March 31, 2010
Choosing a Harmonica
Countless singer-guitarists have added harmonica playing to their act. Bob Dylan popularized the idea of using the harmonica in a neck rack, but it has been used before and since by bluesmen such as Jimmy Reed, Slim Harpo, and John Hammond Jr., as well as rockers Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and Jeff Tweedy. If you’ve considered giving harmonica a try, you’ve probably wondered about what type of harp and neck rack to get. Here are the basics that you need to know.
The Harmonica
Ten-hole diatonic harmonicas are the ones most commonly used in neck racks. They offer a limited number of notes in a specific key, although they can be used in related keys as well. The Hohner Marine Band harmonica was the benchmark for many years and continues to be a popular choice, but there are other viable options. Hohner makes a fine Big River model that is less expensive than the Marine Band, and the Hohner Blues Harp, Golden Melody, and Special 20 harmonicas also have devoted users who swear by the tonal differences they hear in their model of choice. I carry a variety of them, but my favorite harps are made by Lee Oskar. Like some Hohners, they have a plastic body, called a comb, that is impervious to insidious moisture problems. Their large holes make them easy to blow, they sound great right out of the box with no break-in period, they keep their exceptional tone for years, and they have unique replaceable reed plates.
The Neck Rack
Neck-rack prices vary, but you can expect to pay about $20. It’s worth shopping around for the right rack. It’s frustrating to have it slip, so make sure you choose one that is built with substantial wire and has strong clamp springs as well as pivot-point set screws that stay tight. The frames of my favorite racks narrow at the clamp so that it’s just wide enough to fit the harp. You’ll need to experiment with precise positioning to find the spot where the instrument is easily accessible without straining your neck and doesn’t get in the way when you sing. You might need to bend the wire to get a good fit.
By Gary Joyner
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