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

["G. E. Popenoe" <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx>]

I made that post .

No argument with all that you have written . I have just noticed  
through the years that diatonic players often do not take advantage of  
the full capabilities of the chromatic. Much of the time that I see  
the instrument used in blues, it is to play in D on a C chromatic  
ensuring that the button is never used. It is position playing same as  
a diatonic.

The dead give away is that the players finger is nowhere near the  
button.

Sure, buy a dozen chromatics for full chord possibilities, retune  
diatonics, tweak and customize to your heart's content. I just want to  
put it out to those who may be a intimidated by that little bit of  
extra technology to give it a go. That button will add a major  
component to your arsenal.

Gary Popenoe

On Mar 29, 2008, at 5:04 AM, MundHarp@xxxxxxx wrote:

> 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