‎Harmonica was featured as one of the iTunes Top 10 Paid Music Apps of 2008. In 2018, it’s back and better than ever before. Harmonica features a genuinely-sampled 10-hole diatonic harmonica. Both single notes and chords are playable, as are “blow”, “draw”, and “bend” notes. Harmonica includes all.

The Lee Oskar Harmonic Minor Harmonica comes in a range of keys that have altered tuning schemes to make playing gypsy jazz, Eastern folk music and other genres much easier than standard-tuned diatonics. They have a smooth plastic comb that some players find easier on the lips than standard wood combs. If you feel your chops on harp are at a dead-end, try one of these to explore exciting new. One plays rhythm beatbox harmonica while the other takes a solo. They are both playing a standard key of 'C' 10-hole diatonic in 2nd Position (which is also known as 'Crossharp'). They both learned to play harmonica around age 5 and now also sing, play guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. The key to getting good is consistency. Harmonica vst instrument is loaded in fl studio as vst au plugin for mac. Download this best free harmonica plugin. Are you a harmonica player? If yes, then you must deal with harmonica tabs and harmonica notes. Recording music with harmonica chord is not easy, you need to read and understand harmonica tutorial that.

No matter if you’re making classical music, writing underscores or producing hip hop beats, harps are beautiful instruments that can add a whole other level of atmosphere to a track. Unfortunately, many commercial harp sample libraries are pretty expensive – especially if you want to use harp sounds only occasionally. That’s why I’ve put together a short list of good free harp VST plugins and libraries on this page.

Free Harps & Celtic Harps

Versilian Studios: Etherealwinds Harp II: Community Edition

Formats: VST, AU, SFZ

Audio example:

A few years ago, Versilian Studios released Etherealwinds Harp. This free harp VST became so popular that Versilian has now published version 2, which updates both interface and sound. Etherealwinds Harp II: Community Edition is a reduced version of Etherealwinds Harp II, which the company calls “quite possibly the most complete lever harp library in existence”.

The 255 samples span over five octaves (C2 – A6) and come across very smooth, harmonious and easy to blend into any soft, dreamy arrangement. To get more control over your sound, you can change the amp envelope, volume, pan and reverb. While not accessible through the instrument interface itself, the download of Etherealwinds Harp II Community Edition comes with seven effect samples (.wav) and 16 vocal samples, taken from the vocal library included in Etherealwinds Harp II.

DSK Music: DSK World StringZ

Format: VST

Audio example:

DSK World StringZ offers more than just harp sounds. In fact, the instrument includes a total of eight world instruments: cumbus, dobro, kanun, koto, dulcimer, tar, Turkish oud and a Celtic harp. Obviously, this Celtic harp is what I was mostly interested in for this list. Playing around with it, I found the sound to be quite present and earthy as I would expect from a Celtic harp. I especially enjoyed the lower tones, which feel a little more mysterious.

The interface offers you control over the amp envelope, the fine tuning and a filter (HP or LP). You can also automate all these values via MIDI. One word of warning: The fine tuning slider does not give you numeric values or offer a simple way to reset (that I know of) – so if you change the tuning, it might be difficult to get back to the original tuning setting. One feature that DSK World StringZ doesn’t have is a built-in reverb. Obviously, you can always slap on your DAW reverb (or any of your favorite effects plugins) if you want to add more space. No matter if you’re looking for a Celtic harp or if you can use some world strings in your production, this is a cool little plugin to try out!

DAT: Microharp

Format:Kontakt Library; full retail version of Native Instruments Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher is required

Audio example:

Microharp from Dream Audio Tools is another Celtic harp. In this case, a “very small wooden Celtic harp” was sampled with four round robins for each articulation. The instrument comes with two main articulations, picked and fingered, as well as with a patch that mixes both articulations. While the picked samples sound smoother and more traditionally harp-like, the fingered patch has an almost surprising “ethnic” feel to it. Its particular character might not work that well in classical pieces, but it could add some interesting textures to other genres.

The Kontakt library features four octaves, with the lowest note being C2 (not surprising due to the size of the instrument). For effects, it offers a delay and a reverb. Not a ton, but certainly useable!

To get DAT Microharp, you will have to add it to your shopping cart on the Dream Audio Tools website and check out.

Performance Samples: River Harp

Format: Kontakt Library; full retail version of Native Instruments Kontakt 5.5.1 or higher is required

Audio examples:

River Harp by Performance Samples is a little different from most instruments in this article. Instead of offering individually plucked string samples, you will find a collection of textures and glissandi here. The name “River Harp” is quite a fitting description of the sound as the performances come across as flowing and organic. These are the kinds of textures that we composers and producers would love to create and re-create with harp VST plugins but typically have a hard time doing so.

While the sounds themselves are fun, using them can be tricky because they’re not time-synced. While this is not such an issue with the glissandi (which you wouldn’t expect to stick to being time-synced anyway), it might take some additional time stretching work to fit the textures into an existing arrangement.

