[Harp-L] Are My Golden Melodies Too Out of Tune to Be Playing in a Band With?

[Ken Karpowicz]

But when you play blues on harmonica (and I do but only now testing those waters) isn’t one of the characteristics of the sound is that there often is a slight “out of tune” quality? And, as far as my limited knowledge goes, aren’t many blues tunes played outside of first position? My background is playing Cajun button accordion where it sounds slightly “out of tune” and most often is played in 2nd position, G on a C accordion. But that sound is what gives Cajun music one of its very unique qualities.

Just wondering what all of you with more experience and knowledge might think.

Ken

> On Nov 19, 2023, at 11:22 AM, Peter Brunelli <peter.brunelli at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> [swoops in from the aether]
> 
> This topic has interested me for a long time. Here's the way I think about it: A non-ET (Just Intonation) C harp is adjusted to sound "smoother" in C. But are you playing in first position? If you are moving the tonal center from C you are likely to be out of tune. All those JI adjustments are now in the wrong place. An ET (or ET-ish) harp will have more consistent intervals as you play in other tone centers. That's a good thing. My GM is an oldie and if I had a time machine I would go back and assemble a set of them. It's one of my favorite harmonicas. As a fretless bass player I know it is on me to manage intonation. I'm either succeeding or failing to one degree or another. So is everyone in the band (even the piano). But it is what it is. Play what you like and stick to your guns. Pete
> 
>> I remember somebody telling me a long time ago on MBH that we choose the
>> harmonicas we play not because of what we like, but what the band members
>> like and that they can tell if a harmonica is equal temperment tuned or
>> not. He said that the members will tell me that my Golden Melodies are out
>> of tune and that I have to switch to a different harp. But I don't play the
>> harmonicas I play to please others, but I'm wondering if this is true or
>> not because I'm going to be playing in a rock cover band and I'm worried
>> about what their reaction will be if they find out I play those harps.
>> I've been playing the original Golden Melody since 2020 and I absolutely
>> love it to pieces. I never noticed any major tuning differences compared to
>> my Special 20s, but I prefer the Golden Melody when playing blues and
>> country. The reason why I started playing them was because I grew up
>> listening to Terry McMillan play the harmonica on country radio. He played
>> the Golden Melody almost exclusively for most of his career. I prefer
>> having that wailing sound he had compared to a lot of players and I got
>> made of for wanting to play in his style for many years. I always try to
>> prove to people my Golden Melodies actually are good for blues, but there's
>> always somebody who's going to saying that my opinion is wrong. I don't
>> know why the original Golden Melody is so controversial, but I love playing
>> them no matter what genre.
>> 
>> Sincerely,
>> Amy Rister