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PowerChromatic in G - why does it start with an A Blow note
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2021 8:32 am
by stefan
Dear All,
I am about ordering a PowerChromatic from Seydel. Looking at the standard configuration for a G PowerChromatic, I was wondering why it starts with a Blow A on hole 1 and not with C4, D4, C#4, D#4 on hole 1. Beeing used to C bebop tuning I would like to have a C blow on hole 1. So the major difference I would have to get used too would be the F#4,G on hole 2 in draw position and the A in blow position.
But perhaps there is a good reason why it starts with an A. Could anyone help me to understand so that I can make my choice for the tuning appropriately.
Thanks in advance, kind regards
stefan
Re: PowerChromatic in G - why does it start with an A Blow note
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:10 pm
by Brendan
Because PowerChromatic is a tuning which repeats every 4 holes, you can actually start it on any of the blow notes. In G, these would be G3, A3, C4, E4.
On a 12 hole PowerChrom harmonica in G I personally choose A3 because I like to play in 2nd Position (D) a lot. This key gives you the 1, 3, 5 of the scale with bendable draw notes - similar to 2nd Position on a diatonic harp. Having the fifth below the tonic (A in the key of D), comes in handy for extending phrases lower then the key note. I wouldn't have that if I started on C4.
It's also partly related to the fact that the retune to PowerChromatic Tuning from a Solo-tuned stock chromatic is a bit easier with this note arrangement. However, that's not relevant for the Seydel version.
It's entirely up to you how you wish to have your Seydel PowerChromatic tuned! You can use their excellent Configurator to input the range you would prefer.
Re: PowerChromatic in G - why does it start with an A Blow note
Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:46 pm
by stefan
Thanks, Brendan, for the fast reply. Just ordered and already recieved one. I am now starting to explore the bending. Need to get a bit used to the mouth piece of Seydel, which is less smooth than roundhole mouthpieces of Hohner or Suzuki. Stefan
Re: PowerChromatic in G - why does it start with an A Blow note
Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2021 4:01 pm
by Sachlaw
@thronmad -good point. I myself keep this tuning at multiple start points over different keys.
A cheaper way than using the Seydel selector is picking up a Lucky 13 PC and converting to a different key with just a few changes so the repeated pitches (i.e. the D/D on the C) are further up on the harp.
There is a way to do this with either blu-tak only, or mostly blu-tak and maybe a couple of reeds need raising a half-step. Before BP offered the LKY13 PC in the key of C, I had done this with either a G or D.