Harmonica amplifiers – Are you thinking about buying a harmonica amplifier but you don’t know which to choose? Uncertain about the kind of sound you want to get or you feel you’ll want to understand more? Which amplifier is the best for the harmonica sound? If your brain will be brimming with such questions then this short article is just what the physician ordered.

Once you have read the article you must have got clear ideas about how to go on; non-etheless, I’ll introduce you to some amplifier models today and will discuss their salient features or benefits and drawbacks with you one at a time. Follow the instructions in next paragraphs carefully and I am sure that from now onwards, you can purchase your generic amplification system or your unique device with utter confidence you have made the best option according to your preferences.

Harmonica amplifiers – How to choose correctly for yourself?

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Let’s start by analyzing various categories of amplifiers that people find in market and which may be useful for the blues harp:

Guitar amplifiers or battery-operated generic amps.

Solid state guitar amplifiers and modeling devices.

Tube amplifiers for guitars.

Amplified speakers (also called active ones) for more pure sound.

On the basis of our needs we can choose among alternative categories and select the best for the harmonica. Let’s see these categories at length:

Guitar amplifiers or battery-powered generic amps

These amplifiers are small and have power ranging from 0.1 to 5 watts. They’re capable of operating with a power supply or even with common batteries; their capacity can reach up to 10 hours of work if powered by batteries. Sometimes they’re equipped with sound effects and rhythm reproduction. These amplifiers often possess computer connections and sometimes allow an additional microphone connection (e.g for voice).The unit are much appreciated by ones looking for something portable especially those who want to play on the street (busking) or for those who want to keep somewhat small yet powerful enough system internal to create wave in neighbourhood.

If you opt for a modeling amplifier, it will be possible to reproduce both pure harmonica sound and ‘Chicago’ which means we’ve everything we have to play independently. Given the choice of these types of equipments, one interesting fact shouldn’t be underestimated that they usually supply the option to connect to a mixer or other amplifiers, which gives us an opportunity to expand the sound power without compromising the kind of the audio we like. Now it might seem ,”Then I’ll have a little thing like this one, and something day I’ll link it to a bigger to obtain additional volume?” Yes, you have it right!

Now let’s look at two models of portable solid state modeling of an excellent quality: Vox Mini 5 and Roland Micro Cube. They are amplifiers with price ranging from $120 to $150 whereas the characteristics they exhibit are very similar.

The Vox provides an extra input for a vocal microphone, and is therefore more suitable if you would like someone to sing along when you play the harmonica (or guitar). This low impedance input enables you to have a clean instrument sound.

Both models have an input for external sound sources such as mp3 players or smart phones and the headphone output. This one can also be used to connect an additional amplification system or a computer.The two amplifiers provide effect such as for example delay and reverb whereas the modeling circuit allows us to choose emulation of various kinds of amplifiers. By changing the emulation configuration and adjusting the gain, the tone and volume controls, we are able to achieve the desired sound, including the ‘Chicago style’ one. The size of speaker included for VOX is 6.5″ and for Micro Cubecome it’s 5″.The energy of these devices is 5 watts max for the VOX and 2 watts for the Roland.

Solid-state guitar amplifiers and modeling

Larger devices with powers which range from 10 watts up to few hundred watts have to be connected to the electric supwardply. Because they are a composite of integrated circuits hence the title ‘solid condition type’.

In this specific article I’ll not dig into the merits of diatribe ‘valve against transistor’ because internet has already been full of that and you could find all forms of opinions online. From my perspective, you may get a good sound from tube amplifiers and also from incorporated circuit amplifiers, nevertheless, you must remember that valve amplifiers often usually do not provide digital modules with effects, auxiliary connections etc.

Let’s go back to the category of amplifiers we were talking about: alongside portable amplifiers, comes a circuitry that amplifies the sound of the bullet microphone so, for models that emulate different devices it is possible to choose the type of emulated amplifier and still manage to get effects. Even these amplifiers often allow us to connect inputs and auxiliary outputs, plus some also provide the option to attach output to an extra speaker.

Most advanced models in this category may also be connected to the computer via USB cable and managed in a variety of configurations through custom software. Now, we look at two solid state amplifier models being among the most popular ones on the market: The Fender Champion 100 and the Orange Crush 35 RT, both cost around $250.

The Fender Champion 100 has enough power to be used on small and medium-sized venues, and is equipped with an emulation module and different effects. It has two 12-inch speakers, different connections for external effects, an auxiliary input for sound sources like mp3 or smart phones, and the headphones output that may also be connected to another sound system like a mixer or a computer. This is really a perfect amplifier that provides many possibilities.

The Orange Crush 35 RT is one most important amplifier that doesn’t emulate other models, but still offers the reverb effect, an auxiliary input for external sound sources and a headphones output which can also be utilized as a line output to get attached to a computer, a mixer and so forth. The 35 RT has a chromatic tuner and connections for external effects. It includes 35 watts power which is sufficient even though you play in a mid-sized room. The supplied speaker size will be 10 inches.

You can also find a 20 watt model of this brightly colored amplifier here.

