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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

what are special 20s tuning pitch?

2 replies [Last post]
Fri, 08/09/2013 - 18:20
scottwebstar
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Joined: 07/24/2013

I noticed that the special 20 harmonics I bought are not A 440 tuned?
I use 440 for guitar and fiddle and so does everyone I jam with. Are these harmonicas tuned A 443 or around there?

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Fri, 08/09/2013 - 21:37
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Yes, 442 and 443 is very common. In normal play, the moisture in a player's breath, and one's tendency to slightly bend notes (we're just talking a couple of cents here), makes tuning harmonicas a couple of cents sharp a good idea. This is as far as my knowledge will take you... Kinya Pollard (aka the HarpSmith) in the forum can answer any further questions.

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Sat, 08/10/2013 - 10:56
#2
scottwebstar
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Joined: 07/24/2013
about tuning

Ok, that does help a lot. I just wanted to make sure as I'm new to harmonica.
Thanks much.

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