Re: Subject: [Harp-L] Good chromatics for a beginner

[Mund...@aol.com]

When I was 8 years old, my big sister Pat (Then a student at the Guildhall
School of Music in London UK) Gave me a Hohner 270 Super Chromonica in
"G"... To keep me quiet. It didn't work. I LOVE the range of the regular "G"
chromatic, and because that was my ONLY harmonica for about 5 years I STILL
think "In G". I loved the music of jazz musician Max Geldray; but he almost
always used a "C" chromatic... I have a set of a dozen 270s these days, one
in each key. Why? Because when playing sessions, often the singer will say
"Change the key" Then I can play the patterns I have already learned on a
differently tuned instrument. Also... the CHORDS are available! But to be
honest, I mostly play harmonica in 1st, 2nd or 3rd position... Just like I
do on diatonic harp too.
Sincerely,
John "Whiteboy" Walden
Just now in
bonnie Scotland.


In a message dated 11/25/2012 1:01:36 P.M. GMT Standard Time, EGS1217
writes:

<<Most long-term chromatic players have gotten used to playing everything
on
one key of C instrument >>

[tacop...@comcast.net]

I saw a few posts about how leaky 270's are. Like Whiteboy I have a
complete set (my guitarist is amused that I have chromatics in every
key). All of mine are vintage 60's purchased from a small music store
in Rock Island, IL in the 90's at 30% of their 60's prices. Some were
leaky at first but as they were played, mouth gunk AKA salivates
sealed the leaks. I've never cleaned them and they work like a charm.
I still prefer my CBH's but the high notes aren't as good as I would
like. QC is why so many of us are migrating towards custom or boutique
harps. That didn't used to be the case. My folks have a Sunbeam
toaster that they got for a wedding gift in 1953 and it still works
great. Seems I have to buy a new toaster every few years. I have a
waffle iron that I bought in 1982 that still works perfectly. I have a
stainless steel chili pot that I also bought in the early 80's that
has no defects but the chinese stainless steel pasta pot that I bought
in 2008 from Walmart is rusting. I think I'll stop my rant there and
play some music before I raise my blood pressure.

[Rick Dempster]

John; have you ever heard Max play in any other key than C? I love Max'
stuff, but all the stuff on the Goon show appears to be in C.
I can't believe it was the only key he could play in, given the
sophistication of the material, arrangements and his playing in general.
Whaddya reckon?

--
Rick Dempster
E„Resources/Serials
LR&A
RMIT Libraries

[Mund...@aol.com]

Yes... Max Geldray liked to play in "C"... Often modulating to "Db"
But he was a FANTASTIC harmonicist!
An inspiration to me.
Best wishes,

John "Whiteboy" Walden
Just now in
bonnie Scotland.

In a message dated 12/7/2012 1:05:54 A.M. GMT Standard Time,

rick.d...@rmit.edu.au writes:

John; have you ever heard Max play in any other key than C? I love Max'
stuff, but all the stuff on the Goon show appears to be in C.
I can't believe it was the only key he could play in, given the
sophistication of the material, arrangements and his playing in general.
Whaddya reckon?

On 7 December 2012 10:34, <_Mun...@aol.com_ (mailto:Mund...@aol.com) >