Valve Guitar Amplifiers

These are the favourite ones for vintage lovers, renowned for good old tubes and known as supporters of warm sound. In fact the valves are usually fragile and warm-up easily but without a shadow of doubt, all the musicians, at some time fall for the charm of such sort of electrical circuit.

The first thing I wish to explain is that, there are no portable tube amplifiers because they require a whole lot of electric supply. The energy delivered by such amplifiers ranges from 5 watts to many hundred watts and their prices start from $150.

One point that should be taken into consideration is that the power output from the unit cannot be compared to that of solid state amplifiers; usually several watts on a tube amp would produce same volume as greater number of watts on a strong state device would do. Because of this you will discover in the market many tube amplifiers with a power ranging significantly less than 20 watts on average.

Often the unit have no auxiliary inputs or outputs, and so are designed to operate in a standalone configuration. Only in more costly models you could find connections for external effects, and output line connections to other audio systems.

Below I am going to introduce you to two models called VHT 6 Special Ultra and Fender Blues Junior IV. The first is no more available in the market nevertheless, you can still find an used instrument for $200, the next costs about $600.

VHT 6 Special Ultra is really a low-power unit that delivers 6 watts but has earned lots of appreciation from both guitarists and harmonica players. Built with 3 tubes, this amplifier, in addition to the standard controls has some inclusional controls to improve the sound at will. VHT includes a headphone output line which you can use for connecting it to external audio systems and also additional speaker results. The supplied speaker size is 12 inches.

The Fender Blues Junior IV is really a tube amplifier equipped with 3 valves and is with the capacity of delivering 15 watt power. It has a 12-inch speaker and reverberation effect. It does not have any connections for audio inputs or auxiliary outputs.

All the devices I’ve shown you are suitable to produce Chicago suond, and are used with high impedance microphones such as for example bullet type, like the famous shure 520DX. The VOX mini instead, has a low-impedance microphone input for voice or even more clean harmonica sound.

The last category of amplifiers I am going to present to you’re the generic amplified loudspeakers, also called active speakers (or amplified): this is actually the sort of amplification I use when I play around in not-so-big situations.

You can just make use of a voice microphone and connect it to an amplified active speaker which acts well being an amplifier without changing the harmonica sound. These speakers are available with power ratings ranging from a few watts up to several hundred watts, on the market we furthermore find models that focus on battery.

The speaker that I use includes a power of 40 watts and an autonomy that reaches 10 hours with rechargeable battery given it. There are active speaker models that have effects, equalizations, inputs for multiple microphones, usb connections and much more, only the most advanced models have bluetooth and wireless connections to also take advantage of wireless microphones. Lastly I wish to introuduce you to the Beheringer MPA40BT-PRO, a 40-watt unit built with an 8″ woofer and a 1″ tweeter.

The sound reproduction is good and the volume more than sufficient for small locations. Thwill be speaker has two inputs to which it is possible to connect microphones or instruments, auxiliary inputs for other external sources, bluetooth and usb socket for connecting wireless microphones (around 2). This amplifier can cost you $150.

If you are curious to know, let me tell you that the wireless microphone set for the active speaker Behringer MPA40BT-PRO consists of an USB adhere to be connected on the trunk side and two battery-powered microphones which have about l0 hours of autonomy.

This concludes our review of harmonica amps. As you can see, there are different types on the market, designed to meet not merely the usage requirements but budget also .See you within the next article.

Harmonica Buying Guide – Harmonicas can be supplied in multitudes of makes, types, sizes and musical keys. A number of the popular types include Diatonic, Chromatic, Tremolo and Octave tuned.

To create it quick and simple for your first selection of harmonica, Eagle Music explains here the types of music that may be played to them and the best option type of harmonica to choose.

If you are an absolute beginner we advise that you get a ten opening single reed diatonic harmonica in the key of C (they are also our cheapest harmonicas. But don’t go for the least expensive in the number! The better the grade of the instrument you buy, the greater reliable and easier it’ll be to play).

Diatonic harmonicas are also known as ‘Harp’ or ‘Blues Harp’, they may be utilized by many experts playing Rock and roll, Blues, Jazz, Folk and Country Music. Diatonic harmonicas are ‘Richter’ tuned this means they don’t have all the records of the scales throughout their selection of octaves, they just have one full major level.

Nearly all tutor books for beginners are written for a C harmonica and on any a*sociated CDs or Dvd disks the player (on the Compact disc/Dvd and blu-ray) will be playing a harmonica in the main element of C. At Eagle music we’ve an extensive range of teacher books, music books,CD’s and DVD’s for the complete newbie,intermediate and advanced player.

Extra reed plates are plentiful for many of the numerous of the diatonic harmonicas that can be purchased by Eagle Music Shop. If you are ‘useful’ it is less expensive to fit an upgraded set of reed plates than it is to displace the complete harmonica.

A Chromatic Harmonica is the decision if you are a proficient musician. They have an array of notes including sharps and flats that are accessible by pressing in a slider that opens another group of reeds in the harmonica. The Chromatic harmonica may be used to play all types of music. Typically you play more of the primary melody of a track or tune on a chromatic rather than playing chords as on the diatonic.

