Author Topic: 48 Chord harmonica players: Sound off! (Read 24488 times)

Andy Puleo · « **Reply #60 on:** January 08, 2021, 12:42:03 AM »

Hi BeauKim, Johnny Puleo was my father’s second cousin or something like that, possibly even more distant. However my father Augie Puleo was a professional guitarist and worked with Johnny several times at The Latin Quarter in New York when he was the guitarist in the house band back in the day and Johnny and his group did engagements there. They talked about some of their common relatives. Unfortunately I never met him as I was either not born yet or would have been a small child. Take care.

Malarz · « **Reply #61 on:** January 08, 2021, 08:56:50 AM »

BeauKim,

Do you have contact information for Bill Morris?

Thanks.

SlideMeister · « **Reply #62 on:** January 08, 2021, 12:53:57 PM »

Just do a members search and click the little envelope under his handsome mugshot.

Malarz · « **Reply #63 on:** January 08, 2021, 09:05:53 PM »

Thank you.

John Broecker · « **Reply #64 on:** January 11, 2021, 06:16:00 PM »

Hello, Malarz.

There is a message for you at
SlideMeister's "Chromatic
Harmonica Discussion".

Find it under "Genevieve Waltz".

JB

Andy Puleo · « **Reply #65 on:** February 12, 2021, 11:44:13 AM »

Thanks for replying and advice. Johnny was related second or third cousin (they couldn’t figure out what that meant exactly) to my father and they worked together at The Latin Quarter Night Club back in the fifties and sixties when My dad was the guitarist in the house band. They had some good laughs together. I was a young boy then so I never met Johnny.

BeauKim · « **Reply #66 on:** February 16, 2021, 12:42:51 PM »

Andy, that is really cool that your dad realized that there's a family connection. How's the chord harmonica playing coming along?

Gnarly He Man · « **Reply #67 on:** February 16, 2021, 01:09:28 PM »

Quote from: Andy Puleo on February 12, 2021, 11:44:13 AM

Johnny was related second or third cousin

https://www.livescience.com/32121-whats-a-second-cousin-vs-a-first-cousin-once-removed.html#:~:text=First%20cousins%20share%20a%20grandparent,and%20their%20nearest%20common%20ancestor.

Andy Puleo · « **Reply #68 on:** February 17, 2021, 02:35:50 AM »

BeauKim, Well to be honest I haven’t made any real attempt to play the 48. I played a few chords on some simple ballads with our church’s Saturday night band but that’s about it. I’m thinking of selling it actually. Andy

BeauKim · « **Reply #69 on:** February 19, 2021, 01:24:49 AM »

It would be cool to see a photo of it. I just got a copy of one of Douglas Tate’s books. Too bad it probably won’t add to the value if he had owned it.

Malarz · « **Reply #70 on:** February 20, 2021, 09:30:57 AM »

A new direction here: I started playing the 48 Chord, again, this week. i know there are no dumb questions but should I warm this harmonica before playing? It seems to be easily playable at room temperature.

Also, I find that it is not in as bad of condition as I earlier had thought. Mainly the central chords (C, F, G) are airy snd slightly out of tune but both racks will need attention.

I never did get to the task of cleaning it last summer as i had wanted. Probably hust as well since, knowing me as well as I do, it might still be sitting on the bench disassembled, forelorn.

And, I had forgotten just how much fun it is to play this 48 Chord! I now might even again try the Suzuki SSCH56. Gary, are you listening?

Ken

BeauKim · « **Reply #71 on:** February 20, 2021, 10:18:15 AM »

Quote from: Malarz on February 20, 2021, 09:30:57 AM

A new direction here: I started playing the 48 Chord, again, this week. i know there are no dumb questions but should I warm this harmonica before playing? It seems to be easily playable at room temperature.

Also, I find that it is not in as bad of condition as I earlier had thought. Mainly the central chords (C, F, G) are airy snd slightly out of tune but both racks will need attention.

I never did get to the task of cleaning it last summer as i had wanted. Probably hust as well since, knowing me as well as I do, it might still be sitting on the bench disassembled, forelorn.

