GGiles
6 posts
Nov 11, 2008
12:43 PM
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So what is your favorite harp to have on hand? Do you leave the house with a "C" harp or an "A" harp or both?
Right now I only have a "C" harp and it's in my pocket all the time.
What's in your pocket?
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Buzadero
1 post
Nov 11, 2008
1:06 PM
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Rarely "in my pocket". However, I keep a minumum of a G, A, Bb, and a C in my car at all times. Usually self-tweaked Firebreaths.....although I just picked up an A and Bb from The Buddha that are working out quite nicely.
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Miles Dewar
65 posts
Nov 11, 2008
1:48 PM
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My F harp is my absolute favorite harp. I dont leave home without it, and it's pretty much the only one i take out of my house. I dont really like the sound of the lower harps, i love the bright sound from the F.
Go Bears!!!
---Be Positive---
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eharp
130 posts
Nov 11, 2008
2:35 PM
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A and C Bushman Delta Frost are on me almost all the time.
i have Delta Frost in G, A, C, D in my jeep at all times, too.
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Oisin
42 posts
Nov 11, 2008
2:48 PM
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Special 20 C harp always in my pocket (in it's case of course, too many bits a fluff in the reeds taught me that) I work nights at a huge pharma plant and you can't beat an enormous empty wharehouse at 3am for a blast on the old harp.
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Leanground
29 posts
Nov 11, 2008
4:45 PM
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Right now it's a G harp in a Buck knife belt case... depends on what I have in my head.
I keep a set of sp20's in my Jeep (due to New England weather) and play Marine Bands otherwize.
Last Edited by on Nov 11, 2008 4:46 PM
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Blackbird
6 posts
Nov 11, 2008
4:48 PM
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99% of the time, I have the key of C on me, and it varies between Marine Band or Blues Harp. Depending upon what I'm working on I tend to also drag a D, G, A, or Bb along most times.
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oldwailer
313 posts
Nov 11, 2008
5:02 PM
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Usually an A or B-flat in the pocket--although it's sometimes a C. Depends on what I'm working on. In my work truck, I always carry my full case of harps, so I can jam with the tunes and lessons on my ipod.
I'd like to spring for a full set of Huangs for the car--but this economy has been screwing me out of that for a while. . .
I'd rather suck a little lint than use the cases harps come in--they rattle too much and make the harp stick out too far. . . .
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Aussiesucker
61 posts
Nov 11, 2008
8:45 PM
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Hi, I am carrying an A, C & Bb. I carry them in leather pouches I sourced through Harp Depot from Buckeye in Marion Ohio. They each cost ca $10 but are a quality product and protect the harps (Bluesmasters) from lint. Not sure how they would go with Marine Bands as they squash very easily but on a sturdy harp -no probs. I hated the rattly cumbersome boxes that come with most harps. Where I am from it is subtropical so I'm always in shorts & find that cargo shorts (with the side leg pockets are great for carrying more than a few harps. On the rare evening that I wear jeans then the buckeye holsters slip onto the belt. But I never leave home without harps except when I'm going for a swim!
When partying, ie crisps & beer, I have little Suzuki Folkmasters on me. I know they are cheap & made in China but they seriously are not a bad harp ie airtight & well made but not real loud (sometimes a benefit). A favourite at present is an Ab. They are a small harp with a tiny case & I found the rattling can be prevented by applying a Band Aid Plaster to the inside base of the case. Interested in others opinions of the Folkmaster?
Last Edited by on Nov 11, 2008 8:56 PM
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geordiebluesman
110 posts
Nov 12, 2008
12:21 AM
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I always have a MB in C in my front jeans pocket when i go out,it has come with me on countless nights out and to many bike rallies and festivals and i always promise it before we go that i'll get it out at some point and play then i work myself up into a frenzy of nerves,convince myself that i need to practice more first and innevitably bottle out.On the plus side i have found that having an uncased MB in your front jeans pocket can still bring admiring glances from the girls!
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harmonicanick
54 posts
Nov 12, 2008
12:53 AM
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I did carry a Seydel 'super low F' in leather pouch.
1 blow sounds like an aircraft carrier fog horn!
Hopeless for playing live unless everyone is quiet but great in the car.
But I sat on it and squashed it..:-(
Last Edited by on Nov 12, 2008 12:56 AM
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Anonymous
Guest
Nov 12, 2008
4:17 AM
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Seydel "Big Six"
gotta love that little thing!
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GGiles
7 posts
Nov 12, 2008
5:57 AM
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Lots of interesting answers ... in particular how people carry their harps around. I do tend to keep mine in a pocket if I'm going to be using it quite a bit but it goes back into the case when not in use.
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snakes
42 posts
Nov 12, 2008
7:23 AM
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I carry a Suzuki Bluesmaster in its original case. Almost always a key of A, although sometimes I'll grab my Suzuki Promaster key of C. The Promaster cases are actually very functional as they are not so buly and kinda' form fit the harp (unlike the Bluesmaster cases that are your typical bulky box-like affair).
