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Subject: "chromatic" Archived thread - Read only
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Conferences Advanced Topics & Chromatic Harmonica Topic #158
Reading Topic #158
Laser
Charter Member
 May-02-03, 06:29 AM (PST)
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"chromatic"
 
   Hi, just out of curiosity...in what cases would you say a chromatic harmonica is worth buying/having?


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shaggy
Member since Jan-28-03
237 posts		 May-02-03, 04:30 PM (PST)
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1. "RE: chromatic"
In response to message #0
 
In all cases in which the player wants to play chromatically (with all the notes, including sharps & flats). And possibly when the player finds some tabs written for chromatic harp and doesn't want to - or doesn't know how to - convert them to diatonic harp.

Shaggy


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SeldomSeen
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 May-05-03, 07:51 AM (PST)
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2. "RE: chromatic"
In response to message #1
 
   Also, if you're wanting to get into some of the more "technical" music: Classical, jazz, things like that. Chromatic's a whole 'nother instrument entirely. I've fooled around with it some, but keep going back to diatonic.


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ZareliMan
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 May-25-03, 10:12 AM (PST)
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3. "RE: chromatic"
In response to message #0
 
   The chromatic is technically better than the diatonic, you have all notes and you can play in the key that you want with the same harmonica, but is very difficult (I bought one and I can't memorise the holes and the notes) to play and even more difficult to bend (I still can't bend on my Chromatic)so you can't play with a lot of sentiment, I still prefer my diatonic, you can play blues on it, do bends easily and play classical music if you are fast and good on bends, if you started playing diatonic you'll have to struggle to play chromonica...


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Chromatic Guy
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 Jun-04-03, 06:50 PM (PST)
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4. "RE: chromatic"
In response to message #3
 
   Any time you want to play melodies, the chromatic is the best choice. Reading from sheet music is also a big plus to the chromatic. I love being able to pick up any piece of sheet music and play it with one harp. It's also a lot easier to get your hands on sheet music than diatonic tabs.

I disagree the the chromatic can't be played with much sentiment. Just listen to any of the greats like Toots Thielemans and you will see this is not the case.


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frink
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 Jun-12-03, 05:07 AM (PST)
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5. "RE: chromatic"
In response to message #0
 
   well ive got a hohner koch harmonica and a big river harp, i perfer the big river. it sounds so much better to play blues as the koch sounds too dull. having said that if you want to play chromatically with all notes it's a lot better, i only use it for working out tv themes and fun stuff


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SeldomSeen
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 Jun-12-03, 06:54 AM (PST)
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6. "RE: chromatic"
In response to message #5
 
   Note about Koch chromatics: They're tuned differently from your regular chromatic. It's like playing a C diatonic with a Db diatonic, with the push button separating the two. Got the same layout, missing notes, etc. Most chromatics have the major scales, with no missing notes. The Koch is kinda interesting in that regard. Main drawback with that harp is it leaks air like mad. Maybe that's why the sound doesn't have that same punch.


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croman
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 Jul-01-03, 10:26 AM (PST)
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7. "RE: chromatic"
In response to message #0
 
   got my first chromatic at 12 yrs (mid 50's now). I have chromonicas and super chromonicas in different keys. Generally, bigger holes, bigger sound, better quality, much more airtight, some models with larger range, and obviously a full chromatic scale. Every player should at least try it and I think should own at least one. I agree with the other comments except for the Koch player. Koch is not a real chromatic, its richter tuned and not solo tuned and doesn't have windsaver valves. PS I haven't tossed my diatonics either.


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