Harmonica - Maybe A Producer Can Clarify?

For any of you out there who know, what is the best set-up I should look for if I intend to learn harmonica, but play at A442 (E-flat)?  Also, should I get one tuned to A, or C?  Which usually is the more "universal" of the two???

I thought A442 tuning would indicate that it's sharper than A440?

I'm with Lance on this one... not sure what A442 has to do with E-flat tuning. However, here's your harp:

http://www.activemusician.com/item--MC.532-EB

Slider:

I thought A442 tuning would indicate that it's sharper than A440?

440 is the sharper of the two.

Actually, upon further inspection, I've found that it's better to have a harmonica tuned slightly flatter to the A442 to avoid the high vibrato that the sharper notes bring about and make the actual chords themselves sound better.  Who'd have thunk it?

Just a little useless harmonica knowledge that you can all file away under "Cliff Claven-style Useless Knowledge".  

lmichelutti:

440 is the sharper of the two.

Categorically incorrect. 440 and 442 refer to the vibrational cycles per second that are produced in attaining the pitch. Faster vibration = higher pitch. A442 is A, tuned two cycles higher than concert pitch.

Makes sense to tune slightly flat if you're blowing hard, though. That much I'll agree with.

Anthony Michael Anthony:

lmichelutti:

440 is the sharper of the two.

Categorically incorrect. 440 and 442 refer to the vibrational cycles per second that are produced in attaining the pitch. Faster vibration = higher pitch. A442 is A, tuned two cycles higher than concert pitch.

Makes sense to tune slightly flat if you're blowing hard, though. That much I'll agree with.

Well, categorically, whatever...I've never been on the "up and up" with any of it, so I'm sure you're right.  All I know is that all of my tuning pedals require the setting to be put at A442 when I'm tuning to E-flat.  I guess I made an ass out of myself and "Umption", because I made my assumption based off of that.

Sorry, didn't mean to be harsh. Just wanted to correct your misconception.

lmichelutti:

All I know is that all of my tuning pedals require the setting to be put at A442 when I'm tuning to E-flat.

This, I don't know what to make of. Can you explain? Setting your tuning pedal to A442 simply calibrates the overall target pitch at two cycles sharp of normal. The option is there because certain instruments (usually woodwinds) are scaled/optimized for a target pitch of A442, which is the European standard (I think). It could be that whatever you're trying to tune (in E-flat or any other key) is one of those instruments. A little websurfing seems to indicate that a lot of harmonicas are made that way -- although I must say that seems rather odd, given the tendency of an overblown blues harp to go sharp, not flat.

Anthony Michael Anthony:

Sorry, didn't mean to be harsh. Just wanted to correct your misconception.

lmichelutti:

All I know is that all of my tuning pedals require the setting to be put at A442 when I'm tuning to E-flat.

This, I don't know what to make of. Can you explain? Setting your tuning pedal to A442 simply calibrates the overall target pitch at two cycles sharp of normal. The option is there because certain instruments (usually woodwinds) are scaled/optimized for a target pitch of A442, which is the European standard (I think). It could be that whatever you're trying to tune (in E-flat or any other key) is one of those instruments. A little websurfing seems to indicate that a lot of harmonicas are made that way -- although I must say that seems rather odd, given the tendency of an overblown blues harp to go sharp, not flat.

Isn't A440 standard tuning?  Dude, I've gotta be honest...I'm on a lot of medication at the moment, and I'm really starting to confuse myself...maybe I should just stop talking altogether and resume this tomorrow?  Yikes. 

Yes, 440 is standard. Think of it this way, if it's less than 440, then the pitch is lower. Less than = flat, more than = sharp. 

That is weird about your pedal though.  

Slider:

Yes, 440 is standard. Think of it this way, if it's less than 440, then the pitch is lower. Less than = flat, more than = sharp. 

That is weird about your pedal though.  

Well, YEAH, man...cause my little hand-held Korg tuner is the same way.  I guess in this infinite universe, it IS possible for me to have two tuners broken (yet working?) in the same way.

Larry needs nappy...damn I'm tired.

lmichelutti:

I'm on a lot of medication at the moment, and I'm really starting to confuse myself...maybe I should just stop talking altogether and resume this tomorrow?

I've got a better idea. How's about you share some of those meds, and we keep right on talking?

Now THAT'S problem solving right there!  

Anthony Michael Anthony:

lmichelutti:

I'm on a lot of medication at the moment, and I'm really starting to confuse myself...maybe I should just stop talking altogether and resume this tomorrow?

I've got a better idea. How's about you share some of those meds, and we keep right on talking?

You're my kind of guy!  Great idea.  

I'm no producer but....setting your tuner to A=442 then tuning to Ab will make put your 'A' string slightly above A flat as compared to A=440.

 What key is the song you want to play on harp in?  Generally you want your harp to be up a fourth...just google 'crossharp'.

 Now...about those meds...

lmichelutti:

For any of you out there who know, what is the best set-up I should look for if I intend to learn harmonica, but play at A442 (E-flat)?  Also, should I get one tuned to A, or C?  Which usually is the more "universal" of the two???

Hey, go with the A440 or 442 whatever the strings are tuned to. Most harmonica players that I have worked with have a harmonica for every key. What key is the song in and what voicing do you want in the mix???? Higher,. lower register, music theory still applies. C is the relative major to A minor...blah blah...Universal????

 Listen to the singer, and experiment with different harmonica`s and tones......One sound will stand out the best to your ears. 

Tainted:

lmichelutti:

For any of you out there who know, what is the best set-up I should look for if I intend to learn harmonica, but play at A442 (E-flat)?  Also, should I get one tuned to A, or C?  Which usually is the more "universal" of the two???

 

 

Hey, go with the A440 or 442 whatever the strings are tuned to. Most harmonica players that I have worked with have a harmonica for every key. What key is the song in and what voicing do you want in the mix???? Higher,. lower register, music theory still applies. C is the relative major to A minor...blah blah...Universal????

 Listen to the singer, and experiment with different harmonica`s and tones......One sound will stand out the best to your ears. 
 

 

The cool thing about harmonicas is that they do not cost an arm and a leg as other instruments do.  You can get a complete set of nice harps for waay cheaper than even one guitar.

If you are looking for just one at the current moment....it is true that C seems to "fit" more often than others.  So I would start there.....

Here is a nice diagram of the different keys of harmonicas and which notes they produce on both blow and draw.....

http://www.grothmusic.com/online/diatonic_tuning.htm

Thank you all for your replies!  I'm "gettin' to it" asap.  It'll make all the Tom Petty tunes much cooler.     Not to mention, being able to play the harp seems to be an odd commodity anymore - but being able to pull it out on a blues jam or classic rock cover still kicks ass.

The great thing about harmonica is....pick the right key and there are no wrong notes. 

Riffy:

The great thing about harmonica is....pick the right key and there are no wrong notes. 

 

Exactly.  As a non-naturally-gifted musician.....I appreciate this quality greatly!

Scobbs:

Riffy:

The great thing about harmonica is....pick the right key and there are no wrong notes. 

 

 

 

Exactly.  As a non-naturally-gifted musician.....I appreciate this quality greatly!

ME TOO.