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LIP RIPPER
7 posts
Nov 12, 2008
9:01 AM
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I HAVE LEE OSKARS. TODAY I HAVE A "C" BECAUSE OF WHAT I'M WORKING ON BUT I ALWAYS LEAVE THE Db IN THE TRUCK.
LR
Last Edited by on Nov 12, 2008 9:05 AM
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harmonicanick
55 posts
Nov 12, 2008
10:19 AM
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Db Lip Rip? Wow I have been playing for a looong time but have never needed that one. What key is that in cross??
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Folkblues
Guest
Nov 12, 2008
1:49 PM
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Hi, I also like the little Folkmasters as a second string knockabout harp. Always have a G & C with me. Sure the Promasters & Bluesmasters are the 'standard' but agree with previous comments on Folkmasters. They are not really that small ie same size as Marine Bands but the case is compact.
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Anonymous
Guest
Nov 12, 2008
2:17 PM
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1847 Seydel Beta(!!)
Couldn't B without it EVER!!!
Happens to be a Bb...AD's choice?.....so what?!
Eddy
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bluzlvr
79 posts
Nov 12, 2008
2:31 PM
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If I had to choose one key of harp, I'd choose A because for me it works out best for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions (A,E,B).
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Oliver
19 posts
Nov 12, 2008
4:36 PM
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Either an A or a D MB, depending on mood...
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Trueblue
Guest
Nov 12, 2008
6:00 PM
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An 'A' Harpmaster.
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oldwailer
315 posts
Nov 12, 2008
8:05 PM
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Hey Nick--Db is Ab in cross--in case that was a serious question--which happens to be one of my favorites--a great harp--
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Patrick Barker
149 posts
Nov 12, 2008
8:09 PM
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I nearly allways have a harp in my pocket- I change harps somewhat often. One week I'll love the tone of my A marine band, another I'll love the responsiveness of a well broken in and slightly self customized sp 20 in C or my delta frost in D.
----------
"Without music, life would be a mistake" -Nietzsche
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harmonicanick
56 posts
Nov 13, 2008
12:45 AM
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Thanks OW I'll give that a try
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LIP RIPPER
8 posts
Nov 13, 2008
7:28 AM
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Ab IS RIGHT. OF COURSE NOTHING IS PLAYED IN Ab THAT'S WHY I ALWAYS LEAVE IT IN THE TRUCK. IT'S JUST A FUN HARP KEY.
LR
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Blind Melon
16 posts
Nov 13, 2008
9:36 AM
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I always have a couple of Hohner Bluesbands in my briefcase and in my vehicles. I play these when in the car or when traveling out of town for work. The problem is that they only come in the key of "C".
The Bluesband is like a "poor mans" Special 20. It is made in China and has a plastic comb. It was recommended by my old harp instructor as a good practice harp. They only cost around $4-5 dollars each and you can pick up a handful of them at Cracker Barrel (my Bluesband supplier).
I carry one of my two sets of Special 20's in a Hohner Piedmont carrying case. The harps that come with the Piedmont set are "disposable" as in you "dispose" of them as soon as you get home and then put your good harps in the really nice case.
Last Edited by on Nov 13, 2008 9:39 AM
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tookatooka
27 posts
Nov 13, 2008
10:36 AM
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Suzuki Bluesmaster with Promaster Reedplates in 'A'. So good. I work at home so it is always next to my keyboard for a quick toot as I wait for a webpage to load.
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Preston
68 posts
Nov 13, 2008
1:49 PM
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Blind Melon,
You are right about the Bluesband being a poorman's special 20. I bought one for my 6 year old thinking he didn't need a $25-30 harp, and man was I surprised when I played it. It had good volume, wasn't too leaky, and the six overblew right out of the box.
Back to the thread question:
I try to pick up a different Keyed harp everyday. But I have to say Bb is my favorite Key Harp.
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New_B
38 posts
Nov 13, 2008
3:46 PM
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My favorite harps are Marine Bands, in the key of A, G and low-F.
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oldwailer
318 posts
Nov 13, 2008
4:29 PM
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New B,
You are really gonna love LOW C! But I wouldn't carry one in my pocket--they're just too good for that. . .
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Aussiesucker
66 posts
Nov 13, 2008
11:15 PM
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For you guys who love the low harps you should get yourselves a Didgeridoo. No it won't fit in your pocket. For all you multi instrumentalists check out an Aussie called Juzzie Smith who is a one man band. Has heaps of stuff on youtube and the blues harp is central to his sound. I tried to put a few links up but didn't work. He has plenty of Youtbes just google with his name.
Last Edited by on Nov 13, 2008 11:19 PM
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harmonicanick
59 posts
Nov 14, 2008
1:31 AM
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Aussie,
Funny you say that about the didg. my sister bought me one back from Aus a while back and apart from some less than pleasant sounds it has been good to look at.
Anyway I spoke to a player at the Harp festival have a cd by Jonathan Cope and am getting a good drone going.
