Re: [Harp-L] Just a thought.....

[MundHarp@xxxxxxx]

Just like the great harmonicist, Richard Hunter, I too carry an extensive set 
of harps...
2 x 12 (a double set) of diatonics, All Hohner MS and mostly "Dannecker 
Blues" but with "Blues Harp" cover plates. a couple of  old 12 hole "Echo Vampers" 
in low D and low F. 
I also have my wonderful ILUS "Renaissance" Chrom in "c" plus a full set of 
12 keys "270" Super Chromonica Chromatics, plus a "tenor c" 270...
I do not use "altered" tunings to any extent... I have enough trouble 
remembering where the notes are with "regular" tunings! :-)
I use harmonicas with Hohner reed plates. There are other good instruments 
that I have tried, but I like Hohner the best.
If I was to "start again" I might go for a set of CX-12 Chromatics rather 
than 270s... Simply because of the "lip and tong friendly"  CX-12 mouthpiece... 
But I still love my 270's...
Why carry a double set of diatonics? Well, I find that short harps jam and go 
out of tune OFTEN... So if the diatonic goes down in the middle of a tune, I 
just change harps. With chromatics, it is not so important to have a spare in 
the same key, when a harp fails in the middle of a tune... It is easy to 
go..say from a "c" chrom to a Bb or an "f"... I find it easier to play a chrom 
chromataicaly!
It has taken me years and years to build up my working set of harmonicas; As 
a pro harmonica player, a long time ago I decided NEVER to purchase poor 
equipment. My harps are the best that I can obtain. You don't need to have great 
instruments to creat a wonderful sound but it really really helps!
Best wishes
John Walden
London
England