Melodeon.net Forums

Discussions => Other Free Reed Instruments => Topic started by: ACE on March 13, 2011, 09:32:01 AM

Title: harmonica
Post by: ACE on March 13, 2011, 09:32:01 AM
Years ago somebody turned up at a folk club with a multi keyed gob box. I don't know how many mouth pieces it had, seemed to be 5 or 6, but they were long, 2 octave I expect. Does anybody know who made them, (probably honer) and are they still in production. I know a chromatic will do the job, but I am so slow on one of those and and by the time I recognise the key search the bag, find the right one with my collection, the tune is usually over.
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 13, 2011, 10:08:50 AM
They're often on a wheel and are usually tremolo's in my experience. Here's a link to one:
Hohner Sextet (http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/harmonicas/tremolo/hohner-sextet-tremolo)
Regards
AL
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: ACE on March 13, 2011, 11:27:04 AM
Hmmn. a bit rich in price, but that is the one thanks. Might get a bunch of cheapies and make my own.
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Bill Young on March 13, 2011, 01:02:57 PM
They're often on a wheel and are usually tremolo's in my experience. Here's a link to one:
Hohner Sextet (http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/harmonicas/tremolo/hohner-sextet-tremolo)
Regards
AL
Speaking of harmonicas, that website has what must be the bargain of the century (OK, we're only at 2011) - the Hohner Highlander (http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/harmonicas/special-offers/hohner-highlander-tremolo) D/A (bagpipe tuned) tremolo for only £29.99. That's less than half what I paid for one from an early batch, direct from the developer, Donald Black. I've seen them advertised at >£80. (Mind, Victor Morris (http://www.victormorris.com/Hohner_H) has it at £39.99, so maybe everybody who wants to play pipe tunes on the moothie now has one.)
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 13, 2011, 01:28:11 PM
Ay Bill that's very true - I keep thinking I really must get one before the price goes back up!
AL
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Bill Young on March 13, 2011, 02:29:03 PM
Don't wait! I suspect "while stocks last" means they're not going to get any more in, either because they're not selling, or maybe Hohner is going to discontinue this model.
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: george garside on March 13, 2011, 03:22:15 PM
They're often on a wheel and are usually tremolo's in my experience. Here's a link to one:
Hohner Sextet (http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/harmonicas/tremolo/hohner-sextet-tremolo)
Regards
AL

no need to buy one of these unless you want to play in all 6 keys  fitted to the thing.  The late Will ATkinson of Border Shepherds fame   played  exeptionally well holding 3 different keyed mouthies at the same time & neetly swapping them around to suit key changes as required.  The one he was playing was obviously  horizontal       & held with the tips of fingrs on both hands, the other two were held more or less in the palm of the hands and dangled down vertically, the apropriate one being swung up to the vertical when required. Quite fascinating to watch. As far as I can remember they were made by yamaha & imported specially.

george
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Ebor_fiddler on March 13, 2011, 10:57:35 PM
I seem to remember seeing duple irons which had two sets of reeds, one on either side. I think it was a Hohner, but I'm not certain.  :'( Does anybody else know of these?
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Theo on March 13, 2011, 11:19:01 PM
Hohner Echo is double sided.
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Owen Woods on March 14, 2011, 03:06:47 AM
Why did Hohner have to double up names for melodeon/accordion and harmonica? :(
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 14, 2011, 07:01:21 AM
Quote
I seem to remember seeing duple irons which had two sets of reeds, one on either side. I think it was a Hohner, but I'm not certain.   Does anybody else know of these?   
Like this one (http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/harmonicas/special-offers/hohner-highlander-tremolo) just ordered this morning as per Bill's sage advice!
 ;D
AL
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Bill Young on March 14, 2011, 09:30:19 AM
Quote
I seem to remember seeing duple irons which had two sets of reeds, one on either side. I think it was a Hohner, but I'm not certain.   Does anybody else know of these?   
Like this one (http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/harmonicas/special-offers/hohner-highlander-tremolo) just ordered this morning as per Bill's sage advice!
 ;D
AL
Smart move, that man!
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: george garside on March 14, 2011, 07:07:21 PM
I  have just made same smart move!

george ;)
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: oggiesnr on March 14, 2011, 08:10:33 PM
I  have just made same smart move!

george ;)

..and I  (:)

