[Harp-L] Tremolo in Low D (was Low F)

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

Both the Hohner Echo (not the Echo Celeste, which is a completely different 
model) and the Suzuki Humming tremolo, both in D (i.e., Low D) are fine. Both 
put out a powerful sound, though the Echo leaks more. I don't have any 
experience with the Seydel models.

In general what you give up with inexpensive Chinese instruments, including the 
Hohner branded ones, is power of sound - they just put out less. Build is chancy 
and sometimes flimsy, and the reeds, if you try to work on them, are less 
robust. The European Hohners and the Suzukis are far better in these regards.

As to tremolo sound, the Suzuki has a dry tremolo, almost unison, for a more 
glistening sound, while the faster beating of the Hohner models (at least the 
German and Czech-made ones, as opposed to Asian-made models like the Echo 
Celeste and Big Valley) have a more "heated" sound. Neither have the 
note-to-note consistency of tremolo rate that I'd like, though, and this is an 
area where a customizer could really make an instrument sweet.

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




________________________________
From: john coster <john.medicineb@xxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wed, March 2, 2011 7:40:43 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Low F Harp etc. Which octave is the best for a key?

I also love the sound of a low F Harp. For ten holed diatonics I use Hohner
XB40s. The low D and E are also great, for the fiddle tunes I play as well
song arrangements. Miked right, maybe with some slight effects, these low
harps are so powerful. With tremolos, interestingly, different registers
seem
to have different strengths. My D Echo Celeste is low and kind of sloppy
while the D Fanfare by Seydel, though nice, is pretty tight and maybe too
de-tuned, resulting in an awkward oscillation between the doubled notes. I
really need a good D tremolo and wonder what folks at Harp-L think might be
the best bet. I'm guessing a Suzuki Humming Tremolo would be good. I have an
A and it is really agile and great sounding. I'd like to hear what Harp-l
folks think. Below is a youtube video
of me using a low F XB40 on one of my songs at a house concert. It's so much
better than the higher F. I love that lower octave for this 3rd position
number.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaII4L3lcWE