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 shakeylee |
bamboo comb in new MB crossover harmonica |
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Posts: 180 10/29/2009 16:06 |
i'm more likely to use other brands of harps,but it looks like hohner may have drawn me back to at least try this new version of a marine band with a
laminated bamboo comb.
http://www.marinebandcrossover.com/ |
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oldtrout |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 127 11/04/2009 01:33 |
shakylee,
I usually fish and camp alone these days and have been considering purchasing a harmonica to play at the camp fire. I often tie a few flies and/or read before hiting the tent, but sometimes want for something else to do. Is there a relatively decent harp you would recommend for a beginner. Blues and jazz if that matters. TIA Don |
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bobbeegee |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 3198 11/04/2009 18:32 |
I've always envied someone who could play a mean harmonica!
A question out of curiosity....is it true you should soak your harmonica in something? For the life of me I can't remember what! Bob |
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shakeylee |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 181 11/05/2009 10:49 |
bobbeegee,old blues players used to soak their wooden combed harmonicas to make the wood swell and tighten up the tolerances.it was usually done with water or
whiskey.it is also really bad for a harmonica.the german company seydel now makes a dishwasher safe harmonica that it wouldn't affect,they cost around a
hundred dollars.
old trout,i think the best harmonica for a beginner is the suzuki harp master.easily used as a professional model yet affordable(around$24)and durable.if you are strapped for cash ,a suzuki folk master would get you started. hering ,from south america makes some nice harps.the master blues is a nice model,as is their super 20 if you want a plastic comb. if you want to stick with hohner,the most popular german brand,a big river harp is a good beginner choice.it has replaceable reed plates and is fairly inexpensive.of course their marine band harmonica is a world standard,but usually requires some tweaking.for the money you're going to get better harmonicas(out of the box) from suzuki,hering,seydel and bushman,huang etc. one thing i would avoid is really inexpensive harmonicas for a beginner.when you're learning you don't want the limitations of a faulty harmonica.be prepared to spend at least 25 dollars for a good to pro level instrument,except for the suzuki folk master and maybe a hering free blues. tooting a little before hitting the sack at a campfire sure is timeless! |
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shakeylee |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 182 11/05/2009 10:57 |
oh ,another thing.i'm not affiliated in any way but www.harpdepot.com or www.harphouse.com are as good a place as any to buy these harmonicas.
once again i would avoid really cheap harps labelled as "beginner harmonicas" especially if you're a beginner! another way to look at it is any diatonic harmonica costing from 25-35 bucks would be ok. |
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oldtrout |
#5 | |||
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Posts: 128 11/05/2009 17:11 |
shakeylee,
I checked out the 1st site you posted, but I have another question before purchasing. What key would you recommend? Or does that even matter for a beginner? Thanks, Don |
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shakeylee |
#6 | |||
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Posts: 186 11/05/2009 20:55 |
most instruction is written for ,and most people advise a beginner to get a C.however,since you're going to be playing solo and have expressed an interest
in blues i would recommend a lower key,such as an A harmonica.you can sound better on train rhythms and fox chases etc on a lower harp such as an A or a G.also
if you jam with a blues guitarist an A harp is good to have.
you can't really go wrong with G,C,A or D followed by F,Bb,Eb etc.some people end up with all twelve keys or more,including minors and chromatics.but don't be dismayed ,you could also play around a campfire with one A harp for the rest of your life. if you want to hear how i play : http://www.myspace.com/shakeylyman can't seem to get that to show up as a link,oh well
Last Edited By: shakeylee 11/05/2009 21:01.
Edited 3 times.
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oldtrout |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 129 11/06/2009 04:39 |
shakeylee,
Thank you for the key advice, I plan to place my order in the morning and listen to your playing too. |
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oldtrout |
#8 | |||
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Posts: 135 11/18/2009 15:17 |
shakeylee,
The Suzuki Harpmaster arrived yesterday and I owe you a BIG debt of gratitude. Thank you for your recommendation, the sound it produces belies it's modest price, it is outstanding! Really great, unbelievable in fact. Now, if only it will drive my wife nuts... all the better! |
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 thegubster |
#9 | |||
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Posts: 1755 11/18/2009 16:16 |
shakeylee wrote: Shakey....that's too bad, I would've loved to have listened. I followed the link. Neat pics. I love the sound of a blues harp. Jeremy. |
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shakeylee |
#10 | |||
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Posts: 195 11/18/2009 23:08 |
gubster,it works as a link now.there are songs on there you can listen to,but be forewarned one is naughty.
old trout,those harpmasters are amongst my favorite harps.great sound for the price.if you tweak one there almost as good as anything.glad you like it!hopefully we'll get to jam someday . |
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