How Vital is Paddy Richter Tuning for Irish Jigs?

Hi all! I wanted to ask, how “vital” paddy richter tuning is to playing Irish jigs. I’m gonna be expanding to a G harmonica soon, and I’d need to order paddy richter tuned harmonica from abroad for example. If I can bend, would a regular G harmonica still be ok? I tried searching various examples on youtube but it isn’t always clear what tuning is used and also there is a lot of variation.

2 Likes

Hi @yuriythebest I’m curious about that too, as I have a blues song with IMHO a pretty great solo, but I’m really tempted to switch harps in the middle and do an Irish jig type thing I think it would work excellently and it would make me stand out a bit from all the other harp players around here

1 Like

@yuriythebest If you’re playing blazing fast Irish fiddle tunes, the -3" can be challenging - it just depends on your comfort level with that bend, and how much that note is being used in the melodies you’re playing.

1 Like

Not essential, just helpful like Luke said.
I’ve been trying to learn a few irish jigs and reels and I’ve not really felt the need get one. If you were only going to play those styles of tunes then go for it.
I’ve seen easttop do thier t008k in a paddy richter which isn’t an expensive harmonica if you wanted to try one.

2 Likes

Hi all! about to pull the trigger, so to speak, on getting some LOW D and G paddy’s, HOWEVER in the listing, can you guys confirm that the ones I highlighted the correct ones? I’m 99% certain it’s those (bG and bD) but just wanted to make sure.

1 Like

Okay folks, I was able to get a reply on another venue, to anyone interested the bD and bG mean “flat” D and G, for “low” it should be LG and LG

2 Likes

@yuriythebest OK good I’m glad you got that sorted before you made the purchase! Have you gotten them yet?

Also, for a nominal fee, Rockin’ Rons can tune ANY harp to ANY tuning for ya.

Hi Luke! I ended up ordering an Easttop Paddy G (non low version since there weren’t any) and a Low F since that was the only Low one at that price range, got that one a bit on a whim actually - still in transit, will probably take 1-2 more weeks since it got delayed initially- but luckily my Special 20 C is still more than enough for me to practice atm.