[Harp-L] tongue blocking holes 1 2 3

[philharpn@xxxxxxx]

Some have complained that it is not practical to tongue block holes 1 2 3 on a 10 hole diatonic because there is no chord to block. On the 10-hole diatonic there is no hole to block to the left of hole 1, only one hole to block to the left of hole 2 and two holes to block to the left of hole 3. 


The simple, easy solution is the Solist Pro 12 Steel low C by Seydel. This is a 12 hole diatonic with a double richter layout for holes 1 2 3 and 4 5 6 . This is like the Steve Baker Special built on the 14-hole Hohner.


The Seydel is built on a 12 hole diatonic that has the thickness, depth and feel os the standard 10 hole diatonic.


It has a low C richter for the first three blow=draw notes and then starts the standard richter starting on hole 4.


So the harp is played starting on hole 4, tongue blocking and instead of blocking  wood, or a few holes, there is a full chord to block to the left of the 4 hole.


This give the player the option of lip pursing the bends on holes starting with 4 5 6 etc. or tongue blocking the bends while vamping or slapping a chord behind.


This same double richter has be special ordered on a 10 hole, too.


Looking over the Seydel site I noticed Sonny Boy II harps in C and D were available, which were reportedly the keys SBII used. But if other choices are wanted, other keys could be ordered under the configurator -- regardless of whether  SBII ever used them.


hope this helps


Phil