Brand Change
Dear David,
So, my first 17 days in the harp world have been really fun! The 1 draw problem is almost overcome, I'm playing well more relaxed, the tongue is slightly touching the harp, the "walk with me" is playable up to the 4th chorus (besides the tremolo), solo harmonica study 1 up to 1.7 and all music theory is done (I'm a guitar player, so it was a kind of revision).
I'll think it's time to reach an A harp to get the things going, and here is my question: Do you think it would be more benefitial to keep with the brand I'm already playing or a different one would be a nice but "doable" challenge? Since I'm a totally beginner those differences would be manageable and positive from the very start point or should I do this transition once I have some more techniques developed?
The background for the question is this: I'm currently playing with a Hohner 360 which I got with a huge discount and seems to be a pretty decent one to begin with, without spending that much and being, at the same time, above that hohner chinese threshold level. I'm aware that the next step should be the special 20 or the marine band, yet I don't know if I'm ready to spend that amount so soon. Because of that I'm focusing my research in something around a price point more acceptable for me, and here (Argentina) this price point is the Hohner Big River or the Suzuki Harpmaster. Looking around some reviews over internet and I'm convinced the suzuki gives more for the price, so I decided to ask your thoughts on this brand changing challenge from the skill developing point of view.
Once again I congratulate you for this incredible website and for how easily and objectively you teach!
Best regards
Gustavo
Great! Thanks for prompt answer. I'm aware, at least theoretically, that this key change will bring some degree of challenge.
The crossover is the goal, but I think I need to prove myself (and my wife...) I'm a player that deserve it. Fortunately the high end harps are no so expensive as others instruments, so it's affordable to make the dreams come true with some planning.
See you!
Yeah, you will feel the difference with the key. If you feel that your new Suzuki is not as good, then buy the Hohner in the same key, this way you can truthfully evaluate the models (when comparing makes/models of harmonicas, always evaluate with the same key).
Yes, I understand. And yes, thank goodness our instrument is a good value!
Hi David!
So I broke the piggy bank and jumped into the crossover world (the key of A). Oh boy! What a improvement! Generally speaking it plays effortless, it has a much more confortable embochure and it's so much easier to feel the hole edges with the tongue.
My 1 draw and all the upper register were hard to get on the C harp and now they're sounding amazing, the 2 draw is still quite challenging and the only issue is the 3 for both blow and draw. I need to really concentrate on the tongue position to get a clean sound, hence I had to sacrifice some speed over quality. I was almost ready to record my LOA1 test and now I have to postpone a little bit, but I'm seeing this from the bright side, surelly I'm improving my technique foundations.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know your advice was followed and how rewarding it was!
Thanks
Hello Gustavo.
I'm glad you like the harmonica, it is a great one.
It will take time to get holes 2 and 3 dialed in, but you're not alone, it's a challenge for most new players.
There's no hurry... enjoy the journey. I'll look forward to your test when you're ready.
Thank you so much.
I am slowly getting there.
where can I find our previous exchanges.
Glad to hear jvmod66. Any post we’ve done are still on the forum... look for the thread.
Hello, jvmod66
Go to your home page by clicking in your name at the upper right corner of this page, then click on the "track" tab and will be shown a page with every post you have ever posted.
Regards!
Hello Gustavo. I’m glad you’re enjoying your studies. I think it’s a doable change... give it a try and see if you like it. Do keep in mind that you are changing keys, so they will not feel the same, even if they’re the same brand. Some day, as finances allow, try the Hohner Crossover, it’s an amazing harmonica.