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beginner forum: for novice and developing blues harp players >
Best for beginner - just one harp?
Best for beginner - just one harp?
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New but determined
33 posts
Dec 10, 2015
8:18 PM
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I know the pluses of this idea of sticking to just one harmonica as you go through the early (maybe first six months) learning but as I often do, I dove right in trying to find the holy grail and bought a bunch of harmonicas.
Now I've taken al but the one with which I feel most comfortable, and threw the rest in a drawer and am trying to pretend they aren't there. Life experience has taught me that at some point in early learning, too many choices creates distractions.
Any feedback on this from those who have been at it and feel they've put something together that they can depend on?
Last Edited by New but determined on Dec 10, 2015 8:19 PM
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MindTheGap
859 posts
Dec 11, 2015
12:44 AM
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I think you've received this advice before, but I'll repeat that once you get over a certain quality level, there's not that much difference between harp models of the same key. You'd be forgiven for thinking there was, given the amount of discussion about it. There are real differences though in terms of the practical side: comfort, that kind of thing.
I get the impression that there was a time when there WAS a big difference between models. I don't know coz I wasn't around then but from what I read. For example, it is said that Lee Oskar set up his own company because he couldn't get the consistent quality from the available brands. Steve Baker went into Hohner and shook up their diatonic dept. and you see the results in your lovely Crossover just for one. There's an interesting article on that somewhere on the main forum.
At the moment you do seem to be concentrating on the fine details between different harp models. Not saying that's wrong (really - you should do whatever gives you joy) but I'd be surprised if in a year you think that's the most important thing.
There are real differences between keys. So if it were me having my time again I'd get a set including high and low keys and make sure I varied practise between them. Actually what I did was start with C then find an A and liked that so much I played little else, then had to put a lot a practise in when I needed to play the higher keys.
That's just what I'd do. Others may say you should stick to one key until you've got that down. Good to consult a teacher who have seen people go through it.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Dec 11, 2015 12:53 AM
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SuperBee
3068 posts
Dec 11, 2015
2:06 AM
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I played C, it was an awful harp so I bought another which was better but actually still awful. I bought a D and an A which I liked, then an inferior G and I messed about with those for a long time..years passed and there were more harps, books, blah blah...lots of variety until we get to 2012 and I started taking lessons with Jimi Lee who said just use an A harp. I still played G, Bb, C, D, Eb, E, F, but all the developmental stuff I did was on A for about a year. I did struggle with C and D for a while after but the principles I learned were still applicable and it was just a question of calibration.
So, I dunno. Please thyself
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Harmlessonica
170 posts
Dec 11, 2015
2:40 AM
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You're probably doing the right thing by focusing on one harmonica. But remember that more choices don't necessarily mean more distractions; it can also mean more variety, teaching you different skills and preventing boredom and encouraging you to practice.
For myself, I found it hard to practice on a C harp without complaints from the family - but they will tolerate my tootling on any key preceded by an L (or 2 :) ).
In short, any kind of practice is better than none. Looking back, you may find that you had to go through trying those other harps to convince yourself of the one you eventually settled on.
Shuffling your harps as you go may not be the most efficient way to learn, but as long as you're enjoying the process, that can only be a good thing.
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Rontana
233 posts
Dec 11, 2015
5:26 AM
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Playing is a matter of personal choice, and really has little to do with the harp. It has to do with your bedrock motivations what you want to achieve with your playing. Hopefully you're doing it simply because it makes you happy - because it's fun and makes you smile - but what are your thoughts beyond that?
Are you doing this because you want to make music in the comfort of your home, strictly for personal pleasure? Is it to learn a new skill that has the bonus of providing pretty sounds and melodies? Do you want to progress to open jams or join a band? Are you going to be satisfied hitting a certain plateau of competence, or are you shooting for the highest level of skill you can achieve?
This forum is unique, in that it's hosted and frequented by some of the best players in the world, almost all of whom are more than willing to share what they know. That gives those of us new to the game a wealth of information, tips and experience - free for the asking - that you just won't find in other music forums. It's a Blues Harp University sans tuition.
That said, because many of these folks are so accomplished, it's easy for a newcomer to fall into the trap of becoming overly concerned with nuance vitally important to pros but not terribly germane for beginners. At the early stages (I'm only a year and change in myself) it's tempting to read discussions on gear - harps, pedal, amps, what have you - and forget that the first couple years (at least) revolve around learning and mastering the basics.
It's a marathon, not a sprint. The only thing you need right now are a few decent harps and the enthusiasm to practice.
Yeah . . . this is long-winded. I'd suggest three or four harps (probably ACDG) that will allow you to practice in different keys and also play along with jam tracks. Really, it seems that the basic rule of thumb is that if it costs more than $35 or so you've probably got a decent instrument.
Last Edited by Rontana on Dec 11, 2015 5:31 AM
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Ian
164 posts
Dec 11, 2015
5:50 AM
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Definitely keep it simple. I went through exactly the same thing as you, trying to find that one harp that would work brilliantly, better than the rest.
At the end of the day, like has been said already, once you get past a certain quality threshold it really doesn't matter that much.
The way I beat the urge to go out and buy more brands and models (at least for the meanwhile) was to buy a full set of manjis, as I really likes the A manji that I already had.
The financial investment set me on a more committed path with the harp, and there is no need to fill the gaps with other models.
I know that I want to try the seydel 1847 classic, but I know I'll probably like it and I'll want to buy more... So for the time being at least I'm going to avoid the urge at all costs!
So.... Imo, Stick with one, enjoy the journey.
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New but determined
35 posts
Dec 11, 2015
8:01 AM
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Frustrated, lost a carefully constructed post to the never land. Anyway we'll see if this one posts. What I said was thank you and why but mostly I want to say thank you. That and that I'm ordering a crossover in A today from RockinRons because I love the sound of that key and I love the Crossover.
Ordered Crossover in A from RockinRon.
Again- thanks!
Last Edited by New but determined on Dec 11, 2015 9:00 AM
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