Wool Jacket
1 post
Feb 13, 2016
1:00 PM
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Hi, I'm looking to get into harmonicas. I've read everywhere that a beginner should start with a ten hole diatonic, so I figured I'd get a Hohner Special 20. But then I saw a Hohner 365 Marine Band, and am wondering why I shouldn't start with a 14 hole diatonic.
So I guess I woukd like to know the advantages, disadvantages, difficulties and capabilities that a 14 hole has over a 10 hole, and what you think about a beginner starting with one.
Also, and maybe this isn't worth mentioning, but I never was an ignoramus when learning to play stringed instruments; I read sheet music well and was scratching out tunes recognizably within a couple hours (and just by looking at a book, not with a cd or a teacher) the first time a tried a violin. So if a 14 hole is somewhat more difficult, I don't think I am entirely without musical capability.
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Killa_Hertz
538 posts
Feb 13, 2016
1:16 PM
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You don't want a 14 hole. First off those harps are low tuned. So they will not be in the right octave. Second of all, the high end of the harp is tough at first anyways. You more than likely will stick to holes 1-6 for quite a while. If your serious about harp you will surely end up with quite a few eventually anyways. First time harp players always wanna know what the one ultimate harp is. Because they think they can buy just one and that's all they will need. You will doin be buying an A, then a G , D , Bb, etc.
Your first choice was a good one. Buy a C special 20 and you ll be set. For a little while anyhow.
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"Trust Those Who Seek The Truth. Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
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Crawforde
68 posts
Feb 13, 2016
1:59 PM
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If you read music, and already have some training and are not set on a diatonic harmonica you might want to start with a 14 hole Chromatic if you really want the full range of the violin. A 12 hole chromatic has 3 octaves, with all the notes, and a 12 hole with Orchestra tuning, will get you down to G below middle C.
Last Edited by Crawforde on Feb 13, 2016 2:03 PM
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Wool Jacket
2 posts
Feb 13, 2016
2:00 PM
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Thanks. I knew if I was to go the 365 route I would have to get different models down the road becuase the 365 only comes in C and G.
And just because I'm curious, not because I plan on starting with one, but can't a chromatic harmonica in C play songs in every key? That's what I have been told, but I imagine there are caveats to that. Anyway, I hope to progress to a chromatic one day, but I figure they are just too complicated for a beginner.
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Wool Jacket
3 posts
Feb 13, 2016
2:02 PM
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Your post wasn't there when I posted Crawforde. Thanks for the comment, but aren't chromatics too complicated to start with?
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Crawforde
69 posts
Feb 13, 2016
2:08 PM
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To me they are easier. Diatonics confuse me. All the notes are there on a chromatic in without any work, in one repeating pattern, you just need to know where. Every blow note is lower than every draw in the same hole (except one, unless you bebop ), and every button push raises whatever note you are playing one semitone.
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Wool Jacket
4 posts
Feb 13, 2016
2:51 PM
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Well I'll start considering the chromatic then. Thanks. What type of 14 hole would you suggest? The Hohner 280 looks like a good deal, but that's a 16 hole and I don't see a comparable 14 hole model they make. Any reason to stay away from a 16 hole in favor of a 14 hole?
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Crawforde
70 posts
Feb 13, 2016
3:12 PM
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Slidemeister is a forum focussing primarily on chromatics lots of info there, even a diatonic section.
I personally don't like 16 holes because they seem big and intimidated me when I started. Those who play them love the increased range and sound.
Now I'm used to the 12 hole harps and like them. I like the portability and ability to cup it.
Suzuki makes nice chromatics, SCX 48, 56, and 64. For 12 , 14, and 16 holers.
Easttop are nice and inexpensive and they come with a 1 year warranty like Suzuki. Hohner CX12 is supposed to be great, easy to clean and maintain and all, but I've never played one. The Seydel chromatic deluxe is very nice, I got one in Bb from a member here and really like it ( yes you can play all keys on a C, but some are harder, you can play all 12 on a Bb too). The Hohner 270 sounds great but requires tweaking to make it airtight.
NewHarmonica in Ohio and Rocking Ron in California both carry full lines of chromatics and diatonics. Danny form new harmonica and Ron will both answer the phone and email and answer questions. I've found them to be helpful and have never been steered wrong.
If you ask 5 harmonica players what is the best one to get you will probably get 12 different answers.
My advice as a beginner would be to get one of the above as they are all solid and easy to maintain or find an inexpensive Hohner discovery just to see if you like it. They are supposed to be nice.
Just to be controversial I would also suggest getting it bebop tuned! Makes more sense than the standard tuning and is easier to play.
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Killa_Hertz
541 posts
Feb 13, 2016
3:27 PM
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Wool jacket. My opinion is chromatics and diatonics ate two completely different animals with two different sounds. So if you want the blues sound go diatonic. If not chromatic may be for you.
The 365 is a low harp. So when it says C and G it means low C. It comes in other keys btw. But they are all low. Like i said wrong octave
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"Trust Those Who Seek The Truth. Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
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Crawforde
71 posts
Feb 13, 2016
3:43 PM
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kHz hit it.
They are very different, and diatonics are cheaper so easier to get started on. Plus there is a load of online information, instruction, tabs,...
And diatonics just have that sound....
That's why I do both.
Badly
Oh well, I'll keep trying. It is loads of fun and sure beats TV
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Wool Jacket
5 posts
Feb 13, 2016
4:12 PM
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I like the sounds of both and coud live with and enjoy both.
I know I've asked this question on Modern Blues Harmonica forum, but I'm not personally big on the blues. On madolin and violin I usually played things along the lines of "Oh, Shenandoah," and similar style music, and plan to do the same with harmonica.
Thanks for the tips on harmonicas and the forum, Crawforde.
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Wool Jacket
6 posts
Feb 13, 2016
4:16 PM
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By "both" I mean diatonics and chromatics.
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Crawforde
72 posts
Feb 13, 2016
4:20 PM
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Melody playing is possible on diatonics as well, and alternate tunings exist to make it easier for those of us who can only dream about being able to do what the pros can do.
Google Brendan Powers and listen to what he does. You might like some of his Irish stuff. His album with PT Gazell is awesome too, on that he plays chromatic and PT plays diatonic. Brendan plays and sells chromatics and diatonics in a number of different tunings. Check out his website and sound samples. He is also a friendly guy who is easy to do business with.
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SuperBee
3395 posts
Feb 13, 2016
4:44 PM
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i think that the 365 keys below C do not have the low octave.
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Mirco
378 posts
Feb 13, 2016
8:17 PM
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You should get the CX-12 from Hohner or the Super Chromonica 270 Deluxe. I like the CX-12 because it's got a darker sound.
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Marc Graci
YouTube Channel
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