Re: Re: [Harp-L] Re: Multiple Harps... or alternate tunings...

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Garry Hodgson wrote:
> so, here's a question for the funky tunings crowd.  do you 
> generally acquire a full set of harps in the alternate tunings 
> you like, or do you just pick specific ones for specific songs, 
> or maybe just a few in commonly used keys?

I have a complete set of Paddy Richter tuned harps (including low F 
and high G) which are my "standard" gig set.  I also have a set of 12 
Melody Maker tuned Tombo Ultimos, and a complete set (from low D 
through high G) of natural minor tuned Special 20s.  To me, it's 
essential to have a complete set because many of the pieces our band 
plays are in "horn keys" like Eb, F, Ab, etc.  I also like to use 
alternate tunings in different positions, such as Melody Maker as 
natural minor in 5th position.  

I usually start with one or two for specific songs, and then break 
down and get the rest, but I'm compulsive that way...

-tim