Harmonica players?

[Mikefule]

In keeping witht he current fashion for instrument based threads, who out there plays harmonica? What instrument do you prefer, and what do you play?

I play diatonic in the straight style - folk and Morris tunes, with a few others that fit. I have a problem in that many Morris tunes have to be played on the top octave because they use the "missing notes" and then the B music diappears off the top of the scale altogether. This means I need 12 or 14 hole harps, and the only ones available are Marine Band with a wooden comb and lousy reeds.

I like the Hering (one r) vintage harmonicas as ordinary 10 hole diatonics.

I'm mediocre at blues.

[cathwood]

I don't play the harmonica but am into folk music. Me and the hubby go to the Rhyl Folk club if we are ever let out to play on a friday night. We particularly like a guy from Ireland called Kieran Halpin. Ever heard of him?

Cathy

[Mikefule]

Originally Posted by cathwood

We particularly like a guy from Ireland called Kieran Halpin. Ever heard of him?

Only as a name. I'm about the least folky folky in Britain. I enjoy playing or singing in a session with mates, or an occasional foray to a singaround, but hardly ever go to see professional performers or buy folk CDs.

Years ago, I used to go regularly to a folk club and go to all the guest nights, but even then I preferred the singers' nights.

The only semi-pro or pro folk harmonica player I ever saw was Willie Atkinson, one of the "three shepherds" - blokes from Northumberland who had a combined age of about 240, who used to perform with Alastair Anderson. I played one of my own tunes in front of Willie Atkinson, but I doubt he was impressed.

[musketman]

i can play the whistle..... sometimes

[mboulanger]

I play mostly diatonic harps, cross styles for blues stuff. I used to play a lot more, I'm kind of getting back into it now. I have one chromatic harp, but I'm not very good at it.

[cathwood]

I think you'll find some information about unicycling harmonica player here.
http://www.unicycling.org/btdt/music.html

Cathy

[Mikefule]

Originally Posted by cathwood

I think you'll find some information about unicycling harmonica player here.

I can do that. To be fair, assuming an equal level of technical ability, the harmonica has to be the easiest instrument to play on a unicycle. I have also played melodian on a unicycle, but not very well. I guess church organ has to be the hardest instrument to play on a unicycle.

If you have a very small harmonica (Hohner Piccolo, previously known as the Vest Pocket Harp) it is possible to play quite complex tunes gripping the harmonica with lips or teeth, and leaving both hands free. I do that, and can perform several Morris solo dances (jigs).

[Murde Mental]

I always carry my harmonica in my banjo bag... so that I can look at it and wish I knew how to play ...

Yeah... I think I'm going to have to go out and buy myself a book or something... just to get some basics down.

[carsonpalooza]

I got a harmonica yesterday that has a book and a cd for how to play. It's a Mojo deluxe if that means anything and is a lot of fun to play.

[sobriquet]

I know some kid that spent 42 euro's on a 7 set, it was really dissapointing to me because he wasted his money, I think so anyways.

[carsonpalooza]

Originally Posted by sobriquet

I know some kid that spent 42 euro's on a 7 set, it was really dissapointing to me because he wasted his money, I think so anyways.

it's kinda like spending $500 for a unicycle, it may see high to someone else but if you enjoy it enough it's worth the price

[Goats_On_Unicycles]

I play diatonic harps. mostly folk music. but i do it to acompany my singing and guitar. i'm not very good. my freind is amazing though!

[dudewithasock]

Kazoo ftw

[Mikefule]

Originally Posted by sobriquet

I know some kid that spent 42 euro's on a 7 set, it was really dissapointing to me because he wasted his money, I think so anyways.

42 Euros doesn't sound like enough for a set of seven. Quality harmonicas are nicer to play.

[MattyJ]

I recently aquired a chromatic harmonica from my old piano teachers house we cleared out. (she moved into a home). I have no idea how to play, but it's something I've always wanted to be able to play.

I've just found it and it's a KOCH. It says that along with chromatic and made in germany. It's in C, and the spring slider bit is in good condition too.

I've not got a clue about it, so maybe someone can tell me anything about it?