The chromatic harmonica may also be used to great impact in blues, but its musical versatility also helps it be ideal for countless other styles and it‘s additionally noticed playing jazz, classical music, pop, spirit or requirements. Accomplished players have the ability to play practically any type of music upon this instrument.

Solo-Tuned harmonicas are great for playing tunes and solos because they have all the notes of the scale (in accordance with the key that this harmonica is tuned in) throughout their selection of octaves. They could be considered in the same course as the chromatic harmonica in its use, therefore ideal for Classical, Irish, Jazz, Rock, Pop and the Blues.

Harmonica Buying Guide

A straightforward guide for choosing the right harmonica for different music styles

Irish and Scottish folk music

Diatonic Harmonicas

Popular models for Irish music to play reels, jigs etc is a diatonic in the main element of ‘G’ it can help if you come with an airtight, responsive, well-tuned harp. For Scottish music, harmonicas in the key of the are much used.The very best available ‘off-the-shelf’ models have the plastic or metal comb (the bit in the centre!). Models we recommend are: Seydel, Mix Harp, Meisterclass, Golden Melody, Suzuki Pro Grasp, Lee Oskar by Tombo and Hering Blues & Dark Blues.

• You can read Diatonic Buying Guide to see more.

Tremolo Harmonicas

Tremolo harmonicas are also a great choice for Irish music because they have a nice, accordion-like sound, suitable to folk music. They are usually tuned like diatonics e.g. on the 3-octave harp – the very first octave is DO RE MI SO TI DO. 2nd octave is full. 3rd octave is DO RE MI FA SO LA DO. This is restrictive, for example, many tunes played on a ‘D’ whistle would fall beyond your scope of the ‘D’ tremolo.

And yes it is very hard to bend records on the tremolo harmonica. One answer is to buy a great big one (four to six 6 octaves!), another is to buy a model which is solo-tuned, ie all its octaves are full. The Tombo ‘Music group Deluxe’ is an excellent choice.

• You can read Tremolo Buying Guide to see more.

Chromatic harmonicas

Physically easy and simple kind of harmonica to try out folk music with as it isn’t necessary to perform difficult bends and a complete chromatic scale is available. They may be however, an extremely different device to the 10 gap diatonic. At |Eagle Music shop we recommend the Seydel, Hohner and Hering range. If you’re ever round the Manchester area, research Mat Walklate: a great traditional player of the instruments.

• You can read Chromatic Buying Guide to see more

Blues Music

A diatonic. Choose a quality harmonica made by Seydel, Hering, Hohner, Suzuki and Lee Oskar by Tombo.

R&B, Rock and roll and pop music

A diatonic. or in some cases a chromatic. Select a quality harmonica created by Seydel, Hering, Hohner, Suzuki and Lee Oskar by Tombo.
Classical Music

A Chromatic. Choose a quality harmonica made by Seydel, Hering, Hohner and Suzuki.

Jazz Music

A Chromatic and in some instances a diatonic ..Select a quality harmonica created by Seydel, Hering, Hohner, Suzuki and Le Oskar by Tombo.
Here we’ve given you some Q&A’s to help expand a*sist your buying decision.

Harmonica Buying Guide FAQS

Q. I am not used to the harmonica,which should i buy?

A: Typically the most popular harmonica for an entire newbie is a 10 hole Diatonic or Blues harmonica in the main element of C. Most beginner tuition books are along with a CD for the reason that same key (C) with music and instruction that you should play along to.

Q.What do prices begin from?

A: Beginner harmonicas in comparison to most devices can be quite affordable. You can purchase a good quality harmonica for under £10.

Q. I am an enhancing player and need to get a much better harmonica.

A: Amazon stock the world’s top brands including Hohner, Seydel, Suzuki and Hering. We’ve dedicated personnel who play all sorts of harmonicas with many years of experience both on / off stage who are able to help you opt for more professional quality harmonica.Turn to pay £30 upwards for a good professional quality harmonica

Q. What about after sales and maintenance of my harmonica?

A: There is certainly hardly any maintenance needed on a harmonica if properly taken care of. However we can provide you advice on what things to consider and any improvements or repairs you might need.

Q. What type of warranties do harmonicas include?

A: Once you obtain a harmonica from us we offer you 7 days to ensure it’s playable. We are always open to talk with if you have a concern further down the road for advice. Producer warranties differ but do include cover. Regrettably harmonicas aren’t protected for wear, unintentional harm, negligence or tampering.

Q. How about harmonica accessories. Do Amazon Music sell accessories too?

A: Absolutely. At Amazon Music we bring a large collection of quality accessories including top quality alternative reed plates, throat brackets, maintenance kits, pickups, instances etc. All you will ever need!

Q. What will the ‘Key’ mean?

A: This implies ‘Key personal’ and put will regulate how high or lower in the music scale you desire to be.

Q. I wish to play the blues. What harmonica is most beneficial for me?

A: The blues can be played of all types of harmonica. Mostly it is performed on the 10 opening diatonic or blues harmonica and it was called! The harmonica key you get depends upon what key the tune you would like to learn or play along to.

