Re: [Harp-L] What is a Hohner 365 "for"?

[Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brad asks:
> This may be a really stupid question, but I am wondering what a Hohner 365 is “for�.  I recently got two along with some Chromatics, which is what I was really looking for...
> If you have some thoughts, please share them.  If this post is just drivel, and you can’t even figure out what I am talking about, flame on.  Wish I could put it into better words.

As always, Winslow is spot-on with his comments regarding the 
availability of those uber cool low notes on the C 365. But I have 
another take on this often misunderstood instrument.

As you have discovered, it does not feature the usual Richter note 
layout. As a result, I think the 365 is meant to be played almost 
exclusively with a chordal/tongue blocked style. Yes, those low notes 
are there, but as you point out the instrument's note/hole blow-draw 
arrangement can definitely be confusing. That is until you stop playing 
the instrument single-note style! If you just try moving around the harp 
playing 4-note chords with the instrument well into your mouth, the 
"magic" of the design will emerge. It is almost impossible to get a 
dissonant sound out of a 365 when played in this way. I love to play 
gospel music on mine. And as you probably know, the tone you can achieve 
with this great harp is unlike any other.

Since you are used to the MB 1896, which is also designed to be played 
with a chordal/tongue blocked style, this method of extracting all the 
goodness designed into the instrument should not be a difficult concept 
for you. The thing to understand is that the 365 was designed to be 
played almost exclusively in this manner. Forget, for the moment at 
least, playing melodies single-note style and warm up to this chordal 
monster harp.

Try it, Brad; you'll like it!

Michelle

PS: If, after taking my advice, you still don't care for the 365, try a 
Hohner 14-hole"Steve Baker Special," SBS 365, which is built on the same 
platform as the normal 365. The note layout will be much more friendly 
to a Marine Band player, as it just adds an additional low octave to the 
more familiar 10-hole Richter layout. Or, for what I think is a better 
form factor, try a Seydel 12-hole Solist Pro, also sporting the SBS note 
layout. One of my favorite harps!