Hi all, I have just started playing harmonica, im interested in most types of music from blues to classical music, pretty much anything that’s pleasing to my ear, I have been on YouTube & have taken an interest in Irish harmonica music although it looks difficult but I suppose everything is at the beginning, am I right in thinking it’s played with a Db harmonica or a G, im after a new harmonica C but I’m thinking should I get a set as my music taste is all over the place or just by individual harmonicas, I suppose sets are of inferior quality? Thanks in advance for any advice,
Hi John, you can play Irish music and Bluegrass music quite well in a key of C, once you get used to playing though ( and give it some time.) a Paddy Richter tuning may be fun — although being honest I’ve never used one as I can get by on a standard harp. The world is your oyster.
Do you know anything about gapping and cleaning them, they might be salvageable and save you money, some times that’s all old ones need. I did that with some of mine recently and they play good as new. If your getting one and only using it for one song I’d recommend getting an East Top T008K off Amazon they are great little harps as good as Hohner SP20’s and a lot cheaper as I say if you using it for one song it’s pointless wasting money on something expensive.
I have just ordered one off eBay, mine have been knocked about, they still play & im going to practice on them but find some notes are a struggle to blow, I ordered a brand new one so I don’t get dishearned at least I know the harp is probably ok & it’s me needing to practice.
I would get a Crossover in C. I am a firm believer in buying a quality harmonica at the start. C is a key that is in the middle of the key range. I would also have a good tech go over it to make sure it plays well. Most out of the box harmonicas are not set up, things like reed gapping , tuning and making sure there are no air leaks. I had the wooden comb replaced with a plastic one and never looked back. A tech can also make sure the reed plates are straight. This will put you on track at the start and avoiding you having to upgrade your harmonica as you improve. I started a bit less tan 18 months ago and knew nothing about music other than I like it. I did get a good harmonica but had to deal with most of the issues above at the beginning of my journey. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the advice, im going to have a good look on how to set them up tune etc etc, as I’m a clockmaker with a very capable workshop im confident I’ll be able to put any issues with the harmonica right, I enjoy learning how things work so looking forward to it, the other 2 harmonica’s I have I will obviously sort them out 1st thankfully I’m not new to music so hopefully my ear is good enough to pick things up then with the help of electronics I can get it right.
One thing that really set me back a month was not knowing how the check if the reed plates a flat. If they are not you get the dreaded air leak. The best way to check is get some 1,500 wet and dry sand paper. place each plate reeds up and very lightly rotate them with minimal pressure. After about 10 to15 seconds have a look at the plate and the dark spot are the ones that did not come in contact with the sand paper. Your can get a basic tool kit from Rockin Ron that has the claws you will need to straighten the plates, a plinking tool, etc. he is a straight shooter and is extremely helpful. He can recommend a good harp tech that is very good and extremely reasonable. Every harp I buy I call him and let him know I am having it sent to him from the distributer. His name is Dennis and Ron can give you his number etc. I highly recommend him. When you get it the harp will be air tight, tuned and ready to go.
Thanks Scott, if I get a really good harmonica I’ll probably take your advice and be in touch, im confident in messing about with cheep stuff but if I get good the professional touch is always the way to go, do you have an idea of cost .
You don’t really need claws, I bend mine by hand, and get them flat, but if you are into gear, then it’s fine. I’ve bought a ton of stuff over the years, I barely use but 3 or 4 things
or just by individual harmonicas, I suppose sets are of inferior quality? Thanks in advance for any advice,
