Re: [Harp-L] tuning Echo Harp

[John Kerkhoven <solo_danswer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thank you Rick!

This is a big help. 

Cheers,

John


> Hi John,
> 
> This will give you Hohner's Echo tremolo tuning:
> 
> Tune the lower pitched reed set to whatever absolute pitch and temperament the instrument is given (e.g. A-440 and Just Intonation).  
> 
> Tune Middle C on the higher pitched, or tremolo row 22-1/3 cents sharp of Middle C on the lower pitched, or concert row.  For every semitone increase in pitch, decrease the amount of tremolo tuning by 1/3 cent.  So C# above Middle C on the tremolo row should be 22 cents sharp, D above Middle C should be 21-2/3 cents sharp, C above Middle C should be 18-1/3 cents sharp, etc.  Similarly, increase the amount of tremolo tuning by 1/3 cent for every semitone below Middle C.  So B below Middle C on the tremolo row should be 22-2/3 cents sharp, G below Middle C should be 24 cents sharp, etc.  Middle C is not actually found on a 54 C/G, but, for reference, is the note in Hole 1 blow of both an 1896 Marine Band C and a 270 Super Chromonica C.
> 
> It will be easiest if you first make a chart in cents of the concert row, accounting for its absolute pitch and temperament.  Then from this you can compute and chart the tremolo row's values in cents.
> 
> The only tremolo tunings I know of where a tremolo row is pitched below concert, are found in 3-voice tremolo tunings like those used in musette-tuned accordions.  In this case, the middle-pitched row is tuned to concert and the lower pitched row is tuned flat of concert, but not as flat as the higher pitched row is tuned sharp.  For example, the upper tremolo Middle C might be tuned 27-2/3 cents sharp and the lower tremolo Middle C might be 21-1/4 cents flat.  So, instead of the simple, single tremolo sound of a 2-voice tremolo like on your Echo, one gets a combination of three tremolo sounds at the same time: the concert reed beating against the high tremolo reed, the concert against the low tremolo reed, and the low tremolo reed against the high tremolo reed.  This is what gives true musette tuning its full, "wet" sound.
> 
> Reduced tremolo tunings are popular among many genres of harmonica and accordion players.  It's easy enough to develop a custom tremolo tuning: 
> 
> First, tune the lowest note on the tremolo row to the speed of tremolo (beats per second) you desire, then tune the highest note to the speed you desire for it.  
> 
> Then measure the number of cents sharp of the concert reeds for each of these two tremolo reeds, and subtract the amount of the higher tremolo from that of the lower tremolo.  
> 
> Finally, divide the difference between the highest and lowest tremolo reeds by the number of semitones separating them and decrease the amount of tremolo tuning for each semitone above the lowest note, as with the standard Echo tuning described above.  For example, on the Echo tuning, G below Middle C is 24 cents sharp and G three octaves up is 12 cents sharp.  The difference, 12 cents, is divided by the number of semitones between the two notes, which is 36, giving a value of 1/3 cent.  This is the value that is added to each semitone on the way up.
> 
> Best regards,
> Rick
> 
>    
>  
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 7
> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 20:03:31 -0400
> From: John Kerkhoven <solo_danswer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] tuning Echo Harp
> To: Harp-L L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Message-ID: <D591CA51-91B5-430C-89BE-65E542E341EB@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> 
> I just acquired a second-hand Echo Harp. (Hohner 54/64 M 2 C/G) It plays well, just needs a bit of tweaking as far as tuning goes.
> 
> I'd like to know what are the factory specs for these harps?
> 
> There is a tuning chart here,
> http://us.playhohner.com/instruments/harmonica/tremolo-harmonicas/echo-harp-2-x-32/
> 
> But what are the tuning values (in cents)?
> 
> A quick test suggests that the lower reed is tuned about 8 cents flat, the other about 8 cents sharp, with the resultant compromise at 0.
> 
> Any help appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> John
> 
> 
>