Q. Where will be the best harmonicas made?

A: Harmonicas today are designed all over the world. The oldest manufacturers are Seydel located in Germany as are Hohner. Suzuki and Lee Oskars are Japanese and Hering are Brazilian. These big 5 manufacturers have condition of the artwork factories producing several different types of harmonicas. Certainly Germany has a good reputation and background of producing fine harmonicas.

Harmonica Buying Guide – Harmonicas can be supplied in multitudes of makes, types, sizes and musical keys. A number of the popular types include Diatonic, Chromatic, Tremolo and Octave tuned.

To create it quick and simple for your first selection of harmonica, Eagle Music explains here the types of music that may be played to them and the best option type of harmonica to choose.

If you are an absolute beginner we advise that you get a ten opening single reed diatonic harmonica in the key of C (they are also our cheapest harmonicas. But don’t go for the least expensive in the number! The better the grade of the instrument you buy, the greater reliable and easier it’ll be to play).

Diatonic harmonicas are also known as ‘Harp’ or ‘Blues Harp’, they may be utilized by many experts playing Rock and roll, Blues, Jazz, Folk and Country Music. Diatonic harmonicas are ‘Richter’ tuned this means they don’t have all the records of the scales throughout their selection of octaves, they just have one full major level.

Nearly all tutor books for beginners are written for a C harmonica and on any a*sociated CDs or Dvd disks the player (on the Compact disc/Dvd and blu-ray) will be playing a harmonica in the main element of C. At Eagle music we’ve an extensive range of teacher books, music books,CD’s and DVD’s for the complete newbie,intermediate and advanced player.

Extra reed plates are plentiful for many of the numerous of the diatonic harmonicas that can be purchased by Eagle Music Shop. If you are ‘useful’ it is less expensive to fit an upgraded set of reed plates than it is to displace the complete harmonica.

A Chromatic Harmonica is the decision if you are a proficient musician. They have an array of notes including sharps and flats that are accessible by pressing in a slider that opens another group of reeds in the harmonica. The Chromatic harmonica may be used to play all types of music. Typically you play more of the primary melody of a track or tune on a chromatic rather than playing chords as on the diatonic.

The chromatic harmonica may also be used to great impact in blues, but its musical versatility also helps it be ideal for countless other styles and it‘s additionally noticed playing jazz, classical music, pop, spirit or requirements. Accomplished players have the ability to play practically any type of music upon this instrument.

Solo-Tuned harmonicas are great for playing tunes and solos because they have all the notes of the scale (in accordance with the key that this harmonica is tuned in) throughout their selection of octaves. They could be considered in the same course as the chromatic harmonica in its use, therefore ideal for Classical, Irish, Jazz, Rock, Pop and the Blues.

Harmonica Buying Guide

A straightforward guide for choosing the right harmonica for different music styles

Irish and Scottish folk music

Diatonic Harmonicas

Popular models for Irish music to play reels, jigs etc is a diatonic in the main element of ‘G’ it can help if you come with an airtight, responsive, well-tuned harp. For Scottish music, harmonicas in the key of the are much used.The very best available ‘off-the-shelf’ models have the plastic or metal comb (the bit in the centre!). Models we recommend are: Seydel, Mix Harp, Meisterclass, Golden Melody, Suzuki Pro Grasp, Lee Oskar by Tombo and Hering Blues & Dark Blues.

• You can read Diatonic Buying Guide to see more.

Tremolo Harmonicas

Tremolo harmonicas are also a great choice for Irish music because they have a nice, accordion-like sound, suitable to folk music. They are usually tuned like diatonics e.g. on the 3-octave harp – the very first octave is DO RE MI SO TI DO. 2nd octave is full. 3rd octave is DO RE MI FA SO LA DO. This is restrictive, for example, many tunes played on a ‘D’ whistle would fall beyond your scope of the ‘D’ tremolo.

And yes it is very hard to bend records on the tremolo harmonica. One answer is to buy a great big one (four to six 6 octaves!), another is to buy a model which is solo-tuned, ie all its octaves are full. The Tombo ‘Music group Deluxe’ is an excellent choice.

• You can read Tremolo Buying Guide to see more.

Chromatic harmonicas

Physically easy and simple kind of harmonica to try out folk music with as it isn’t necessary to perform difficult bends and a complete chromatic scale is available. They may be however, an extremely different device to the 10 gap diatonic. At |Eagle Music shop we recommend the Seydel, Hohner and Hering range. If you’re ever round the Manchester area, research Mat Walklate: a great traditional player of the instruments.

• You can read Chromatic Buying Guide to see more

Blues Music

A diatonic. Choose a quality harmonica made by Seydel, Hering, Hohner, Suzuki and Lee Oskar by Tombo.

R&B, Rock and roll and pop music

A diatonic. or in some cases a chromatic. Select a quality harmonica created by Seydel, Hering, Hohner, Suzuki and Lee Oskar by Tombo.
Classical Music

A Chromatic. Choose a quality harmonica made by Seydel, Hering, Hohner and Suzuki.

Jazz Music

A Chromatic and in some instances a diatonic ..Select a quality harmonica created by Seydel, Hering, Hohner, Suzuki and Le Oskar by Tombo.
Here we’ve given you some Q&A’s to help expand a*sist your buying decision.

