Re: [Harp-L] chromatic - Wm. Clark

[MundHarp@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 26/03/2008 09:33:55 GMT Standard Time,  gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx 
writes:

<<As a chromatic player, I'd like to respectfully challenge those  of you  
who play blues to try using the instrument's full  capabilities. I've  
noticed that some players will buy a different  chromatic for almost  
every key. That makes them very expensive  diatonics.
>>
 
No I disagree. It is for specific effects, & not just because the  player is 
too lazy to learn their instrument.
I have a 270 in all major keys. This gives me many more options for  
chording! I can play in any key using a "C" chrom, but this seriously limits the  
chords available.
A set of 12 x 270s or CX-12s is much less expensive than a decent Guitar or  
Sax...
What matters is the music.
I can play anything with many extra chords because I have a full set of  
chromatics in every major key...
And also of diatonics.
I draw the line at most special tunings, but that is simply because I  find 
it hard to even switch between chroms and diatonics. I'm not clever enough  to 
remember lots of special tunings as well! Also with my "working kit", in  
daily use,  of about  60 odd harps, enough is enough!
With a tricky piece, I might learned that in "C"  or "G" or "D" on a  "C" 
chromatic, then at the recording session the vocalist decides to switch to  
"B"... It is then easy to pick up a "B" "E" or"A" chrom and play the  same paterns, 
WITH THE SAME CHORDS. As a pro musician, I just get the best tools  for the 
job, as I see it.
Kind regards,
 
John Walden
London
England