[Harp-L] Diatonic v Chromatic in the decibel stakes

["Aongus MacCana" <amaccana@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Like you, I play (correction - try to play) diatonic and chromatic.

Yes from experience in playing in Irish trad sessions, where competition
comes from fiddle, banjos and button accordions, subjectively the diatonic
is generally louder for the same effort. I understand that this is because
diatonics have less places for leakage and are consequently more airtight. 

In Irish trad music circles use of an amplifier would be frowned upon - if
not downright blacklisted. 

If you really want to be heard you need to custom make a Rick Epping style
"Bunker Buster" This comprises an Octave tuned diatonic built from a
Chromatic comb and reedplates. This is not a project for the faint hearted
or the ham fisted. Maybe Seydel or Hohner will get around to offering such
harps to the general public some day.

Beannachtai

Aongus Mac Cana