[Harp-L] re: Diatonic-sounding chromatic?

[Jonathan Ross <jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nick Noviello wrote:

"All chromatics sound to me somewhere between the harp sound I love  
and an accordion!
Which chromatic can sound closest to a Marine Band, or even a Special  
20? Is anyone making a chromatic using diatonic reeds?"

I don't think any chromatic comes particularly close to the sound of  
a diatonic (though I also don't think they are that far apart to  
begin with).  Probably Bill Barrett is the person who I think has the  
most raw tone on chromatic I've heard, and he plays CX-12s  
(modified?).  I think it's as much about playing style as anything  
else in terms of how you make the chromatic sound.  When I hear  
someone like Dennis Gruenling or other blues players using the chrom  
in 3rd position with lots of tongue-blocking, it is very similar to  
the way that they make the diatonic sound, IMO.

As for reeds, there is very little difference between the reeds used  
in chromatics and those used in diatonics (if any).  I think the  
difference in sound comes mostly from two factors (other than playing  
style): first, the valving of the notes.  This makes a big  
difference, as can be seen when you valve a diatonic.  Second, the  
air leakage inherent in a slider-based system.

Hope this helps.



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