[Harp-L] apples and oranges

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

The best way to determine the right instrument -- chromatic or diatonic -- 
for a tune is to try it on both harps.

For example, if you have a solo chromatic and a Richter 10-hole diatonic, 
try playing "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" on each harp, taking care to play 
the descending bass line.

That bass line may seem easier with bent notes, but it also becomes easier 
on the chromatic if you play it a few times on the chromatic.

The other thing you may notice -- no guarantees here -- is that by playing 
that descending bass line on the chromatic, you get better at hitting the 
bass note bends on pitch.

And for a third wrinkle, you might try the tune on a Slide Harp -- the 
Richter tuned chromatic with the note layout like a blues harp. The half-valved 
Slide Harp (also unvalved Koch) is not fully chromatic -- there is no A 
without bending in the first octave. But it you like the Richter layout with its 
four-hole octaves but sometimes need unbent notes in a certain song, this 
harp may do the trick for you.

The SlideHarp may come in handy   in certain position playing where a main 
note is a bent note. Rather than spend all your energy on that bent note, 
you can use the button (as long as it's not an A) and concentrate your effort 
on playing the song rather than concentrating on on-pitch bends. Especially 
if the song starts on a tricky bend.

Or you can play the note on a guitar.
Phil