IMHO, the primary reason most people stick with the traditional
Richter Tuning/layout is because there is little opportunity to learn
that there are alternatives until one has already put in a certain
amount of money, time and effort learning-and then it seems like too
much of a loss to switch over. The "bricks and mortar" stores carry
items that can be "moved" off the shelves, including the "standard"
brands/models/keys AND the supporting instructional materials. Only
long after certain tricks/habits/techniques have been learned AND the
newly minted harp slinger travels out of his woodshed does he
encounter others who are using or experimenting with alternate
tunings.
I started on Golden Melodies. I blew them out so fast that I had only
two choices: (1) Find a different harp that would last longer until I
learned how to play better; or (2) give up the idea of playing
harmonicas altogether. (I still love Golden Melody harps!)
Fortunately, I found a very supportive online community AND a very
supportive environment at the Cardinal State Harmonica Club and
Harmonica Plus Club in VA. I learned more about different brands,
switched to Lee Oskar and Special 20s, and most importantly, I found
out WHY I was blowing out harps so quickly.
I also learned that there are some great online stores that not only
were less expensive, but carried a much wider selection than the usual
Mom and Pop music store. From great books (Steve Baker's Harp Handbook
and others), I learned about alternate tunings like spiral (circular)
tuning. At that time, there were no sources for alternate tunings
except customizers, so I didn't pursue that avenue for lack of
financial resources. I'm not a "pro" and have no intentions of ever
becoming one, so I couldn't justify several hundred dollars for a
single harp and obviously am too cheap to buy a full set at those
prices. I ain't knocking the customizers' prices; I really can't see
how they stay in business at the LOW prices they charge. There are
some really dedicated people doing it more for the love of it than for
the money.
The turning point (for me) occurred when I started studying music
theory AND wanted more notes available without performing unnatural
acts to achieve them. I did not (and still don't) like chromatic harps
with slides and windsavers. (I have tried the Tombo
slideless/valveless chromatics, and like them EXCEPT for the actual
note layout.) Concurrently, Seydel made alternate tunings available
commercially, with the capability of specifying the desired note
layout (within reason) and then getting that "special" tuning for a
small additional fee. (BTW, the Seydel Harp Configurator is another
great Seydel offering!) I ordered a Circular (Zirkular in German)
Tuned harp and loved how easy it was to play things I had struggled
with before. I ordered a complete set through Coast-to-Coast Music,
learned how to play them within a couple of months of sloppy practice,
and have never gone back. If Seydel stops offering them, I guess I'll
have to make my own or switch to chromatic.
I play mostly OTM, bluegrass, gospel and country, with a smattering of
pop and jazz thrown in just to keep me struggling. I'm N-O-T a "blues"
player, although I have been catergorized as a "blues" player simply
because I play diatonics (sometimes even by members of harmonica clubs
who should know better). The diatonic is NOT just for and limited to
playing "blues." One of the nicest compliments I have gotten from
"bluegrassers" is that I do NOT sound like any other harp player they
have ever heard! (They must not have much experience with harp players
who can play melody AND harmony on a diatonic.)
Anyhoo, that's MY reasons for switching. I get "more bang for the
buck" with Circular Tuning than with standard Richter Tuning. Others
most probably don't want to get back on the bottom of the learning
curve or the purchasing curve.
YMMV,
Crazy Bob
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:32:17 -0500
From: "Daniel Perrone" <dany_perrone@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Richter oh Richter, why oh why?
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Despite the title let me say that I love the traditional Richter
tuning, it's just that with all the recent discussion about alternate
tunings like the country tuning by long time professionals has me
wondering, once again as to why the traditional Richter tuning, or
very slight variations of it (country, paddy Richter) is the tuning
most used by pros outside of blues.
I've been playing harp for a couple years and by now I have a decent
understanding as to why the traditional Richter tuning is the best
for blues, period. I love "bluesifying your melody" and the standard
tuning serves me well when I want to do that. But so many times I
find myself going for the paddy or the country or melody maker tuning
when playing certain melodies. So I keep having this nagging question
in my head as to why most pros stick with Richter when playing
classical music , jazz, pop etc etc.
There is got to be a musical reason. You see, I have heavily invested
in Richter harps and it will make me very happy to know that, LOL.
Is it merely tradition ? It's hard to change now?
Is it because most manufactures only produce the standard tuning ?
Is it the ability to play octaves ? ( not possible with circular
tuning for example)
Has something to do with better tongue blocking ?
Is it the extended range you get ( a few more notes than with major
cross or circular for example)?
Is it the ability to overblow easier ?
Anyways, please enlighten me. No sarcasm or off the wall answer
please. I am really trying to grow musically in my journey with the
harmonica.
Thanks,
Daniel
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