And, I had forgotten just how much fun it is to play this 48 Chord! I now might even again try the Suzuki SSCH56. Gary, are you listening?

Ken

That’s good to hear! I find it beneficial to warm the harmonicas to help keep from clogging with condensation since my apartment is kept at less than 68 degrees in the colder months. Maybe you don’t from your heating settings. Since your chord (probably) still has nails for the reed plates they are likely a bit loose or the wooden comb is slightly deformed for those three chords since you most likely play them the most. On most 48 chords, C, F, and G are right in the middle so more noticeable things like leakiness occur in general I think.

BigDogDaddyD · « **Reply #72 on:** June 13, 2021, 09:29:30 AM »

FYI... The contact email address for ordering Al & Judy Smith's bass harp and 48 chord instruction books has changed.

For the last few months, I've been trying to order Al & Judy Smith's books teaching 48 chord harp and bass harp. Found them listed at: http://www.jldyermusic.com/harmonica_hotshots. Emailed the listed address at the bottom of the web page, but hadn't received a response. Got the following email today:

Marc,
My email address has changed to: jimdyer@charter.net.
I will invoice to your Paypal account for payment.
Your total is: $69.90.
Chuggers 48 Chord Harmonica Instruction Manual - $29.95
BASS Harmonica Instruction Manual - $24.95
S & H $15.00 US Only.
Use my alternate email address of jimdyer@charter.net
Thanks,
Jim Dyer

**NOTE - If anyone knows how to get them cheaper, I would appreciate the info.

Marc

BigDogDaddyD · « **Reply #73 on:** June 13, 2021, 10:06:50 AM »

I finally decided to get a Hohner 267/48 chord harp. Got really lucky on one that had some custom work done to it through the years. The seller had the following upgrades and refurbishings listed:

* Replaced all nails with "1-72" machine screws utilizing the nail holes and drilling and tapping them.
* Cut each reed plate into three sections so that it is not necessary to remove the entire reed plate from the comb in order to maintain just one chord section. For example, the C major chord usually requires the most maintenance because it is used the most. It is also located near the center of the reed plate. This modification allows the removal of the center section without disturbing the other sections.
* Reset all reed gaps and tuned the chords to 442. SPECIAL NOTE ON TUNING: I use “just intonation” for all Major, Sevenths and Augmented chords, and “equal temperament” for Minor and Diminished chords.
* Scraped, cleaned, lightly sanded, and sealed the wood combs.
* Cleaned and polished all brass, nickel, & chromed metals.
* Applied new valves

At one time, this harp was reworked by the legendary repairman and "Harmonicat" Dick Gardner. See his "Cats" signature on the first photo.

Now to spend the next 10 years becoming proficient with it.

John Broecker · « **Reply #74 on:** June 13, 2021, 10:38:04 AM »

Hello, BigDogDaddyG.

Wow! That appears to be a complete
restoration & renovation of your 48
chord harp.

Now, I'm considering having George
Miklas do the same for my 48 chord.

It was a gift from a French harmonica
player who stayed at my home for about
3 weeks.

It has never been updated since I've owned
it, so I suspect that my 48 chord harp needs
some adjustments.

Why do you use JI tuning for major,
seventh and augmented chords, and
ET for the minor and diminished chords?

Best Regards, Stay Healthy

JB

BigDogDaddyD · « **Reply #75 on:** June 13, 2021, 11:31:46 AM »

Hello John,

The tuning was done by the seller. Or he had it done by someone else. I've sent him an email asking about his tuning choices. I will let you know his response.

Sincerely;
Marc

SlideMeister · « **Reply #76 on:** June 13, 2021, 02:38:16 PM »

Just heard an interesting story about an older chord player who was also going deaf. One time, someone was asking why they were playing a certain number in a minor key. To old chordster's credit, he WAS hitting all the positions "dead nuts" on the money, but then, someone noticed he had his chord upside down. Turns out "muscle memory" still works even after our ears don't.