Harmonica Buying Guide FAQS

Q. I am not used to the harmonica,which should i buy?

A: Typically the most popular harmonica for an entire newbie is a 10 hole Diatonic or Blues harmonica in the main element of C. Most beginner tuition books are along with a CD for the reason that same key (C) with music and instruction that you should play along to.

Q.What do prices begin from?

A: Beginner harmonicas in comparison to most devices can be quite affordable. You can purchase a good quality harmonica for under £10.

Q. I am an enhancing player and need to get a much better harmonica.

A: Amazon stock the world’s top brands including Hohner, Seydel, Suzuki and Hering. We’ve dedicated personnel who play all sorts of harmonicas with many years of experience both on / off stage who are able to help you opt for more professional quality harmonica.Turn to pay £30 upwards for a good professional quality harmonica

Q. What about after sales and maintenance of my harmonica?

A: There is certainly hardly any maintenance needed on a harmonica if properly taken care of. However we can provide you advice on what things to consider and any improvements or repairs you might need.

Q. What type of warranties do harmonicas include?

A: Once you obtain a harmonica from us we offer you 7 days to ensure it’s playable. We are always open to talk with if you have a concern further down the road for advice. Producer warranties differ but do include cover. Regrettably harmonicas aren’t protected for wear, unintentional harm, negligence or tampering.

Q. How about harmonica accessories. Do Amazon Music sell accessories too?

A: Absolutely. At Amazon Music we bring a large collection of quality accessories including top quality alternative reed plates, throat brackets, maintenance kits, pickups, instances etc. All you will ever need!

Q. What will the ‘Key’ mean?

A: This implies ‘Key personal’ and put will regulate how high or lower in the music scale you desire to be.

Q. I wish to play the blues. What harmonica is most beneficial for me?

A: The blues can be played of all types of harmonica. Mostly it is performed on the 10 opening diatonic or blues harmonica and it was called! The harmonica key you get depends upon what key the tune you would like to learn or play along to.

Q. Where will be the best harmonicas made?

A: Harmonicas today are designed all over the world. The oldest manufacturers are Seydel located in Germany as are Hohner. Suzuki and Lee Oskars are Japanese and Hering are Brazilian. These big 5 manufacturers have condition of the artwork factories producing several different types of harmonicas. Certainly Germany has a good reputation and background of producing fine harmonicas.

Diatonic Harmonica Buying Guide – If you don’t know how to select a good diatonic harmonica to play, this article is Your guide to buying a Diatonic Harmonica.

The diatonic harmonica, or blues harmonica as it is often called, does not have easy access to all or any the possible notes like the chromatic harmonica, but lots of the notes that aren’t naturally found can be had by “bending” certain attract (inhale) and blow (exhale) notes. It’s the ‘bending audio’ of the diatonic harmonica which draws in most visitors to it.

Blues harp, mix harp, gob iron and blues harmonica are terms that differing people could use when discussing diatonic harmonicas. The titles may vary but the kind of harmonica is the same.

The key of the diatonic harmonica will be printed on its side/end, also on some diatonic harmonicas the next position is also printed on its side/end. Diatonic harmonicas can be purchased in all major, small secrets. eg. a C diatonic harmonica will only have the notes of the key of C, a G diatonic harmonica is only going to have the records of the main element of G etc.

Here we’ve given you some Q&A’s to help expand a*sist your diatonic harmonica buying decision.

Diatonic Harmonica Buying Guide

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Diatonic harmonicas

The most frequent kind of harmonica you’ll encounter in pop, blues and folk music-diatonic harmonicas are made to play in a particular key. Having said that, overblowing and note-bending techniques plus taking part in alternative “positions” can help you play a diatonic in secrets and modes apart from its “standard” key. Several players, Howard Levy and Carlos Del Junco, are suffering from an overblowing technique with that they play chromatically utilizing a humble 10-gap diatonic harp.

Blues harp players usually perform in what’s called “mix harp” or “second position.” This calls for playing a harmonica that’s tuned to a perfect 4th below the main element the music’s written in. If a track is in the key of C, an F harmonica will be utilized. Most blues use the notes of the pentatonic size, and playing a G-tuned harp provides you usage of notes that match the pentatonic C range, especially on attract notes-those which you inhale to create those wailing “bent” records that are a cornerstone of blues harp technique.

There are a variety of other positions that skilled harp players use to mesh with other instruments and create various effects. Cupping the hands round the harp and making use of your tongue to stop and unblock openings are a few of the ways to produce rhythmic chordal results and shades. You’ll find numerous online language resources as well as harmonica books and tutorials that clarify these techniques at length. We’ll make several suggestions on excellent harp lessons below.

A diatonic harmonica’s simplicity helps it be a fantastic choice for the beginner. Most harmonica educators recommend getting started with a 10-hole diatonic harmonica tuned to the main element of C.

FAQs to buy diatonic harmonica

Q. I am not used to the diatonic or blues harmonica,which will i buy?

A: As both a Music Shop and very long time players we’ve been through this decision ourselves.The most popular harmonica for an entire beginner is a 10 hole harmonica in the main element of C. Most starter tuition books are along with a CD for the reason that same key (C) with music and instruction that you should play along to.

