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

[Bob Cohen <bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sep 1, 2013, at 5:57 PM, Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> 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.

Of course saxophonists have the advantage of being able to adjust pitch in both directions while playing. Isn't that among the arguments some people use to make their case that the harmonica is inferior to the Sax? lol.

I was thinking in practical terms. Someone mentioned bringing several chromatics tuned to different reference pitches. It occurred to me (based on how I was taught to play my notes and limited personal experience) that perhaps another cure for that problem is to tune sharp and adjust downward with embouchure.

-B

Bob Cohen
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