About harmonicas
and my Playing Ability.
I am not a professional entertainer or musician.
Although it is true almost all modern
music is a derivative/variation of blues/jazz; I am not a “blues” musician. I
am not a “country” musician. I am not a “folk/classical musician. I am not a “rock” musician. Should I
ever discover that I am labelled as any of these, I will quit playing, forever. Hell, I am not even; never will be even a
reasonably “Good” musician. I simply enjoy playing and it is “good” very much
needed exercise for my lungs.
Pictured
are my harmonicas and a brief explanation of how and why they are played.
1.) Hohner Marine Band Harmonica (original).
The Marine Band is the base model of the line. This model is “nailed" together, a real pain in the
butt when it comes to making any adjustment or when cleaning. Technically named
the Marine Band 1896/20 for the year it was introduced and the twenty reeds it
possesses, it has been the basis of a number of Hohner’s harmonicas over the
years. It also has some tuning variations like the 1896N (natural minor key)
and the 1896H (harmonic minor key.
The Marine Band has been Hohner's most popular model of harmonica for
generations. Of course “originally” made in Germany on a wood comb (mellow,
earthy sound), many blues and most folk/Irish/Scottish artists play a Marine
Band.
2.) There are various subdivisions of the Marine Band. The “Deluxe”
Version has a sealed comb and the edges of the holes are rounded somewhat (lot
easier on lips and tongue, just be careful not to blow too hard-volume-not a hurricane, the player must inhale or exhale through the harmonica, not suck, or blow it-this model especially, is not forgiving.)
Several noted, paid, promoter/users users are Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bruce
Springsteen, Little Walter and Neil Young.
3.) A Hohner Special 20.
Awesome response, superior
bendability and the sweetest tone ever. This harp is NOW, the FIRST CHOICE for
those learning to play. Its special airtight design makes it the most
recommended go-to harp for harmonica players of any style, including blues,
country, folk or rock. The plastic comb doesn’t absorb moisture making it
longer lasting.
Then there are the real
Professional Grade Harmonicas
4.) C.A. SEYDEL SÖHNE 1847 NOBLE.
The 1847 NOBLE the consequently enhanced development of the successful
1847 Blues models with stainless steel reeds (stainless steel reeds give great
sound, love that; however, the forward curving comb front is an entirely
different matter(hard on the lips and tongue and makes the holes seem smaller
but harder to get an effective seal on.
New cover plates; matted stainless steel covers with side-vents
(openings on both sides)optimised sound projection and distribution of airflow
if playing fully cupped
Cone-shaped lower cover plate for low keys (LF to LC) - minimised reed
rattling in holes 1 and 2 draw, even if played hard
New comb accurately milled from aluminium, anodised in black and with
the SEYDEL logo laser-engraved on the back
Superb air-tightness and improved handling due to the greater weight of
the instrument
New tactile oval key stickers- hard wearing and removes the danger of
holding the instrument the wrong way round, even in the dark
Approved corrosion-free fine-cut reed plates made of German Silver(white “pot”
metal) fixed with stainless steel screws - extremely close tolerances between
slot and reed for best possible tone control for the player
Precisely factory adjusted, pitch-stable and durable reeds and rivets
both made of Stainless Steel - optimal tone response and a full sound
The 1847 NOBLE - the jewel of the
1847 Blues harmonica collection. An instrument built without compromise; made
from only the best materials available.
And the Suzuki Promasters- by far
the “BEST” Production
Harmonicas made.
5.) Ok, I know that there cannot be a "best"
harmonica. There's just too many differences in people, as well as their music.
The Suzuki Promaster just looks and feels like a REALLY high-end musical
instrument. The first time I held one in my hand in a music store, I thought to
myself: "Wow, I don't think I even want to know what this thing must
cost". Suzuki Promaster harps are among the best harmonicas ever made. They're
tops for ease of playing, appearance, tone quality, and longevity. Their design
is sheer elegance. As you can tell, Promasters give me something close to a
sexual turn on. Also, the prices for them are quite reasonable. Though a little
pricier than Lee Oskars or Hohners, or even Seydels; they are more than worth
the difference and you'll save money in the long run because the reeds last so
long. I have a boxed set (C,G,A,D,F,Bb).
No comments:
Post a Comment