BeauKim · « **Reply #77 on:** June 13, 2021, 10:39:05 PM »

Quote from: BigDogDaddyD on June 13, 2021, 10:06:50 AM

I finally decided to get a Hohner 267/48 chord harp. Got really lucky on one that had some custom work done to it through the years. The seller had the following upgrades and refurbishings listed:

* Replaced all nails with "1-72" machine screws utilizing the nail holes and drilling and tapping them.
* Cut each reed plate into three sections so that it is not necessary to remove the entire reed plate from the comb in order to maintain just one chord section. For example, the C major chord usually requires the most maintenance because it is used the most. It is also located near the center of the reed plate. This modification allows the removal of the center section without disturbing the other sections.
* Reset all reed gaps and tuned the chords to 442. SPECIAL NOTE ON TUNING: I use “just intonation” for all Major, Sevenths and Augmented chords, and “equal temperament” for Minor and Diminished chords.
* Scraped, cleaned, lightly sanded, and sealed the wood combs.
* Cleaned and polished all brass, nickel, & chromed metals.
* Applied new valves

At one time, this harp was reworked by the legendary repairman and "Harmonicat" Dick Gardner. See his "Cats" signature on the first photo.

Now to spend the next 10 years becoming proficient with it.

Hey. Good for you! That eBay seller was actually our very own Bill Morris. I’ve bought one chord, then had him modify a special chord harmonica for me to clean the harmonica, cut the reed plates, screw conversions, and basic set up. I wonder if Dock Gardner did to that chord, but I was kind of surprised he kept the nails and didn’t cut the reed plates. I’m still enjoying the chord and bass journey.

BeauKim · « **Reply #78 on:** July 28, 2021, 08:39:37 PM »

So we're past the middle of Summer already. I've been trying to get some more practice time on the chord harmonica after several light weeks with it. One thing I really like to do is play with the tone of the instrument like making it thin, to full sounding and everything in between. I've also been trying to improve my rhythms and endurance since my main focus has been just smooth and legato jumps.

How's everyone doing with their chord harmonicas? Have you made any new discoveries on this instrument?

SlideMeister · « **Reply #79 on:** July 28, 2021, 11:12:22 PM »

Just reading this post is reminding me to find mine and play the thing.

John Broecker · « **Reply #80 on:** July 29, 2021, 05:32:07 AM »

When I was playing bass and chord harps
in the Milwaukee Harmonica Club, I was
progressing steadily on both harmonicas.

That was playing every week, for at least
4-6 hours.

I'm not playing the bass or chord harps
regularly, currently. There are no present
harmonica bands in the Milwaukee area.

I should start a harmonica club again,
as I did in 1996.

Best Regards, Stay Healthy

JB

Grizzly · « **Reply #81 on:** July 29, 2021, 06:01:34 PM »

Quote from: BeauKim on June 13, 2021, 10:39:05 PM

Hey. Good for you! That eBay seller was actually our very own Bill Morris. I’ve bought one chord, then had him modify a special chord harmonica for me to clean the harmonica, cut the reed plates, screw conversions, and basic set up. I wonder if Dock Gardner did to that chord, but I was kind of surprised he kept the nails and didn’t cut the reed plates. I’m still enjoying the chord and bass journey.

I have one of Bill's chords. I don't remember whether he did to mine a he did to yours. But I had him make me a three-tiered chord, with one tier with the minors where they originally were (parallel minors aligned with the majors) and the other tier with the relative minors aligned, to match the configuration of my Victory Chordet.

Not very playable. My nose gets in the way. I'm thinking of reconverting it to two tiers, but with the relative minors aligned with the majors.

Tom

BeauKim · « **Reply #82 on:** August 03, 2021, 04:04:18 PM »

Quote from: Grizzly on July 29, 2021, 06:01:34 PM

I have one of Bill's chords. I don't remember whether he did to mine a he did to yours. But I had him make me a three-tiered chord, with one tier with the minors where they originally were (parallel minors aligned with the majors) and the other tier with the relative minors aligned, to match the configuration of my Victory Chordet.

Not very playable. My nose gets in the way. I'm thinking of reconverting it to two tiers, but with the relative minors aligned with the majors.

