Re: [Harp-L] Axis 49 vs Harmonetta

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Actually, the note layouts of both the C-Thru Axis and the Harmonetta are 
versions of something called the Harmonic Table note layout, which was first 
dreamed up in the 18th century. I've added a reference to the Harmonetta to the 
Wikipedia page for Harmonic Table note layout.

Winslow

 Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
Harmonica instructor, The Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance
Resident expert, bluesharmonica.com
Columnist, harmonicasessions.com




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From: Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tue, December 7, 2010 10:50:45 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Axis 49 vs Harmonetta

The C-Thru Axis layout is an extension to the Harmonetta Layout, in that it 
unfolds farther for more range. It's also rotated at something like a 30 degree 
angle to the Harmonetta layout. But it is otherwise identical. Whcih makes me 
woder whether the patent that applies to this device is also intended to cover 
the note layout. If so, it's vulnerable to a prior art challenge.

One advantage the C-Thru Axis may have over the Harmonetta is that you may have 
more control over chord voicing with this device. If you press any "D" key on 
the Harmonetta, for instance, it activates ALL the D notes on the Harmonetta 
(though you still have to apply breath to make them sound). So, for instance, if 

you want to sound a chord (in ascending pitch order) of, say, D G C F, what 
you'll get instead is D, F, G, C, D, F - the D and F both get duplicated because 

you can't activate one without activating them all.

Winslow

Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
Harmonica instructor, The Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance
Resident expert, bluesharmonica.com
Columnist, harmonicasessions.com




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From: dmf 273 <dmf273@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tue, December 7, 2010 7:18:27 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Axis 49 vs Harmonetta

Thanks for the link to the C-thru Axis midi controller.  I'd never
seen one of those before.   Is the layout identical to the Harmonetta
layout?