Also, not many people play in "F" so I usually go for my "F" harp at jams well more than my "Bb".
|
Jim Rumbaugh
343 posts
Dec 21, 2010
10:08 AM
|
I try for 442.
I can understand why some people do 443 and 444, etc. The draw notes do flatten as you draw harder. I haven't paid much attention to the blow notes. I bet a case could be made to make them "less sharp"
----------
intermediate level (+) player per the Adam Gussow Scale, Started playing 2001
|
AirMojo
65 posts
Dec 21, 2010
12:28 PM
|
Try to find a harp that's in pitch to what you are comfortable singing in or whistling in, so you have a reference point... singing is GOOD to do !!!
2nd position playing (for me and I'm a guy the last time that I checked) in the keys of A and Bb are my favorites (well I do like G and Low F too!).
Some of the David Barrett Masterclass (Chicago Blues Harp) is mostly using a key of D harp, preferred I believe because its easier to bend.
F harp (or even F#) is great for some Charlie McCoy country stuff, or John Mayall "Room to Move".
And then there's the Seydel Low Low F... play one of those for a while and a Low F will feel like a regular F !
Last Edited by on Dec 21, 2010 12:29 PM
|
