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Subject: "golden melody" Archived thread - Read only
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Conferences General Topics Topic #97
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BlindBlake
Member since May-30-03
3 posts		 May-30-03, 02:52 AM (PST)
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"golden melody"
 
   Hi, I have read that golden melodies are tuned a bit differently than normal harps. Are there any drawbacks with this? I have heard they have a good strong tone and was wondering if they were good to play even if you are not planning on overblowing on them. Does anyone know of any blues players on record who use them?

david


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frink
Member since Jun-12-03
13 posts		 Jun-12-03, 05:09 AM (PST)
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1. "RE: golden melody"
In response to message #0
 
   i heard that it's pretty slick to play blues on but only if u know you're way around a harmonica. Also apparently it leaks air like mad and you have too get it seeled to be able to do note bends, tho ive never used one, i heard one played by glenn wiser and it sounds great


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zoneIII
Member since Jul-6-03
15 posts		 Jul-06-03, 04:29 PM (PST)
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2. "RE: golden melody"
In response to message #0
 
   LAST EDITED ON Jul-06-03 AT 04:37 PM (PST)
 
I'm just starting out so keep that in mind, but I have three Special 20s, two Lee Oskars, three Golden Melodies and four cheap harps. Contrary to another opinion you received, I find the notes bend very well with the Golden Melodies with the possible exception of the 2 and 3 draws, and they seem to be as airtight as the Special 20s or Lee Oskars. The Golden Melodies sound very nice but I noticed that they seem to be particularly well suited to playing single notes which is probably where the "Melody" part of the name comes in. Don't get me wrong, it plays chords very well too, although I think I like the sound of the Special 20 better in that regard, but it seems easier to hit single notes on it. I think I remember reading that it is tuned differently than the Special 20. The Special 20 seems to have a mellower "growl" to it when playing chords.

I like all three types of harmonicas that I have and I really can't say which is my favorite yet. Maybe when I get a bit more advanced, the differences will be more apparent to me. Another problem is that, with the exception of the B harmonicas, I have different keys for the three different types that I have so a side-by-side comparison is hard for me to do now. But, just as I write this, I took my Special 20 B harp and my Golden Melody B harp and blew a little. They both sound great to me. I think for blues I would be happy with either but if I was going to play melody, I would probably go with the Golden Melody. If I was forced to choose, I would probaby pick the Special 20 for blues. However, if I played folk melodies, I might prefer the Golden Melody. But between the Special 20 and the Lee Oskar - well, that's another question and, as of now, I don't have them in the same key to compare in a fair side-by-side test. Besides, I am not good enough to really run them through their paces. They are both clearly very fine harmonicas.

I guess the best advice I could offer would be to buy a Golden Melody and give it a try.

I hope that is of some help.

Tom Johnston


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webmasteradmin
Member since Jan-20-03
828 posts		 Jul-07-03, 02:37 AM (PST)
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3. ""Equal" and "Just" Intonation tuning"
In response to message #2
 
Hopefully these defintions from our TERMS & DEFINTIONS page should help clarify why chords sound better on some diatonics:

"Equal" Tuning (or Equal Temperament tuning)- This refers to the general overall tuning a diatonic or chromatic harmonica has. Each note (or reed) on the harmonica is tuned to the exact mathematically correct pitch it should be with an electronic tuning device. Equal tuning makes for great sounding, in-tune single note, melody playing, and unison playing with other instruments, but the chord playing does not sound as full and rich as with "tempered" tuning (or Just Intonation). The Lee Oskar Major Diatonic and Hohner Golden Melody harmonicas are examples of this type of tuning. Keep in mind, the average player will not likely hear any difference between types of tuning styles for many years.

"Just" Intonation (or Tempered Tuning)- Just (or justified) Intonation refers to the general overall tuning a diatonic or chromatic harmonica has. Typically, certain notes on the harmonica are flatted or sharped a small amount to make the chording sound better (usually the 3rd and b7ths of the chords are flatted a bit). Just tuning makes for great sounding, in-tune chord playing, but the single note and melody playing is not quite as exact as with "Equal" tuning. Hohner Special 20's and Marine Bands are examples of this type of tuning. Keep in mind, the average player will not likely hear any difference between types of tuning styles for many years.

Play on,
Webmaster


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