A gang of harmonica geeks saved the soul of the blues harp (2013)
The harmonica's quality declined from the mid-1970s to early 1990s, prompting enthusiasts like Joe Filisko to restore its reputation, leading to a renaissance in craftsmanship and appreciation for the instrument.
Read original article
the shuffle was the quality of the diatonic harmonicas, particularly the Hohner Marine Band, which suffered from poor manufacturing practices. This decline in quality led to a grassroots movement among harmonica enthusiasts and customizers in the 1990s, who sought to restore the instrument's reputation. Key figures like Joe Filisko and Richard Sleigh emerged, developing techniques to enhance harmonica performance and tailor instruments to individual playing styles. Their efforts coincided with a broader renaissance for the harmonica, as both major manufacturers and boutique customizers began to focus on quality and craftsmanship. The Society for the Preservation & Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) played a significant role in this revival, hosting conventions that brought together players and experts to share knowledge and techniques. The harmonica's resurgence is characterized by a renewed appreciation for its unique sound and the dedication of its players, despite its low profile in popular music.
- The harmonica faced a decline in quality from the mid-1970s to early 1990s, particularly with Hohner's Marine Band.
- Customizers like Joe Filisko and Richard Sleigh helped restore the harmonica's reputation through innovative techniques.
- The harmonica is experiencing a renaissance, with increased interest from both manufacturers and players.
- The Society for the Preservation & Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) has been instrumental in promoting harmonica culture.
- The harmonica's unique sound and craftsmanship are gaining renewed appreciation in the music community.
Related
Schaffer–Vega Diversity System
The Schaffer-Vega diversity system (SVDS) revolutionized wireless guitar technology in the 1970s, enhancing sound quality and stage performance for iconic rock bands. Despite production ending in 1981, its impact remains influential in music history.
Harmonic Table Keyboard Brings Old Idea Back to Life
A project named Midihex introduces a new harmonic table keyboard with 98 keys and advanced features like Cherry MX keys and MPE support. It offers musicians easier chord patterns and unique musical expression, aiming to enhance innovative musical interfaces.
The Stratocaster Turns 70
The Fender Stratocaster's 70th anniversary is celebrated for its iconic design and musical impact. The article explores the craftsmanship, innovation, and collaborative effort shaping its legacy in music history.
Playing for survival: the blind Japanese woman keeping a music tradition alive
Rieko Hirosawa revives goze music tradition in Japan, mastering the goze uta genre despite visual impairment. She honors the resilience of blind women musicians, sharing their stories with audiences nationwide.
The Rich History of Ham Radio Culture
Historian Kristen Haring examines ham radio culture, highlighting its community, technical challenges, and the importance of etiquette. The American Radio Relay League promotes desirable traits, while licensing ensures operational standards.
5 commentshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fayFSiceZA
The hardest skill to master on a harmonica is playing one note at a time without bleeding into the holes on either side. Once you master single hole pucker, introducing the side holes adds more texture and harmony at your discretion. The second hardest skill is "bending" by changing your embouchure and air stream flow to bend the pitch of the reed. You can't really effectively bend until you single note pucker since the reeds bend at different rates which only sounds good when you've mastered both skills which are key to a good cross harp player.
If you decide to get a harp for starters the plastic Hohner Marine Band harp is super tough and forgiving. The more expensive wooden comb blues harps sound amazing but they take some skill to master.
Diatonic harmonicas are keyed, where the "C" note (4th hole blow) can be in any whole tone, so some transpositional thinking is required once you get good. If you want to play cross harp (aka "blues") with a guitar player typically playing in the key of E, then get a harp keyed in A.
Related
Schaffer–Vega Diversity System
The Schaffer-Vega diversity system (SVDS) revolutionized wireless guitar technology in the 1970s, enhancing sound quality and stage performance for iconic rock bands. Despite production ending in 1981, its impact remains influential in music history.
Harmonic Table Keyboard Brings Old Idea Back to Life
A project named Midihex introduces a new harmonic table keyboard with 98 keys and advanced features like Cherry MX keys and MPE support. It offers musicians easier chord patterns and unique musical expression, aiming to enhance innovative musical interfaces.
The Stratocaster Turns 70
The Fender Stratocaster's 70th anniversary is celebrated for its iconic design and musical impact. The article explores the craftsmanship, innovation, and collaborative effort shaping its legacy in music history.
Playing for survival: the blind Japanese woman keeping a music tradition alive
Rieko Hirosawa revives goze music tradition in Japan, mastering the goze uta genre despite visual impairment. She honors the resilience of blind women musicians, sharing their stories with audiences nationwide.
The Rich History of Ham Radio Culture
Historian Kristen Haring examines ham radio culture, highlighting its community, technical challenges, and the importance of etiquette. The American Radio Relay League promotes desirable traits, while licensing ensures operational standards.