[Harp-L] Seydel & Spiral Tuning

[Greg Jones <greg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Here's what Seydel says about CIRCULAR (SPIRAL) TUNING:

*Circular/Melody King*

The major scale can be played simply by alternating draws and blows (no
note bending is required). On a Circular tuned harmonica up to 12 different
chords can be played depending upon which channels are played at a time.
Therefore it's not so easy to label this tuning correctly. The first note
in channel one blow is the key displayed on the harp, though the major
scale is playable 5 semitones (a fourth) higher than the key the harp is
labelled in. In the 12-hole variant (Low Octave) the lower notes in 1-3 are
tuned as holes 4-6 but one octave lower.


I think the ROOT note begins on hole 2 draw because 75% of the world or
more plays in 2nd position and that's where the root is in cross harp.

However, as long as the pitch ranges fall within the functioning
frequencies of each reed length, you can pretty well put the ROOT note
wherever you want it. Seydel just has a formatted option for the root on
hole 2 draw.  I've built Seydel Spirals with the root on 1 blow, draw, and
other spots, as well.  It is important to note, as well, that SPIRAL TUNING
doesn't have to follow the MAJOR SCALE. You can circular tune any scale you
want.


I don't really think POSITION PLAYING nomenclature is applicable on SPIRAL
TUNING.

*Greg Jones*
*16:23 Custom Harmonicas*
*(210) 445-6600*
Web Site:        1623customharmonicas.com

Seydel Repair:  http://1623customharmonicas.com/repair-services/