Subject: [Harp-L] Re: Demise of the Chromatic?

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Howlin John writes:
 
"This is a reply to J. Elaine Miller's proposition to change the   
chromatic's 
name to give it more respect in the music world, thus saving it  from  
extinction. I've posted a long reply at Slidemeister, so this  will be  short.

I disagree with her opinions. We don't need a name  change, we need a mind  
change. Inanimate objects don't receive  respect. People receive respect.  If 
people want respect, we earn it.  To think that changing the  chromatic's 
name 
will make it more  respectable is silly. 
A name change won't do that, and it's not necessary.  We already have  
sufficient names,  chromatic and  diatonic.

If we want respect for the chromatic, don't change it's name,  change your  
mind set. Do we respect TVs or computers or pencils? We  should respect the  
harmonica's makers' craftsmanship; the performers'  expertise and 
musicianship;  
the publishers' clear descriptions of the  harmonica types; and the 
composers'  
creativity. The cold slab of tin,  brass wood and/or plastic asks for no  
respect. 

I'm a harp  player who plays all types of harmonicas, and I've discovered  
that  there isn't a "superior harmonica," as Miller calls the chromatic. 
Every   
harmonica type has its niche, and every type of harmonica has its strengths  
and  
weaknesses. Through 36 years of trial and error, I've concluded  that all  
harmonica types are equal, there are no superior types, but  some harmonicas 
are  
better than others for certain  applications.

I once read an ad for a harmonica. It said, "If you can  breathe, you can  
play harmonica."
Harmonicas in general, and  chromatics in particular, will never become  
extinct as long as
we  can breathe, and as long as we play them. Thanks for reading my opinion.  
 
Howlin' John."
 
........great post, John, and written very well.  Couldn't agree  more.
 
Elizabeth