Steve
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 14, 2011, 08:47:38 PM
Wonder how long the price will be held at £29.99 for?
 ;)
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Martin J on March 14, 2011, 10:55:07 PM
ACE, before playing melodeon I played lead on mouthorgan with some wizzy amp work to make it sound big.  I only ever had the two mouthies needed for the set in my hand at any given time.  In reality G,D & A covered it.  I did have double sided ones but it took too long to turn them and the rhythm stuttered.  Swapping was instant and seamless.
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: ACE on March 15, 2011, 06:58:45 AM
ACE, before playing melodeon I played lead on mouthorgan with some wizzy amp work to make it sound big.  I only ever had the two mouthies needed for the set in my hand at any given time.  In reality G,D & A covered it.  I did have double sided ones but it took too long to turn them and the rhythm stuttered.  Swapping was instant and seamless.

Perfect if you are only playing the harp, but I play the melodeon mostly and just pick up the gob irons if somebody is singing at sessions. A colour coded wheel will at least get me in into the tune before the first chorus. Instead of rooting around in my bag of tambourines, shaky eggs, triangles, gazoos, spoons, bones, jews harp and tipper for the bodhran.

Ace the percussion pest coming to a session near you soon. ;D
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 15, 2011, 07:50:30 AM
Quote
In reality G,D & A covered it.
I think for most folkie type sessions that's very true - though a C harp is also useful. I've sometimes played with two diatonics in my hands, switching for key changes etc. Am looking forward to trying out my new double-sided tremolo to see how that compares.
AL
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Guy on March 15, 2011, 08:58:39 AM
Wonder how long the price will be held at £29.99 for?
 ;)

Still at that price, so I've placed my order too. By the way, those multi-sided harmonicas have often popped up new on eBay. They're cheaper varieties there, not the Hohner ones. I took a punt on a 6-sided one which cost around £30, and it's been fine for occasional use, and a great talking point, as no-one's ever seen one before!
I did one gig with that, the Streb, my Giordy,a Dobro and the vibrandoneon just on the grounds that no-one would have seen all of these in one place before. The band weren't too chuffed, until I pointed out that I could spend a fair bit of the evening doing "Show and Tell" whilst they repaired to the bar. They didn't complain after that, oddly....

Cheers,
Guy
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Graeme on March 15, 2011, 05:16:12 PM
I  have just made same smart move!

george ;)

..and I  (:)


Me too! Thanks for the nod Bill!

Graeme
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 15, 2011, 06:09:39 PM
My new Hohner Highlander arrived this morning and very nice it is too! I'm not really very used to playing tremolo and it does demand a slightly different technique, but I love the sound it makes! Just played the 'Heights of Dargai' on it - and it even makes me sound ok!
 ;D
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Bill Young on March 15, 2011, 11:52:31 PM
I should have negotiated a commission! The company must be wondering what's going on.  ;D
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Kautilya on March 16, 2011, 01:49:16 AM
I should have negotiated a commission! The company must be wondering what's going on.  ;D
here's another commission source  - you take the cut on the A side and I'll take it on the D side

Maybe the seven dwarves are hammering away 24/7  under Queensbury hilltop and in the old Chorley munitions factory

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hohner-Highlander-Scottish-Celtic-Bagpipe-Harmonica-NEW-/290545014709?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Harmonicas_RL&hash=item43a5d517b5


Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 16, 2011, 07:48:14 AM
Well at that price they were obviously priced 'to sell' - so they shouldn't be too surprised by the demand. I should still think that they're making something out of it.
AL
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Alan Morley on March 16, 2011, 08:17:39 AM
It would be no use to me for playing along with my piping collegue - his pipes are tuned to Bbb - a flat B flat....I usually play bodhran from some distance away..
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 16, 2011, 09:02:54 AM
Yes, but great for sessions where ADG dominates!
 ;)
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: george garside on March 16, 2011, 12:58:35 PM
postmans just delivered mine - after a few quick tunes  I can strongly recommend it particularly at the price

george ;D
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 16, 2011, 02:49:28 PM
Do you think that HAD is related to MAD?
 ;D
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: baz parkes on March 16, 2011, 03:52:35 PM
Do you think that HAD is related to MAD?
 ;D

I have a large plastic bag full awaiting repair/retuning that miay answer that question...
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Martin J on March 16, 2011, 07:00:58 PM
Such buying fever.   :o

I really don't want one but feel somehow compelled to join the throng.

