Re: Favorite harps

[Barry Schaede <barrys@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I like that Bruce, "the 50mm lens of diatonic harmonicas".
The other thing that's not being mentioned here is that the extremely low 
or high harmonicas are harder to play.  Unless that's all you play.  It 
takes a completely different set of skills to play a low f than it takes 
to play a c.  Yeah the patterns are the same but the embrochure and 
pressure and initial attack required are completely different.  The same 
goes for the higher keys.  People think anyone can play a harmonica.  
This is true to a point.  Anyone can play a harmonica. Few can play them 
well.  Besides fretless bass and slide trombones few instruments require 
as much undefined out of sight precision to play.  I think this is part 
of the reason we're seeing so many people prefering the middle of the 
road keys.  It's what they're used to.  It's what people on records 
mainly play.  We have something to compare our sound to.  Just like it's 
not a 6 hole instrument it's not a 4 key one either.  STRETCH.  Not meant 
in any way to  be a criticism, instead think of it as a reminder that for 
a seemingly very limited instrument the only true barriers are in our minds
and our thoughts and other peoples perceptions of what a harmonicas role 
is.  Any instrument is just a means of musical expression.  If you play 3 
notes and that communicates some inner feeling that's all you need.  I 
just hope everyone's feelings aren't all notated in A, D, and C.  Cross 
harp of course. ;)  FJM not barry