Re: [Harp-L] apples and oranges

[Gary Lehmann <gnarlyheman@xxxxxxxxx>]

OK, so what's the best harp to play the head to Take the A Train?
Inquiring minds want to know . . .
G

On Sat, Jun 5, 2010 at 12:09 PM, <Philharpn@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> 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
>