Re: [Harp-L] Favorite Brand/Model of Diatonic?

["Mike and Beverly Rogers" <mbrogers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I recently switched to all customized harps, and will never bo back to
stock.  They're just easier to play.  I did have three old, mid 80's
Miesterclas harps customized, and they have a definitely different feel,
compared to my custom Marine Bands.  The MB's require a lighter touch on the
low end, while the Miesterclas is easier on the high end.  Bullfrog
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "G" <gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:46 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Favorite Brand/Model of Diatonic?


> Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 20:06:18 -0700
> From: "CHARLES BASSI" <jeanchar50@xxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] Favorite Brand/Model of Diatonic?
> To: "Harp-L" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> >Aside from using altered tunings, which may be available in one
brand/model
> and not another of diatonic, do you harpers find it best to stick to one
> >brand/model of harmonica?
> >I tend to go back and forth, and I usually seem to wind up
> >with a mixture of Lee Oskars, Special 20's, and
> >Marine Bands in various keys.  I find I'm adjusting my embrochure
> >slightly, sometimes unconsciously, when I switch keys, since Lee Oskars
> >have bigger holes than the Hohners - sometimes when I switch from
> >one brand to another, my playing is a little sloppy till I adjust.
> >Each of these harmonicas have their virtues, as far as tone,
> >durability, ease and precision of bends go.  Some sound better, but some
> last
> > longer. Do you find it's easier for you to favor one brand/model of
harp,
> > or do a lot of you wind up with a mixed bag of different
> >brands/models for different keys?
> >Thanks,
> >Charles
>
> Hi Charles,
>   Assuming you are talking about stock model harmonicas, then it is not
> surprising that you find: some sound better, which I assume is probably
> more to do with fine tuning than anything else so you might find the SP20
&
> Marine Band sound better chordally than Lee Oskars or Golden Melodies;
some
> respond better in different circumstances, for instance Marine Bands tend
> to be set up for hard blowing in loud settings, where as a Golden Melody
> tends to be setup for lighter and more sophisticated material at lower
> volumes; and that some last longer than others, most notably I've found
Lee
> Oskars are the longest lasting harp on the mass market.
>
> Its not the first time players have said how theres a difference in hole
> sizes - the facts are if you use a ruler the diffence in hole sizes
between
> the models you're talking about are around a millimeter or so - but one's
> experience of this in their mouth, combined with the overall size and
shape
> of the instrument, and the way it responds to your embouchure do have an
> impact on your playing experience.  You are hardly the only one to find
> your playing suffers when you swap between different models & brands.  It
> takes a lot of effort to get precision on one model harp, let alone three
> or four, let alone playing different types of harmonicas like the XB-40 or
> various chromatic brands and models.  But there is hope.
>
> One of the services some harmonica customisers offer is to take one
> model/brand harmonica, and set them up the way you like, tuning, response
> and depending on a number of things, possibly maybe durability.
>
> I've found for myself that I need more than a couple sets of diatonics,
one
> set for playing quietly, one set for playing in loud settings, another set
> tuned to 7 Limit Just Intonation for 2nd position, another to 19L JI for
> more diverse approaches, and another set for learning to overblow and what
> have you.  The more you want to do with this fickle instrument, the more
> likely you'll find one harp cannot do everything.
>
> I tend to prefer Lee Oskars for a number of reasons including durablility
> and comfort out of the box.  But I also play Special 20s and customised
> Marine Bands for various reasons.  And I do need to make a mental note to
> myself when switching between these.    I've found that each time you take
> on a new model or tuning, and really get familiar with it, the less of a
> challenge it becomes each time around.
>
> I have learnt of other more experienced players who find they notice less
> and less of a difference between models (diato and chrom included) as the
> years tick by, until it doesn't really matter what they're playing as it
> initially was in their earlier years.  Practice and building familiarity
> appears to be the key.
>
> Cheers,
> -- G.
>
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