Speciаl 20's 1-4 blow holes too high tuned?
Hi, Kinya!
My Special 20 in A gives me some trouble. I noticed that while playing the learning songs from the site with the provided jam tracks the harmonica sounds way out of tuning at some parts of the track. My little investigation showed that blows 1 through 4 are the problematic holes. For example 4 blow is 449-440 Hz according to phone's tuner.
3 blow sounds awfully out of tune as well, no matter how strong or soft it's blown.
Is it normal for this harmonica model to be tuned so high? Maybe related to the compromised just intonation? Should I try to re-tune it myself? I am afraid to get into such adventure having in mind that it is not only one hole that sounds out of tune. I can provide the Temperature song recording to demonstrate the problem if needed.
Greetings,
Mihail
Thanks, Kinya for the detailed reply!
I'll print out these instructions ..... Overwhelming - no, but I might need to buy a new harmonica in the end ;-)
Anyway, do you think software phone tuner (on my android it is: http://www.cohortor.org/gstrings/Documentation.html) will do the job or it must be done with hardware one?
P.S. The instructions are for the compromised just intonation tuning, right?
Mihail
Hello Mishaikin,
Most of the phone AP tuners I have worked with are surprisingly good. My favorite is by Peterson Tuners, and Yes, my recipe is for Compromised Just.
Check out the tuning articles I wrote for Mel Bay's Harmonica Sessions | Back Issues | Dec 2003 | "Stop Those Dogs From Howling"! and Feb 2004 | "Stop Those Dogs From Howling"! Part 2
The web site is www.harmonicasessions.com and follow the menus.
~Kinya
Hello Again,
I caught a typo on step #2--which has been corrected.
For practice, work on that old harmonica that you found buried next to that piece of couch pizza--not your gigging harmonica! I always recommend to beginner tuners, not to worry about the various tuning strategies, and instead simply tune all reeds to Zero [0]. When you can consistently accomplish this feat, then you are prepared to experiment with different tuning strategies.
~Kinya
Hello Mishaikin,
Well, I know some Musicians who would argue that you can never get too high. As for one of my favorite harps, the Hohner Special 20/A #560...
I find it easier to instruct people on tuning strategies when I refer to "cents" , rather than floating "Hertz" readings. Try this: calibrate your tuner up from 440Hz to the 442Hz to 443Hz range.
[1] Start with your 3 blow (E). This is extremely important, because that is the "root" note for us 2nd position blues players. Tune this to +1 (1cent above 0). If done correctly, your chordal playing will sound very smooth.
[2] If your octave tongue blocking technique is solid, then play the 3~6 octave (low E and middle E). If you do not hear a "beat" (quiver, oscillation), the 6 blow reed is in tune. If you do hear a beat, then isolate the 6 blow and check out your tuner--how many cents above (sharp) or below (below) is it? Tune up/down accordingly, then try the octave again. Now move up to the 6~9 octave (mid E and upper E). Repeat.
[3] Next tune the 4 blow (A). The key of the diatonic harmonica. Tune this to 0
[4] Play the 1~4 octave (low A and middle A). If you do not hear a "beat" (quiver, oscillation), the 1 blow reed is in tune. If you do hear a beat, then isolate the 1 blow and check out your tuner--does it read "sharp" or "flat"? Tune up/down accordingly, then try the octave again. Now move up to the 4~7 octave (mid A and upper A). Repeat for process for 7~10.
[5] Next, tune your 5 blow (C#) to -12 (12 cents below 0). Octave test 2 blow (low C#). Listen for the beat or no beat--follow procedures. Repeat for blow reeds 5~8. C# is purposely flatten to provide you with a smooth chord.
As for the draw reeds, the same principals apply with the following settings:
R1= +2 R2= +1 "E root note" R3= -11 R4= +2 R5= -12 R6= +3 R7= -11 R8= +2 R9= -12 R10= +3
If all this appears a little overwhelming, do not fear. Future Harp Tech Studies will cover tuning strategies in great detail--you and I will tackle tuning together!
"Play the notes people want to hear" © 2008
Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith
Musician & Harp-Tech
Harmonica Masterclass Workshop Instructor
MelBay's Harmonica Sessions Columnist
www.bluesharmonica.com Harp-Tech Expert