DutchmenSport
Well-known member
I've been playing the harmonica since I was about 6 years old. I'm now 67. I've had dozens of harmonicas over the years, different keys, from simple Blue's Harps to Chromonicas. I've never played in a group, but when I was younger I played in Church with the piano player and couple guys who played a mandolin and a dulcimer. We do our part for "Church Specials" (Those were the good old days).
When I got older, well, all those folks eventually died off (they were much older than me). I've bumped into an occasional fellow harmonica player, but that is rare.
I find it very relaxing and very enjoyable to pull out one of my harmonicas when camping, especially when I want some down-time or de-compression time. My wife enjoys the music and my dogs love to howl when I play.
When camping, because I'm using playing outside when relaxing in a lawn chair, I often get thumbs-up gestors from people walking by and kids seem to always stop and just watch and listen from a distance. I suppose "live" music is still somewhat of a nostalgic experience, even for seasoned camping people.
Fast forward. A little over a year ago my son (who is now 37) decided to surprise me. Well he did. He bought me an accordion.
There are basically two types of accordions. They key-board style and the push button style.
He got me the push-button style (which is called a Diatonic Accordion. I fiddle with the keyboard instruments some, but I do not read music. I play strictly by ear. I somehow just never learned how to "connect the dots" (literally) on a music sheet.
As a kid, my parents had an old accordion that my dad brought back with him from WW2 Germany. Neither of my parents played it, but as a kid I played WITH it.
One thing about the Keyboard Accordions is, when the billows is pumped, it doesn't matter, when you push a key, the sound is the same when you pump in or out.
With a Diatonic Accordion (push button), when you push the button and pump the billows, pumping "in" is one note, pumping "out" is another. And the button pattern is almost identical to a harmonica. (Blowing and drawing on the same hole produces 2 different notes).
THAT is the reason my son got me the Diatonic Accordion instead of the Keyboard version. First, the button parallel the harmonica notes and he thought I would be able to pick up the pattern pretty easy. And, he figured, pretty much anyone can pick up a keyboard accordion and at lest play tunes with the right hand with no problem. (And he is right). So, he wanted to get me something that not just everyone could figure out so easy (And yes, the pull - push) is totally, completely different than the keyboard.
Well, he tore me loose on that thing, and at first it was horribly awkward. Actually, he NEVER told me about the parallel (in - out) pattern with the harmonica. He let me discover this myself.
Well, I fiddled with that accordion for about 4 weeks and then I had the AH-HA moment! And BINGO. I got it! Yes, all by ear. I still do not read notes.
Well, once I was able to poke out an actual tune, I started playing with rhythm and the right hand (the cords).
So, when camping (especially during the middle of the week when campgrounds are emptied out), I'd sit for hours outside working that accordion. It was a slow process, but believe it or not, I finally got pretty good on this thing.
I've reached the point, if the tune is in my head, I can play it without even thinking about what I'm doing now. (just like the harmonica).
So, when we are at the campgrounds now, and I pull out that accordion..... well ... you think walking by and hearing someone with a guitar or a harmonica is kind of nostalgic ...... you should see the looks and bewilderment of those people when someone pulls out an accordion and is just having some fun!
Accordions play a very happy and upbeat tune. I don't think they are intended for slower melancholy type music. (Think polka style)... so yea, when I pull it out and start pumping away, I have to be in the right frame of mind too. It truly is a "happy" instrument!
When I got older, well, all those folks eventually died off (they were much older than me). I've bumped into an occasional fellow harmonica player, but that is rare.
I find it very relaxing and very enjoyable to pull out one of my harmonicas when camping, especially when I want some down-time or de-compression time. My wife enjoys the music and my dogs love to howl when I play.
When camping, because I'm using playing outside when relaxing in a lawn chair, I often get thumbs-up gestors from people walking by and kids seem to always stop and just watch and listen from a distance. I suppose "live" music is still somewhat of a nostalgic experience, even for seasoned camping people.
Fast forward. A little over a year ago my son (who is now 37) decided to surprise me. Well he did. He bought me an accordion.
There are basically two types of accordions. They key-board style and the push button style.
He got me the push-button style (which is called a Diatonic Accordion. I fiddle with the keyboard instruments some, but I do not read music. I play strictly by ear. I somehow just never learned how to "connect the dots" (literally) on a music sheet.
As a kid, my parents had an old accordion that my dad brought back with him from WW2 Germany. Neither of my parents played it, but as a kid I played WITH it.
One thing about the Keyboard Accordions is, when the billows is pumped, it doesn't matter, when you push a key, the sound is the same when you pump in or out.
With a Diatonic Accordion (push button), when you push the button and pump the billows, pumping "in" is one note, pumping "out" is another. And the button pattern is almost identical to a harmonica. (Blowing and drawing on the same hole produces 2 different notes).
THAT is the reason my son got me the Diatonic Accordion instead of the Keyboard version. First, the button parallel the harmonica notes and he thought I would be able to pick up the pattern pretty easy. And, he figured, pretty much anyone can pick up a keyboard accordion and at lest play tunes with the right hand with no problem. (And he is right). So, he wanted to get me something that not just everyone could figure out so easy (And yes, the pull - push) is totally, completely different than the keyboard.
Well, he tore me loose on that thing, and at first it was horribly awkward. Actually, he NEVER told me about the parallel (in - out) pattern with the harmonica. He let me discover this myself.
Well, I fiddled with that accordion for about 4 weeks and then I had the AH-HA moment! And BINGO. I got it! Yes, all by ear. I still do not read notes.
Well, once I was able to poke out an actual tune, I started playing with rhythm and the right hand (the cords).
So, when camping (especially during the middle of the week when campgrounds are emptied out), I'd sit for hours outside working that accordion. It was a slow process, but believe it or not, I finally got pretty good on this thing.
I've reached the point, if the tune is in my head, I can play it without even thinking about what I'm doing now. (just like the harmonica).
So, when we are at the campgrounds now, and I pull out that accordion..... well ... you think walking by and hearing someone with a guitar or a harmonica is kind of nostalgic ...... you should see the looks and bewilderment of those people when someone pulls out an accordion and is just having some fun!
Accordions play a very happy and upbeat tune. I don't think they are intended for slower melancholy type music. (Think polka style)... so yea, when I pull it out and start pumping away, I have to be in the right frame of mind too. It truly is a "happy" instrument!