>:E  Oi you, get thee behind me.
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Kautilya on March 16, 2011, 10:19:18 PM
Such buying fever.   :o

I really don't want one but feel somehow compelled to join the throng.

>:E  Oi you, get thee behind me.
I did not know it was compulsory to have a thong when you buy/play the harmonica - not too sure now....... :|bl :|bl >:E >:E
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: oggiesnr on March 16, 2011, 10:30:33 PM
For all aspiring harmonica players - Start here and follow the series

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=DancingCatProduction#p/u/11/jcSLudnKFPA (http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=DancingCatProduction#p/u/11/jcSLudnKFPA)

Steve
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on March 17, 2011, 06:42:37 AM
A fantastic series of tutorials - so measured and conversational and yet so informative. I followed the series the other year when I started getting into the harmonica a little more seriously.
AL
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Ebor_fiddler on March 20, 2011, 08:13:00 PM
The price IS om its way up! Now at £32+ Vide http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/harmonicas/special-offers/hohner-highlander-tremolo We may need to get in quickly!  :Ph
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: george garside on March 21, 2011, 12:20:39 AM
The price IS om its way up! Now at £32+ Vide http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/harmonicas/special-offers/hohner-highlander-tremolo We may need to get in quickly!  :Ph

now I have had mine for a few days I can confirm that it is an absolute pleasure to play so if anyone is dithering get in now as the normal echo 80 (& Highlander) price is £80 +

george
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: WestOz on March 21, 2011, 07:23:41 AM
I just ordered Highlander, and was charged 27 pounds, plus 5 pounds international mail. Great deal!
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Kautilya on March 21, 2011, 11:55:25 AM
Quote from: george garside link=topic=6408.msg80939#msg80939 get in now as the normal echo 80 (& Highlander) price is £80 +

george
[/quote
A double-sided tremolo harmonica designed for playing Highland bagpipe tunes.

For a limited period we are offering this wonderful harmonica at HALF PRICE-IT was £64.95 but whilst this stock lasts we are asking only £32.47.
That is exactly half the normal price.


Whatever the RRP - all around the same price -- 6 left here

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hohner-Highlander-Scottish-Celtic-Bagpipe-Harmonica-NEW-/290545014709?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Harmonicas_RL&hash=item43a5d517b5
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: george garside on May 19, 2011, 10:15:31 AM
have now had my hohner highlander mouthie for a couple of months and am delighted with it. It is the sort of insttrument that  you pick up for a ten minute play and are still playing half an hour later - or more!

I also had the pleasure of doing a duet of Athol Highlanders with Kautilya (2 hohner highlanders) at Bull Bay festival at Easter.  If there are any still availble at £32 ish they are worth grabbing.
How are others that bought them getting on?


george (happy but positvely puffed!) :D
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on May 19, 2011, 11:56:40 AM
Yes, mine's a delight, though some of the notes at the squeaky end could be better gapped to increase response. But was able to buyt it for less than £30 - so very happy indeed! Will we have the pleasure of your company at the Button Box & Moothies event in Aberdeen this year George? It'd be great to meet up with you again!
AL
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: HallelujahAl on May 20, 2011, 07:29:38 PM
By the way - I wanted to take my 'Highlander' out with me today - but didn't fancy taking it out in it's fancy presentation box that it came in...so I looked around the house and found the solution...an old glasses pocket...fits and works a treat!
 ;D
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Kautilya on May 28, 2011, 02:34:27 PM
By the way - I wanted to take my 'Highlander' out with me today - but didn't fancy taking it out in it's fancy presentation box that it came in...so I looked around the house and found the solution...an old glasses pocket...fits and works a treat!
 ;D
Tip taken!
Now, what will take a Hoher superchromatic with slide button? Glasses' case a tad short.....

Anglesey Highlanders, see also recordings and videos
and or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2MOv9X8hts
Title: Re: harmonica
Post by: Kautilya on May 28, 2011, 02:39:00 PM
have now had my hohner highlander mouthie for a couple of months and am delighted with it. It is the sort of insttrument that  you pick up for a ten minute play and are still playing half an hour later - or more!

I also had the pleasure of doing a duet of Athol Highlanders with Kautilya (2 hohner highlanders) at Bull Bay festival at Easter.  If there are any still availble at £32 ish they are worth grabbing.
How are others that bought them getting on?


george (happy but positvely puffed!) :D
You only sounded a bit puffed then! -- go see
 recordings and videos (no mention of bagpipe majors.... >:E)
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal