[Harp-L] "Baritone" chromatic



First, let's define some terms.  If we accept the pitch generally
referred to as middle C as being the lowest note on a standard 48 or
12-hole chromatic in the key of C, then the correct term for the lowest
note on a 64 or 16-hole chromatic would be tenor C.  The next octave
below would be termed "baritone" C and below that again is bass C.
Which brings us to this:

http://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel.storefront/;Locale=en_GB?ObjectPa
th=/Shops/Seydel/Products/51482/SubProducts/51482LC

Note the following sentence: 

"Here our Low Chroms, exactly one Oktave below the 'Standard' tuning."

Then there is this:

http://coast2coastmusic.com/cgi-bin/cart/HE6148.html

While both of these are called "Baritone" by name, they are the same
range as what Hohner has traditionally (and correctly, IMO) called
"tenor" tuning.  I have many tenor-tuned harmonicas, and for a 12-hole
instrument I much prefer this range to the standard one.  

But, neither of these are in fact "baritone" tuned instruments according
to the criteria Michael brought up: a chromatic tuned two octaves below
middle C, ie, a chromatic tuned two octaves below the lowest note on a
48 in C or one octave below a 64 in C.  Both of the above harmonicas,
despite their names, are still an octave too high in pitch to fit the
criteria of a true "baritone" instrument as Michael, Winslow and myself
(and others) have dreamed existed.

It may be possible to make one with existing reed-plates, but I think
the results would not be nearly as user-friendly as reeds, slots, covers
and such purposely designed for this range.  I have several of the
Seydel low-low-tuned diatonics, and as much as I enjoy them they are not
the most easily playable of instruments.  Part of that, I would guess,
is due to the fact that the reeds are being made to work at a pitch
significantly lower than the ideal for the scale reed would predict.  If
you had reeds scaled specifically for that range, rather than tuned down
from standard, I would expect better performance.  (note--the Seydels
are wonderful harps and if anyone wants to explore the truly low
territory on a standard diatonic or just have some fun I highly
recommend getting them)

There are several companies out there right now which are rather
adventurous in their pursuit of new markets and new designs.  Hering,
Seydel and Suzuki have all shown a willingness to try new things to suit
customer demand.  Hopefully some company will decide to give a
purpose-built baritone chromatic a try, as I know I'd buy one in a
second (indeed, that was the case when Suzuki made a purpose-built
tremolo chromatic--I bought one as soon as I found a good source).  

BTW, Winslow is, as usual, correct in remembering that baritone-range
Polyphonia as being model No. 7.  I know because I just checked mine.
Wonderful instrument, but like all the Polyphonia models not the easiest
to play much besides chromatic runs, IMO.




 oo    JR "Bulldogge" Ross
()()   & Snuffy, too:)
`--'








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