Harmonica
Positions Chart
Harmonicas need to be selected to enable the
player to accompany other musicians in the correct key.
A Harmonica Positions Chart is useful
for choosing the Harp Key needed.
Click link for
Harmonica Positions Chart Web Page. |
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Diatonic
Bluesharp
Bluesharps are 10 hole harmonicas tuned to
the Richter Scale, suitable for playing Blues and Country music.
I started playing Honer Marine Band Diatonic Bluesharps in the
'60's.
Over the past few years I have changed
to using Lee Oskars because I prefer plastic comb to wooden and I find
them to be very responsive with good tone. I also use Special20, though
harder to find, they have a more mellow tone.
Bluesharp |
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Other Diatonics
Diatonic Harmonicas are available in many
different tunings, including Minor, Harmonic Minor, Paddy Richter. Also
available in custom tunings for various styles of playing.
The Harmonic minor is particularly
suitable for music with a Eastern European flavour. Paddy Richter is
used for playing Irish music.
Lee Oskar
Diatonics
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Chromatic
Harmonicas
My preferred chromatic harmonica for general
use is the Honner CX12. I also have a Toots Hard Bopper, which is nice
for a more jazzy feel.
Chromatic Harmonica
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 Harmonica Cases
Harmonica cases can be purchased, with or
without harmonicas. Buying without harmonicas has the advantage of
choosing your preferred harmonica make(s). If you are just starting a
case and harmonica set would be a good start. I purchased a metal case,
which was cheap and ideal, having elastic slots for harmonicas and room
for bullet mic and larger chromatic harmonicas. For my 70th birthday I
was lucky to receive a customised harmonica case to match my Fender amp!
Hobgoblin harmonica Cases
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Green Bullet Mic
A bullet mike is an essential bit of kit for
a harmonica player. There is not always a spare mic for the harmonica
player and the bullet mic is handy to have with you. It is specifically
designed for harmonica playing.
Green Bullet Mics |
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 Large
Amps
My main amp is a Fender bassman customised
for harmonica. |
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Smaller
Amps
I have a couple of smaller amps. One
is Laney VC-110 15 Watt Tube Amp with various different effects. Another
is a Pignose Hog20 amp which is compact mains/battery powered amp.
Angelfire Harmonica Amps |
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 Pedal
Boxes
This is my Pedal box I use playing
harmonicas. |
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harps
and jams