Q. I want to play the blues and bend notes. What should I buy?

A: We’ve too much to chose from. You may hear notes being ‘bent’ when you pay attention in particular tell a blues player.

You may get that very expressive bluesy sound on all diatonic harmonicas. It’s a method that may be put on even the standard basic level harmonica. A number of the better built harmonicas are simpler to flex than others because they are more airtight therefore more responsive so take less work to play.

Q. Should I buy a solid wood combed harmonica or a guy made comb?

A: The comb is the framework that the harmonica is made around. Typically it is constructed of solid wood but other materials are being utilized nowadays like plastic,steel and bamboo.The comb can make a notable difference to the sound, feel and weight of the harmonica.

Q. What are typically the most popular keys?

A: As a tough guide they are the most popular tips in this order….C A G D E F Bb Eb
Standard diatonic harmonicas go from the cheapest in pitch-G to the best in pitch-F#.

Q. What are ‘Low’ keys?

A: Low keyed harmonicas are usually keys that are less than G. Eg Low C or Low F. Lower records on the 10 opening diatonic are easier to play than higher ones. The reduced keyed harmonicas employ a warm and easy sound that suits some music flawlessly. They often aren’t played too much though as the reeds are much longer and move slower.

Q. Does it change lives the actual reeds are constructed of?

A: Reeds are what produce the notice/sound of a harmonica. Reeds are produced from brass, bronze or stainless. Brass is the most typical material to make reeds. Stainless steel reeds are available on higher prices devices. Brass is a smooth materials and produces a nice shade. Bronze reeds create a brighter build than brass reeds.Stainless reeds are more powerful than brass and bronze reeds and also have a longer life time, harmonicas fixed with these reeds also tend to be expensive because of the longer life. Reeds are ‘tuned’ during manufacture and in some instances can be re-tuned.

Q. MUST I buy a valved harmonica? What exactly are windsavers?

A: A good question. The bottom line is they can make harmonicas simpler to play. On harmonicas, ‘valves’ are flaps mounted on the reed dish at the rivet on the slot machine reverse the reed. They are created out of the thin plastic remove, or couple of strips. They stop the environment stream during an attract from getting into through the blow reeds (and vice versa for attract reeds) so less air is necessary overall to try out a reed thus they save blowing wind. Not all diatonic harmonicas can be found with valves.

Q. I wish to play traditional Irish or Scottish Dance music. What must i buy?

A: To try out reels, jigs etc. it can help if you come with an airtight, reactive, well-tuned harp. The very best available ‘off-the-shelf’ models have the plastic or metal comb (the little bit in the centre!). Models we recommend are: Seydel, Mix Harp, Meisterclass, Golden Melody, Suzuki Pro Grasp, Lee Oskar by Tombo and Hering Blues & Dark Blues.

Q. I want to play the harmonica whilst taking part in acoustic guitar/mandolin/ukulele etc. How do you do that?

A: You’ll need a throat brace. They sit down around your throat, are adjustable and clamp the harmonica and that means you can play them ‘hands free’ departing you to play your other device. There are many different styles from different manufacturers. Not absolutely all harmonicas will easily fit into all neck brackets. We stock models like the professional quality Hohner flexirack and the K&M deluxe throat braces that are amongst typically the most popular. Please call to check on for even more advice. Neck braces aren’t normally used for chromatic harmonicas but can be utilized on tremolo harmonicas.

Q. MAY I buy a fresh group of reed-plates?

A: Yes. We bring a variety of alternative reed-plates for some harmonicas. If you’re fairly ‘useful’ it is something that you can do. Remember you may influence any guarantee if you make any adjustments to a harmonica.
Q I’ve a beard. Will that have an effect on my selection of buying harmonicas?

A: It really is a valid question. Some harmonicas are believed beard friendly. Whiskers will often catch in the region between your cover plates and your body causing just a little pain!! The greater ergonomic and limited fitted the harmonica the smoother the exterior playing surface is.

Q. I wish to play via an amplifier, what do I want?

A: There are a few dedicated ‘electric’ harmonicas on the marketplace but it is more prevalent to try out into a microphone and hook up to an amplifier. Amazon Music Shop offers various solutions in amplification. The Micro Vox system is trusted for harmonica and also check out dedicated harmonica microphones like the Hohner Blues-Blaster.

Q. I play the diatonic and want to try the chromatic. Which do I go for?

A: We stock plenty of chromatic harmonicas for the novice to the professional. Typically the most popular choice is the 12 gap chromatic in C. On the other hand you can test a single tuned diatonic like the Seydel Orchestra. They are just like a mini chromatic harmonicas.

Whilst the techniques are extremely similar in playing most harmonicas the note layout is somewhat different. The Chromatic harmonicas has more range than the diatonic and it is bigger in proportions. Chromatics vary in cost quite a bit depending on quality. An excellent quality starter chromatic can range between £50 upwards.

Chromatic Harmonica Buying Guide – A chromatic harmonica has all 12 notes of the chromatic level available enabling an individual to play in virtually any key. On the C chromatic harmonica the button managed slide system allows the player to alternative between the scales of C and C# – in place it is similar to alternating between your white and dark records of the piano.