Tom

I think we both replied to this Tom, but that it maybe got lost with the website updates? Anyway (from my memory of you talking about having alternate ways to play the minor chords with the extra row) I totally get what you mean for the convenience factor. It's basically like alternate fingerings on another instrument where it gives you the easiest option. I think on the chord it would actually slow you down as you're learning all of the chord positions. The regular jump from CM to Am actually isn't as far or disjointed - - - after a good amount of practice. It sounds like the relative minor chord instead of the parallel minor placement works best for you, so a jump that's more relatable is CM to Cm.

The cool thing with the 48 chord is with split chords, you can get several inversions of major and minor chords besides the extensions. So for example, you can play a I-vi-IV-V7 chord progression actually on one row with some tongue blocking and accuracy. Built in alternate fingerings that were never intended!

Jeromechosson · « **Reply #83 on:** August 18, 2021, 07:54:59 PM »

Hi guys. Here is aa song done with the 48 big chords.

https://mixcord.co/acapella/p/RYqhF2985mrLftPNZSXLTg/

And another one done with a chord harmonica inspired from the ssch56 of suzuki but built from seydel big 6 custo. Total is 18 holes per row so i can get the minor 7 too but quite high pitch.

https://mixcord.co/acapella/p/CAmwnOwKw2ostwt5CVwWPA/

Post some videos guys pls as the most complicated par is actually the chugging / clave with the 48 since the chord extensions or inversion are non existent or hard to do (accuracy) vs a guitar or piano. However the 2 octave chords have something a piano cannot do so a sound of its own.

SlideMeister · « **Reply #84 on:** August 18, 2021, 09:31:35 PM »

Gotta admit; this is interesting stuff. More of us should be involved in this type of endeavor, since it's actually what we're all about.
Kudos!

Jeromechosson · « **Reply #85 on:** August 21, 2021, 05:43:40 AM »

Hi guys. Another one that i made today. A bit too many instruments not so tightly locked in but i dont put more than 4 normally so something interesting. Suzuki chord 48. Scx 48. Sct 128. Suzuki bass 29. Mini chord swann and my beloved washboard with a lot of toys clinging to it !

https://mixcord.co/acapella/p/6bOzL9SfDytBugaAOhmSnQ/

I would really like to hear you guys posting stuff with the big chord because i don t get much technique to learn from beyond the stellard taiwanese and HK big band who post a number of videos.

Jeromechosson · « **Reply #86 on:** August 23, 2021, 08:07:37 AM »

Another one. On the chord harmonica. This one the BCH48 of suzuki. 1 cha 5 cha.

https://mixcord.co/acapella/p/jKyxlMx-kN-c5nus4CRj3g/

A good way to kill the lunch pause while still in work from home due to covid !

Gnarly He Man · « **Reply #87 on:** August 23, 2021, 08:49:58 AM »

Quote from: Jeromechosson on August 23, 2021, 08:07:37 AM

Another one. On the chord harmonica. This one the BCH48 of suzuki. 1 cha 5 cha.

https://mixcord.co/acapella/p/jKyxlMx-kN-c5nus4CRj3g/

A good way to kill the lunch pause while still in work from home due to covid !

BCH is great! But again, be prepared to put a lot of air through the instrument.

Jeromechosson · « **Reply #88 on:** August 23, 2021, 09:12:10 AM »

I don t really like it. I think this is the first song i do with it. Not too bad. But not fantastic. But you can play in a duet context actually. Next try is the bass 29 with the suzuki mic. I bought it yesterday. And the chords on a harmonetta (that gives me a sore throat each time i play it even just blowing .. ). Sending it for full servicing this week. Hopefully it will clean it nice.

Gnarly He Man · « **Reply #89 on:** August 23, 2021, 09:27:16 AM »

Quote from: Jeromechosson on August 23, 2021, 09:12:10 AM

harmonetta (that gives me a sore throat each time i play it even just blowing .. ). Sending it for full servicing this week. Hopefully it will clean it nice.

Yes, I bought a Harmonetta recently and sent it to John Cook in the UK for a tuneup. Is that who you are having do the work?