Re: [Harp-L] Harp-L Digest, Vol 120, Issue 47

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob Cohen wrote:
>> All by way of saying that the options for harp in horn sections are wider
>> than they used to be. Intonation is indeed a challenge, but probably no more
>> so than for saxophone, though sax players have the ability to adjust pitch
>> both upwards and downwards while playing, which harp players can't do.
>
>Richard,
>
>You write harp players can't adjust intonation both directions but can't harps be tuned sharp and players use embouchure to match >the horn section's intonation?

Yes, in the shop you can tune a harp as sharp as you like--Leo Diamond tuned his to A447 so he could blow hard without going below A440. However, you can't tune a harmonica up WHILE PLAYING IT--whatever reference the harp is tuned to is your highest pitch in performance. A saxophonist can adjust pitch up or down in performance by tightening or loosening the embouchure.

Hey, piano players can't adjust the pitch AT ALL.

Thanks, Richard Huntber

 

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