Rhythm Bluegrass Harp Idea

Hello, I would love some thoughts on an idea I have for a custom Harmonica that could be used to provide some neat rhythm for Bluegrass.

In bluegrass bands the Mandolin player will sometimes play a percussive style called a ‘chop’ strum. I want to do something similar with a harmonica. I love the sound of the 1-2-3 draw, and I desire that same chord sound on the same harmonica for the 4th and 5th chord. I desire those chords in a similar pitch.

See the attached image for the idea. I am thinking of trying to make this myself, but I would need to glue parts of three combs together. Not sure how that would go. Clearly, a custom comb and reed plate would be best.

I have tried this idea already at a bluegrass jam while holding three harmonicas in one hand. I know I can get the 4th chord by blowing, but I would rather draw for that “chop/took” effect.

Not sure what is possible for the blow notes on holes 5 & 6. I’d rather have hole 5 blow be an E and 6 blow be a G, but if they need to be F and A, that would be ok. However, goal for keeping the cross-harp pentatonic scale is to allow for runs, like you often hear in Bluegrass.

Any thoughts or ideas on a 10-hole harp that has the option of drawing the 1st, 4th, and 5th chord?

HarpinInTheHoller


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Seydel can set that up, but it’s spendy.

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I don’t think you’re gonna like the sound of the V chord way up there.

The perfect solution for you, in my opinion, is simply a country-tuned harp (just -5 tuned up a half-step,) for you to play in 2nd position.

I chord -123 or -234
IV chord 123 or 234 or 345
V chord -456

Hope that helps? Rock on! :sunglasses:

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“way up there” do you mean physically? Because he is showing the notes to be A4, D4 and F#4. Would definitely need a custom comb to accomodate those reeds at holes 8,9,10

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HarpinInTheHoller,
I would contact Brendan Power for some insights and suggestions.

Oh no, I missed that. :call_me_hand:t3:

Thanks guys! Brendan did reply to me and I plan to see what I can do. If you know of someone who makes custom combs with a 3d printer, let me know.

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Probably this guy is the go to source
Andrew’s Harmonicas | Custom Harmonicas by Andrew Zajac

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Kinya at HARPSMITH is about as good as you can get if you are looking for a tech. let him know how you want a harp tuned for and he will get it right. Nice guy, fair and very helpful. He takes care of harps for the big boys but treats the new player just like he does anyone else. He is the best to be had I/M/O.

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