For quite some time Amazon Music never have only supplied top notch brands including Seydel and Hohner to countless customers but also to numerous top professional players from around the united states. All our Chromatic harmonicas are examined through bellows to ensure they play properly before despatch.

Chromatic Harmonica Buying Guide

Here we’ve provided with you some Q&A’s to further a*sist your buying decision.

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Q. I play the diatonic and want to try the chromatic. Which one do I go for?

A: We stock lots of the top quality brands of harmonica including Hohner,Seydel,Suzuki and Hering chromatic harmonicas for the novice to the professional. Typically the most popular choice is the 12 opening chromatic in C. On the other hand you can test a single tuned diatonic like the Seydel Orchestra. They are just like a mini chromatic harmonicas.

Whilst the techniques are extremely similar in playing most harmonicas the note layout is somewhat different. The Chromatic harmonicas has more range than the diatonic and it is bigger in proportions. Chromatics vary in cost quite a bit depending on quality. An excellent quality starter chromatic can range between £50 upwards.

Q. What does the little button do on the side do?

A: The little button on the side is a slide button and when you press it, it open up the sharps and flats of the chromatic scale ie it plays the black notes as on a piano. This is a feature on mostly all chromatic harmonicas the we sell.

Q. Do I choose a 12,14 or 16 hole Chromatic?

A: Our constant stock includes all 3 types. It all depends on how much range you want from the instrument. The 12 hole has 48 notes available. The 14 opening has 56 records available and the 16 gap has 64 notes available. Most of the big manufacturers have 12-16 hole harmonicas available. Usually the 14 and 16 opening versions have more notes available at the bottom end of the harmonica rather than the top. Very high notes are not used as much and be quite a challenge to play cleanly.

Q. Do I go for a pinned together or screwed together harmonica. Does it make any difference?

A: Both are common build types. The more airtight the harmonica is, the easier and better they will play however the world’s most popular 12 hole chromatic is pinned together and has been so for many years. Certainly the top of the range harmonicas are screwed collectively.

Q. What are windsavers or valves? Should I go for windsavers on my Chromatic?

A: Generally they are fitted as standard on Chromatic harmonicas. In a nutshell they can make harmonicas easier to play. On harmonicas, ‘valves’ are flaps attached to the reed plate at the rivet over the slot opposite the reed. They are made out of a thin plastic strip, or pair of strips. They block the air stream during a draw from entering through the blow reeds (and vice versa for draw reeds) so less air is required overall to play a reed thus they save wind.

Q. Which Key should I go for?

A: Again, this depends on what you are playing and how low or high you want the harmonica to generally sound. Unlike diatonic harmonicas Chromatics are not available in all keys. C is by far the most popular. There are some available as a Tenor C which is an octave lower than normal C. On a 12 hole chromatic opening number 1 blow is the note that the harmonica is labelled in eg if you have a C chromatic then gap #1 blow will be a C note.

Q. Can I play the blues on a Chromatic?

A: Yes. Although not as popular as its cousin the diatonic or blues harp you can play the blues on the chromatic. The note bending technique that is applied to diatonic harmonicas is not used as much on the chromatic. There are several Blues Chromatic books available at Shome Shop Music.

Q. Can I replace the reeds or reed plates on my Chromatic?

A: Yes. They are for sale to most harmonicas but remember that some chromatic harmonicas have the reed plates pinned rather than screwed together. We are able to request any repairs or new parts you will need fitting with a few of the major manufacturers.

The Chromatic Harmonica – what is it and why should I be interested?

Chromatic Harmonica Buying Guide – When I began to master the basic elements of the diatonic harp, several years ago, I started to wonder how difficult it would be to play the chromatic harmonica. After all, I was a classically trained pianist, and the layout of the chromatic harmonica didn’t seem to dissimilar to a piano keyboard. At least, that’s what I thought…

Trying to Play

Sitting in the corner of the office was an old Hohner Chromonica II Deluxe – a remnant from many years ago. I picked it up, expecting instantly to sound like Stevie Wonder (maybe a bit ambitious, but there’s nothing quite like false hope). The resultant cacophony, however, seemed to be most appealing to the local dog population. Less so, sadly, to my colleagues.

If we take a look at the construction of the chromatic harmonica, we can see, perhaps, how my expectations differed from the reality. In most cases it has two sets of reed plates – one mounted above the other – and a button that activates a slide, by which the air is directed to the top or bottom reeds (the exception is cross tuned harps, more of which later).

The top reeds are usually tuned to an altered diatonic major scale, whilst the bottom reeds are usually tuned to the same level, but a semitone higher. Thus, all twelve notes of the chromatic scale are available by using the slider to switch between which reeds are activated.

Visualising the Notes

My primary issue was that I was visualising the tuning as being akin to a piano keyboard – white notes on the top reeds, black notes on the bottom set. In reality, however, underneath reeds actually contain a complete set of notes from the scale that is one semitone higher than the top reeds (so, on a C tuned chromatic, all of the records from the level of C#). This results in some duplication as the two scales will have some shared notes (C, D and F, in this case).

