Re: [Harp-L] Need Help Richter Tuned "Chromatic" Harmonica Options

["Dave Payne, Elk River Harmonicas" <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

THere's a reason chromatics are fully valved, they inherently leak through the slide, bending one unvalved is very hard, because they leak so bad. But, I've got an idea where you can hit all the notes without bending... If you're willing to get adjusted to something new, you could try this Elk Richter Blues tuning I came up with in the old days that's cool, I used to tune them myself for customers, but when Seydel started the custom tuning, it was cheaper for the customer if I had them do it. You can hit virtually all the draw bend, blow bend, overblow and overdraw notes with impunity while fully valved.  

On draw holes 1-6 pushing the button in on a draw note gives you the same note you get in an overblow.  pushing the button at 1 and 4 blow gives you the note you get in the draw bends on those holes, but you don't have a lot of the notes you get 1-3  
Now,  if you have the No. 2 draw slide in tuned to F#, the 3 blow slide in tuned to A and the 3 draw slide in to Bb, you've got all the 1-3 hole bend notes except for the G# at 3 draw bent deep
I can't remember how the upper register works, but it's the same idea. On 10 for instance, to get the blow bend Bb, you push the button in on the draw and to get the B, you push the button on the blow. 
So, you've got a fully RIchter valved chromatic that can not only hit all but one of the bend notes, it can do most of the overblows and overdraws as well... all with the push of a button. _________________________________
Dave Payne Sr. 
Elk River Harmonicas
www.elkriverharmonicas.com 



----- Original Message ----
From: Glenn and Debbie Woodhouse <gwoodhouse40@xxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 3:20:47 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Need Help Richter Tuned "Chromatic" Harmonica Options


I've played exclusively 10 hole diatonics but recently I've been researching in the archives, looking at manufacturer's sites, and assessing local availability of Richter tuned "chromatic" or slide harmonicas and have some questions that some of you might be able to help with.

"Hohner Koch" - Seems to be available in C & G under $100 - 10 hole.  Archives state this as a leaky harp.

"Hohner Slide" - Now only available C in the $100 range (perhaps G was available in the past) - 10 hole.  Partially valved to improve air tightness.  How airtight is this harp compared to the "Hering Blues 48" and "Seydel Chromatic DeLuxe Richter Blues"?

"Seydel Chromatic DeLuxe Richter Blues" - Generally available around $110 - 12 holes (square). I saw a Dave Payne post regarding a tuning tweak but could not find any "performance reviews".  Appears to be valved from Seydel's site description.  How is the overall air tightness of this harmonica?  I have a preference towards Seydel based on my recent and gradual conversion to their 1847/Silver harps and what a wonderfully built and comfortable instrument they are.  Can I expect the same from the Chromatic Deluxe?

"Hering Blues 48" or "Hering Blues Band 48" - Availability??  Price around $100??  12 holes (round).  One archive post referenced the superior air tightness of this harp.  Can anyone help to put that into context with some or all of the options listed above.  I can't seem to find an on-line US retailer of this harmonica.  The Hering USA site (via Brazil??) doesn't seem to be up and running yet.  An archive post referenced the www.jldyermusic.com site for this harp.  This looks like a potential source although there is no ability to order directly from this site.  I have sent mail on availability.

I am intrigued by the 12 hole harps.  I often find myself wanting more on a run down to the 1 blow during a slow blues tune.  I've never played a round hole harmonica.  Any considerations there?  So really, the above is a long way of asking which is tighter, the Seydel or the Hering and where are the best places to find/buy the Hering.  Any other useful input on this topic would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Glenn Woodhouse
The ColdRail Blues Band
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