Re: [Harp-L] RE: Harp in bluegrass

[Tom Baehr <tombaehr@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Using a C and C# together is something others have tried,  
successfully, using two solo-tuned tremolos. Huang marketed a  
Cathedral Concert set for that very purpose. I looked for a set on a  
few of the online sellers, but none of them listed it.

The C/C# combo, in the right hands (it takes some practice to  
manipulate them), would be the equivalent of a 12 hole chromatic.  
Some players can accomplish most everything a chromatic can do. Add  
to that other keys, and chordal possibilities open up that chromatics  
lack. Jia-Yi He is a master with both tremolos and chromatic. Very  
much an Asian pastime.

Now that Suzuki sells a 16 hole chromatic tremolo, chromatic players  
can emulate what a C/C# tremolo player does, plus the extra octave.  
But the Suzuki ain't cheap: MSRP of $999.00.

Hohner makes a set of tremolos called the Celeste, in several keys,  
very inexpensive, and reviewed favorably. For less than, say, $30-40,  
anyone can get into it.

Tom
On Aug 10, 2007, at 5:35 PM, IcemanLE@xxxxxxx wrote:

> As to diatonic harmonica applying to all other forms of music - as  
> long as
> the harmonica is played less "harmonicky" and more like a linear  
> instrument, I
> believe there is a place for it. In regards to traditional  
> classical music, I
>  think the diatonic can be effective as long as bends/OB are  
> avoided. This
> might mean switching harmonicas for consistent tone - not unlike  
> the AMAZING
> tremolo players I saw in Germany at the Hohner International  
> Conventions, who
> make it a real visual and aural art to constantly change harmonicas  
> during a
> piece. How about if one uses only two - a "C" and a "Db" held  
> together,
> simulating what a chromatic harmonica might provide? Has anyone  
> played around  with
> this?