In my naivety I expected to depress the button a few times and perform the sort of trills that Stevie Wonder achieved so effortlessly. Instead, as I had been visualising the records incorrectly, I used to be getting the type of atonal chromaticism beloved of Arnold Schoenberg.

The other main difference I experienced, compared to a diatonic, was related to bending notes. Chromatics, generally speaking, can only bend notes down, and only by a semitone.

There are some exceptions to this rule, but only in the case of nonstandard chromatics, such as the Tombo S50, which achieves its chromaticism without a slide. Thus, chromatic harps are not the sort of instrument on which you’d achieve the traditional blues harp sound, and my ham-fisted attempts to do so did not help my cause!

Where they do excel, however, is in jazz and classical music, where their ability to play any note from the standard Western scales instantly, with no recourse to bending, and to pick out trills and grace notes with ease, is more important than achieving the wailing sound of the diatonic harp.

Let’s have a closer look at a typical chromatic harmonica to see how it achieves this.

How it Works

Although slider operated harps had been around in one form or another from the late 19th Century, it wasn’t until Hohner produced their first chromatic at the start of the 20th Century that something akin to what we play today was widely available. Indeed, the 10 hole Chromonica 260 from 1910 is very similar in appearance and specifications to the modern Chromonica 48.

We have already seen that most chromatics use a slider to switch between the two sets of reeds, but how these sliders operate can vary. The traditional straight tuning has the two reed plates tuned as explained above. Cross harp, in comparison, has a slider with a zigzag of holes, meaning that the notes are split between upper and lower reed plates when the slider is open or closed.

There are some supposed advantages of the latter setup, including greater volume, due to the larger openings, but I struggle to hear or feel any appreciable difference myself.

What on Earth is a Windsaver?

You may have heard the term ‘windsaver’ bandied about when people talk about chromatics. This slightly mystifying word refers to the small valves that are used on most chromatic harps to make them more efficient. Due to their construction, chromatics tend to experience more leaks than diatonics; windsavers limit this leakage, and also help to shape the tone of the instrument.

They, also, make bending notes more difficult, which has led to some players experimenting with their removal, and the creation of slideless harps that do away with their valves altogether.

Chromatic Harmonica Tuning and Keys

You might be wondering why chromatics are sometimes available in a range of keys. After all, you might think, if you can play any note in the chromatic scale, you shouldn’t need different keys of harmonicas for different secrets of songs, as you do for a diatonic. The answer relates to range – a chromatic harmonica tuned to A, for example, will have a lower range (at the expense of the higher notes) than one tuned to C.

It’s useful to note that C is the highest tuned chromatic harp. The order of tips, from lowest to highest is as follows:

C Tenor (low) D (low), E (low), F(low), G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C,

Unlike diatonics, the keys of low D, E and F are not referred to as ‘low’, as there is no equivalent standard D, E or F above C.

Chromatics with 16 holes are generally only available in C, due to the fact that there is little need to offer alternative keys with the range available from this size of harmonica.

In terms of tuning, most chromatics are solo tuned. Of the alternative tunings available, the most common is Orchestra, as shown below in this diagram from Seydel:

The primary advantage of this tuning is the additional range offered in the lower octave.

Okay, What Harmonica MUST I Buy, Then?

Because chromatics are more difficult than diatonics, they have a commensurately higher price. Hohner’s Chrometta range, which is directed at beginners, rests at the £50 – £100 range (the bigger models being more costly), and it is the entry way for chromatics.

Hohner Chrometta 10

The next phase up is the Chromonica 48, which is noticeably weightier and much deeper in tone than its less costly brethren. At the same price is the Seydel Deluxe Chromatic, which is comparable in design and building to the Hohner, but features an acrylic, rather than solid wood, comb.

Seydel De Luxe Chromatic Mouth Organ

The Hohner CX12, at round the £140 mark is exclusive in its design: it’s an exceptionally modern looking harp, with an ABS cover and easily removable reed plates. Sound smart it’s a little brighter when compared to a Chromonica, and its own building makes cleaning and maintenance remarkably trouble-free.

At another price point we’ve a variety of chromatics: the Chromonica 270/48 Deluxe has thicker reed plates than the typical model and a fuller sound; Suzuki’s SCX-48 offers their personal phosphor bronze reeds; and the Seydel Deluxe Metal add unique stainless reeds with their Deluxe range. Each is great harps and can give many years of service if properly looked after.

Above the £200 tag we find chromatics with alternative comb materials, like the Seydel Saxony, using its aluminium comb, and the ones with an increase of than 12 slots, such as the 14 gap Suzuki SCX-54 and the 16 hole Hohner Super 64. As the purchase price increases, we begin to see more amazing materials, and perhaps, such much like the Hohner ACE 48, unique features like the VarioSpring and Accoustic Coupling Elements. The Seydel Symphony even comes with a warmed case that allows the harp to softly warmed to the perfect temperature for playing prior to any performance.

So, there you own it – the chromatic harmonica. It’s difficult to play initially, but, much like any device, persistence will enjoy rewards! And we hope with “Chromatic Harmonica Buying Guide”, you can select right chromatic harmonica for yourself.