Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Feb 2, 2013 21:26:25 GMT
Because of a belated christmas present from me to myself I'm now the proud owner of a C.A.Seydel 1847 silver harp. Thanks to Martin W. offering an opportunity at the right time and Martin R. having the right instrument at hand at the right moment I rediscovered an old love - the blues harp. Luckily, even top notch harps are not very expensive instruments, at least compared to acoustic guitars or even saxophones. The Seydel 1847 Silver is a german made Richter-diatonic harp. It is a bit different to other harps, because the reedplates are made of german silver, whereas reeds, rivets and cover plates are stainless steel. The comb is not made of wood, but of a very dense solid polymer. I got that one in the key of G, which offers a lot of possibilities when played in G, D or A minor. In addition, I love the low, fat sound of a G harp. While practicing, I sadly had to find out how much I have forgotten about playing a harp. However, I'm quite determined to get as much as possible out of that little gem. It's pure fun to play - simply a lovely little instrument.   |
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davewhite
Luthier / Guitar Maker
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Aemulor et ambitiosior
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Post by davewhite on Feb 2, 2013 22:58:45 GMT
Bernd, Looks lovely - The Plucky Duck stage awaits  |
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Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Feb 3, 2013 11:18:59 GMT
I fear that the pub audience will have to wait a little longer, Dave. I just tried the Pippi Longstocking Theme and nearly broke my tongue, supposing such a thing possible. To jam around a bit and to play a proper song are obviously two very different things, I'm afraid. It's fun, though  I just have to practise, practise, practise. |
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Feb 4, 2013 15:41:29 GMT
Looks like a very fine instrument, Bernd. I'm glad I was able to contribute something musical at HB3, albeit indirectly   I too hope we get a chance to hear you playing it soon |
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brianr2
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Post by brianr2 on Feb 6, 2013 12:34:56 GMT
At the risk of ignorant heresy, I have long wondered why "harp" (with no obvious physical parallels to the stringed alternative) and not "mouthorgan" (with reeds in common, if not pedals and pipes)?
Brian
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Feb 6, 2013 15:01:11 GMT
At the risk of ignorant heresy, I have long wondered why "harp" (with no obvious physical parallels to the stringed alternative) and not "mouthorgan" (with reeds in common, if not pedals and pipes)? Brian A good point, Brian. I've always just taken it at face value without questioning it as the standard 'Merkin terminology for this instrument. Of course, round our way it's called a 'moothie' |
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Feb 6, 2013 16:10:27 GMT
At the risk of ignorant heresy, I have long wondered why "harp" (with no obvious physical parallels to the stringed alternative) and not "mouthorgan" (with reeds in common, if not pedals and pipes)? Brian A good point, Brian. I've always just taken it at face value without questioning it as the standard 'Merkin terminology for this instrument. Of course, round our way it's called a 'moothie' It's a gob-iron.  keith |
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leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on Feb 6, 2013 21:34:16 GMT
round our way it's known as a diatonic harmonica but, then, I'm dead posh and stuff.
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Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Feb 7, 2013 18:34:26 GMT
As far as I know the term harp is only used for Richter diatonic harmonicas and mainly based on a misinterpretation of an abreviation for har(m)...onica.
So blues harmonica became blues har and then blues harp.
And Monica has nothing to do with it ;-)
(sent via android proboards app)
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2013 23:09:13 GMT
I always understood that it was because the sound is similar to that produced by aeolian or wind harps. They are contraptions with arrays of reeds that are "played" by breezes, which once gave them instant appeal to Romantic poets in Britain who liked the idea of "music" being made by the authentic breath of nature. As a matter of fact the subject of my thesis, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, wrote a rather ambivalent poem called The Eolian Harp, which tells how "the breeze warbles, and the mute still air/ Is Music slumbering on her instrument."
The gadgets sold though American mail order catalogues, becoming familiar fixtures on porches in rural America, so I suppose the connection with harmonicas was inevitable.
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Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Feb 8, 2013 21:07:26 GMT
I always understood that it was because the sound is similar to that produced by aeolian or wind harps. They are contraptions with arrays of reeds that are "played" by breezes, which once gave them instant appeal to Romantic poets in Britain who liked the idea of "music" being made by the authentic breath of nature. As a matter of fact the subject of my thesis, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, wrote a rather ambivalent poem called The Eolian Harp, which tells how "the breeze warbles, and the mute still air/ Is Music slumbering on her instrument." The gadgets sold though American mail order catalogues, becoming familiar fixtures on porches in rural America, so I suppose the connection with harmonicas was inevitable. Sounds sensible. I guess I'll try to find out if there are even more background stories about that topic. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2013 22:31:20 GMT
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brianr2
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Post by brianr2 on Feb 18, 2013 10:29:07 GMT
Excellent article. In looking at the different names given for harmonicas around the world, trust the French to worry first about the state of their lips! I assume the Irish are using "fiddle" as a euphemism?....
ruines babines ("ruins the lips") - France
fidil fhrancach (Gaelic for "French fiddle") - Ireland
moothie - Scotland
gaita (also used to refer to bagpipes and various other instruments) - various Spanish/Portuguese-speaking countries
fotzhobel (literally "mouth plane", also used to denote the panpipes) - various German-speaking countries
muzicuta- Romania
Mississippi saxophone, Louisiana saxophone - various parts of the USA
harpoon - various parts of the USA
gob iron - various parts of the UK
tin sandwich - widespread
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Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Feb 18, 2013 11:44:16 GMT
Thanks for that link, Pete! This is what I have found: www.harpsurgery.com/how-to-play/harp-history/Brian, that's a very nice collection of euphemisms. There seem to be plenty of them, "ladyshaver" being one of most interesting I think By the way, the word you mentioned for german speaking countries: I would strongly advise you only to use it among good friends and make sure that they are male friends. Ladies might be offended |
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I just have to practise, practise, practise.
Jo whoever he is.