It's not that difficult for us because we are used to diapraghm breathing right?
I want to get that circular breathing....
Rgds Nick
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Oisin
43 posts
Nov 14, 2008
4:08 AM
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Hey Nick I read a tip once for circular breathing practise.
I've tried it and it does work with a little practise.
Fill you mouth with water then slowly spit it out in a small jet and at the same time breath in and out through your nose. In effect your are isolating your mouth chamber and slowly ejecting air while breathing through your nose.
Hope this sounds right. As I say it takes a bit of practise but you can do it. Works on harp too but I found only on blow notes.
Oisin
Last Edited by on Nov 14, 2008 9:13 AM
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harmonicanick
60 posts
Nov 14, 2008
10:07 AM
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Thanks I'll try with water not beer!
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Ant138
49 posts
Nov 18, 2008
12:48 PM
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Right now im packing a Blues harp in A,its usually that or a Blues Harp in C.
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Tyler
Guest
Nov 19, 2008
8:47 PM
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hohner special 20 is my weapon of choice but for the every day carry I love my Suzuki firebreath in the key of C. I keep it in my pocket in a leather case that I made that fits the harp like a glove to a hand : )
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mr_so&so
6 posts
Nov 21, 2008
1:31 PM
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Honer Big River in Bb. I bought this one over a year ago for Adam's videos, and it's standing the test of time -- has never gunked up on me and has withstood a daily bending workout.
Oh, and I love the tight-fitting Honer case for the BR. My pet peeve is rattling cases like the Suzuki ones --- nice harps, terrible cases.
Last Edited by on Nov 25, 2008 9:54 AM
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cm16600
25 posts
Nov 22, 2008
3:09 AM
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Lee Os harmonic minor key of A and suzuki hammond in C .
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prince biscuit
Guest
Nov 24, 2008
1:21 PM
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usually a special 20, key of g, in a leather fanny pouch. there are also a and c harps in the van, centre console.
(i have bungee-corded a small tube amp in the back of the van, and run it off a power converter, great for relieving boredom on long trips, with a radio shack lapel mike that is rather snarly)
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SoulPressure
1 post
Nov 25, 2008
6:55 PM
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Usually I carry around a Suzuki D or an A.
But then again usually I have a full set close at hand.
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Bronko
2 posts
Nov 25, 2008
6:55 PM
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Maybe I'm just lame, but I picked up a Hohner Golden Melody when I was in a jam last year, and I really like that thing. Mostly just the A, G, & B, but I like them much better than Oskar's and Bluesband.
I always have a C in my truck, and sometimes an A.
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oldwailer
340 posts
Nov 25, 2008
7:44 PM
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Nuthin' lame about Hohner Golden Melody's--I've never owned one yet, but it is the weapon of choice of many fine players. . .
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Arbite
Guest
Nov 26, 2008
2:08 AM
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A Suzuki Harpmaster Key of A
Wonderful harp with low rough sound =)
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johntrem
21 posts
Nov 27, 2008
12:46 PM
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All my harps are in a wicker basket on a bookshelf in my music room except the one on the table next to where I sit in the family room which is a Hohner Big River in A. Not my best harp but the one I keep out if I feel the need to blow.
Last Edited by on Nov 27, 2008 12:47 PM
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DutchBones
51 posts
Nov 28, 2008
3:45 PM
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I usually have an A or a Bb on me when I leave the house... btw love the sound, shape and feel of GM's, my skin can't handle the reedplates though....give me a rash or something (MB's and other harps with plates sticking out, same (sad) story..
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Aussiesucker
84 posts
Nov 28, 2008
4:01 PM
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Hey DutchBones possible you may be experiencing an allergy to nickel. Many harps have nickel in their reedplates and some of the older harps have nickel coated cover plates. Its a nasty allergy that builds up over time and can affect some 10% of the population. Bluesmasters, Harpmasters, Promasters, Special 20s & Lee Oskars are the best IMHO for anyone who has the nickel allergy. Believe me I have had it & it's not nice. I have not had a problem now for many years but I am ultra careful on which harps I play. Another good thing about the aforementioned harps is that they can be easily taken apart and given a good wash and sanitized. In my pocket at present is a Lee Oskar natural Em & a Bluesmaster in A.
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Genesis
Guest
Dec 02, 2008
4:35 PM
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THEE mojo key, Eb in the cupholder of the car always.
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RyanMortos
5 posts
Dec 02, 2008
7:24 PM
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My first (and temporarily only), a Hohner blues harp in G. I carry it with me pretty much everywhere; just in case I find a few moments.
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GermanHarpist
2 posts
Dec 14, 2008
7:33 AM
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Same here.. somehow I love the Bluesbands. The low ones are mostly pretty good, especially for bending. For me its either the G or, the last weeks, the A.
When out of home it is in my rucksack.
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Andrew
9 posts
Dec 14, 2008
8:01 AM
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I don't carry my favourite harp - I carry around the one that needs blowing in the most (B flat)!
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