High & Low Harmonicas - Seydel, Bushman & Hohner - Todd Parrott

[vidal77a26]

hello I see that you know a lot of harmonicas, so I wonder if you know what key is aint no easy way, harmonica ???? I love the sound if this harmonica please help

[AceOfHarps]

@vidal77a26 - Wasn't familiar with the song so I looked it up. It's in Eb, so you'll need an Ab harmonica - a regular Ab, not a high Ab like I used in my video. Hope this helps.

[TomTheHarmonicaKid]

Man.. are you just jamming at the beginning of the vid. or is it taken from some tune..? coz it sounds amazing and Im having a tough time transcribing it.. :P

Either way, great playing man!

[menono58]

Seydel is actually pronounced like "Zaidell" , how do you like the seydels? are they worth the extra cash?

[AceOfHarps]

@menono58 - Thanks. Well, I'm not really a big fan of Seydels after playing a few of them. Hohner is introducing the Thunderbird, which is basically a Crossover that will be available in low keys all the way down to double low F. I've tried the double low F, and I own a low C that Hohner gave to me to try and I love them. They are much more responsive than the low keyed Seydels. Not saying that Seydel doesn't make some good harmonicas, because they do, but I prefer Hohner,

[menono58]

@AceOfHarps hmm thought so, I've always been a fan of Hohners, the fit and finish is so great on them, I definitely look forward to that Thunderbird, I love low tuned harps.

I think it has to do with the fact that Seydel was on the Soviet side of the Berlin wall and they lost some of their quality traditions and Hohner lost none.

[socalweddingdj]

You sound Great Todd! Keep making the videos

[thedebtsettler]

I think your probably the best harp player on here, so as a beginner, here's my question...HOW to you play your single notes?...curved u-bend on your tongue or tongue block to one side, or pursed lips?

That would really help me out as i'm struggling.

thanks.

[AceOfHarps]

@thedebtsettler Thanks! i just use the lip pursing method, though some players do tongue block. I find the lip pursing easier to use for the style I play. Hope this helps!

[thedebtsettler]

@thedebtsettler appreciate it...but I just can't seem to get the hang of that...it just sounds like i'm blowing a raspberry!...lol



[Waylonharp]

Great stuff man! Do you play praise and worship?

[joch230]

Not sure why you would like a flat keyed harp over a non flat harp key?

[AceOfHarps]

There are several reasons, but mainly because of the sound of the sharps and flats. Every key is accompanied by a certain mood and each key evokes different emotions. In my opinion, keys like Db and Eb, for instance, have a dark, almost spiritual tone. It's kind of hard to explain in words, but I guess all I'm trying to say is that I like the way the sharps and flats sound vs. straight keys sometimes.

[joch230]

I'm going to get a Db harmonica in the future...but mainly because many guitar players like to tune down their guitars a half step. Scott Henderson does this and he has a song called Smelly Ol' Dog blues with some crazy good harp on it I want to learn. This Scott Henderson Dog Party album got the Guitar Player best blues album award in like 1994.

[ZackPomerleau]

Great video man. You rule!

[barflew]

I have a new favourite harp. I had an old Big River Harp in a key that of A, and since It needed a new set of reed plates I went to low E plates. I can't put it down.

[EnterSkywalker]

Hey Todd , I've been very busy at university but managing to spend lots of time playing my harp. I was wondering if you could ever so kindly record a video of you playing the first tune in F from start to finish. I know you have done the audio lessons for me but I could do with something to reference to. Keep in touch Luke

[barflew]

Hey thanks for popping up with the LL F, I have been wanting to here one..... I like to play a low and high harp to kind of liven things up and break from the norm. Nice playing style you have.

[arbite83]

Iv read that the Soul's Voice har the same tuning holes 7-10 as 1-4 is this right?

If so are the 7-10 holes 1 or 2 octaves higher than 1-4? And how does those holes play compared to a regular tuned Harmonica?

[AceOfHarps]

Nothing is different with the tuning on the Soul's Voice that I have.  It's tuned just like a standard harp.

[slingger3]

Damn Chopps, even when your goffing around you sound great. Love the high flatt keys the most.

[jasonricci]

Great playing Todd. Just discovering you today! Wonderful stuff.

[AceOfHarps]

Thanks man - this means a lot coming from you. You are a true wizard on the harmonica.

[jasonricci]

Thanks Todd but with all do respect: "Whatever" You rule! your a monster and you should know that....My partner, instantly said "Who's that?!" after I started playing your slow blues video. You sound great and were peers as far as I'm concerned and any one else with a set of working, experienced ears. I subscribed and hope we can hang out...I live in Nashville, Do I detect a southern twang?

J

[AceOfHarps]

Thanks for your kind words. That's one heck of a compliment coming from you man. Glad you dig it. And yep, I am in NC - born and raised in the good ol' south. :-) Glad to have you as a fellow harp playing friend. Would love to jam with you sometime.

[EnterSkywalker]

I really want to learn that first tune you play , it's awesome ! Help me please :)

[AceOfHarps]

Will be glad to help you. It's too much to tab out here in the comments section, but I'll drop you a line. I was really just goofing around when I played this lick, for the sake of demonstrating the harp - it's not really a song, but I will be glad to help you learn it.

[harpfelt]

thanks a lot todd,this vid comes at just the right time for me,im thinking of getting a low harp to messaround with a normal harp in the same key,cheers man,peace and love.

[EnterSkywalker]

Please could you tab out that lick ?

[AceOfHarps]

Which lick? Not sure how I would tab out some of them, but if you send me an e-mail I can help you.

[EnterSkywalker]

the very start one it rocks

[EnterSkywalker]

I am getting one of those ! It sounds superb

[AceOfHarps]

I have been very impressed with the Seydel harps. They are very responsive. Let me know what you think.

[freakyhead20]

@AceOfHarps seydel have a bright sound..I play with one in my band :)

[Tryharp]

That low low F got me laughing! It takes a lot of wind to get it moving!

[AceOfHarps]

Yes, it does! :-)