Slidemeister (Chromatic & related only - no Diatonic discussion) > Alternate Tunings

True Chromatic vs. Power Chromatic vs. other?

(1/11) > >>

AW:
Hello all,

I'm just starting to play chromatic and wondering about tuning choices.  Having learned the Richter layout diatonic first and then getting introduced to the world of alternate diatonic tunings, I would like to go into chromatic with a little more thought about where to spend my money and time. 

I've played powerbender diatonics and like those.  I've tried a true chromatic tuned diatonic and found it lots of fun for noodling around, but a bit harder to play melody. 

For mostly accompaniment playing with occasional short solos in a church band,  what chromatic tuning would you suggest?

thanks,

AW

Sean:
I'm a big fan of the Dimi (or diminished) tuning.  There are a number of threads on this tuning in the alternate tunings section of slidemeister. 

There is a nice introduction to the dimi tuning here: http://www.angelfire.com/music/harmonica/dimichromintro.html

The diminished layouts are here: http://www.angelfire.com/music/harmonica/dimichromlayouts.html

And the patterns for playing in different keys are here: http://www.angelfire.com/music/harmonica/dimichromintervals.html

I can't do a better job of explaining the benefits of the dimi than is done at those links. 

Sean

AW:
Thanks, those links are helpful.

I have a Leghorn Harmonica that someone gave me years ago.  Would it be wiser to seek out a new harp or try to get that one retuned?

Sean:
It is possible to have a solo tuned harmonica retuned to dimi where the starting note is the same or a half step higher than it started pretty easily.  So a solo tuned C can be retuned to C or Db dimi.  Or a G can be retuned to a G or Ab dimi.  Some customizers may be willing to go beyond that range too.

I ordered a Seydel Deluxe in dimi tuning starting on G below middle C.  I'm quite pleased with it.  I had it in three weeks from when I ordered it.  It remains my main chrome.  I don't know what a leghorn harp is, so I can't say whether it is a good starting point or not.

A.J.Fedor:
At this point, one of the drawbacks (and probably the biggest one) is that if something happens to your "non-standard tuned" axe, and you don't have another one right handy, you're outta luck till you can get your special tuned axe fixed. You will not be able to go to a store and buy something and keep playing. Face it! Its hard enough finding a Chromatic in a music store, much less a special tuned one. If you want to try something besides a Seydel, (like a Hohner, Suzuki etc.) you will have to:

1. Go out and  buy one, then
2. Re-tune it (or pay someone to have it re-tuned and of course wait till it comes back)
3. Not play till you get one back in your hot little hands.

At this time, Seydel is the only one offering them in special tuning for an extra ten bucks or so. (Killer deal by the way) No tech on the planet is gunna re-tune a stocker for less than, let's say: A WHOLE BUNCH MORE THAN 10 BUCKS.

just my 2 dinariusses  ;)

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page