I’ve really been getting into Irish tunes on the harmonica lately, and I’m ready to try a chromatic harp. Does anyone have advice as to which key(s) are the best? I can only buy one right now, should I buy a ‘G’ or a ‘D’?
Thanks!
D
There are other important things to consider besides the bell note. Chromatic harps come in various tunings - some favor the embellishments used in Celtic music. I suggest you check out the ‘Celtic chromatics’ section of Brendan Power’s site:
Brendan Power sell a customized chromatic harmonica that plays in both G and D. Basically he takes out the spring and tunes it so that it plays ‘D’ with the lever out and ‘G’ with the lever in. This is very useful for playing Irish Trad especially when the key switches mid-set. I have one and really like it.
It is called the ‘Trad Session Harp’ and is shown on his web site.
What an awesome site (Brendan Power) information-wise. Harmonica playing and building sure has come a long way. I now may have chromatic harmonica acquisition obsession. I play a diatonic in band for a coupla tunes, Sean Ryans polka and Julia Delaney’s ( I have one of those minor harps, Lee Oscar) but I don’t get ALL of the notes. Its a good break from monotony of whistle sound and band likes it.
Oh, poo-poo, Weekenders. How could you. 