What’s really cool (and definitely not expected for a free instrument) is that River Harp is recorded with two mics (close and far), which you can mix and pan to your taste. This added flexibility makes the River Harp easier to mix. The creators of River Harp also want you to know that some of the tails are cut-off and only minimal noise reduction was applied (the honesty is appreciated!).

To get River Harp, you will have to check out through Performances Samples’ online shopping system. Office 365 for mac trial.

Sonatina Symphony Orchestra Harp

Format: Kontakt Library; full retail version of Kontakt is required (unfortunately, I’m not sure which one, but I’m guessing 4 and higher).

Audio example:

Sonatina Symphony Orchestra was a project by Mattias Westlund. More than 10 years ago, he created a free orchestral sample library primarily aimed at beginner composers. Today, this original library is not online anymore, however, a derivative version still exists at Bigcat Instruments. This version also includes a concert harp patch, which I found surprisingly useable due to its straight, classical sound.

The Kontakt patch allows you to change the amp envelope, the reverb and the EQ (at 100 Hz, 1kHz and 5kHz – which turn out to be great frequencies to play with). I would probably use this with a convolution reverb, since the built-in reverb sounds somewhat unflattering (at least in the wetter settings).

Sonatina Symphony Orchestra Harp is super easy to install: Simply download and save the patch into your Kontakt libraries folder.

Other Harp Instruments

Decent Samples: Bowed Nagoya Harp (Taishōgoto)

Format: Kontakt Library; full retail version of Native Instruments Kontakt 5.3.1 or higher is required

Audio examples:

The Taishōgoto is also known as the Nagoya harp and is a relatively modern string instrument, being invented in 1912. The pitch of the individual strings can be changed by pressing a number of typewriter-like keys. Although the Taishōgoto is typically strummed, for this Kontakt library by Decent Samples, the instrument was played with a violin bow. So if you’re looking for a plucked sound, this instrument won’t match your needs.

Instead, this library offers a texture-heavy bowing sound that lies somewhere between viola, harmonica and world instrument (check out the audio example to hear what it sounds like). While this is maybe not the most powerful sound on its own, I could imagine using this as a layer to add an interesting texture. One drawback I found while playing it is that the samples are somewhat short and the loop very noticeable. Unfortunately, this means that the library is not great for creating longer static pad sounds (if you use different note start points, you can achieve a nice effect where notes are rhythmically fading in and out, though).

Besides ADSR envelope and reverb, you also have control over the level of the two microphones that were used: an Oktava mic and a contact microphone. Since these are quite different in character, I’ve found it fun to play around with them and dial in a sound I enjoy.

To get the Bowed Nagoya Harp by Decent Samples, you will have to register with your name and email address.

Over to you…

Do you know of any other good free harp VSTs or libraries? Let us know in the comments!

Charles Ray McCoy (born March 28, 1941) is a Grammy-winning American session musician noted for his skill on a wide variety of instruments, particularly the harmonica.^[1] In 2009, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.^[2] Based in Nashville, McCoy's playing is heard on recordings by Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings and Loretta Lynn.^[2] He has recorded thirty-seven studio albums, including fourteen for Monument Records. Thirteen of his singles have entered the Billboard country charts. He was a member of Area Code 615 and Barefoot Jerry. In 2007, McCoy was inducted into the International Musicians Hall of Fame as a part a group of session musicians dubbed 'The Nashville A-Team'.^[3]

Early life[edit]

McCoy was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia. His family moved to nearby Fayetteville when he was a boy and then to Miami, Florida. At age eight, he began playing the harmonica starting on an instrument his mother bought for 50 cents.^[2] He also learned to play the guitar, and in his teens he learned the bass and trumpet. At Southwest Miami high school in Miami, he put together a rock and roll band called 'Charlie McCoy and the Agendas' as a guitarist and singer.^[4] At age sixteen he reluctantly accompanied a friend to visit a country barn dance radio show in Miami called the 'Old South Jamboree'. Upon their arrival, McCoy's friend left him in the crowd and went to talk to Happy Harold, the host of the show, with the intention of coaxing McCoy up on stage to sing. McCoy's performance that night, along with the positive response from the audience, led to him and his rock band being signed to the Old South Jamboree. His band consisted of Donny Lytle, later known as Johnny Paycheck, on bass; Bill Johnson on steel guitar; Charlie Justice on guitar; and Bill Phillips, vocal. About this time the band took part in a local rock and roll contest, winning first prize. During this time skills had developed to where he decided to pursue a career in music.

Development[edit]

Following an invitation from Mel Tillis, the eighteen-year-old McCoy went to Nashville, Tennessee, for a week's stay in 1959. During his stay in Nashville he visited numerous producers and record companies but all to no avail. Since his efforts to start a musical career in Nashville had failed, he went back to Miami. He enrolled at the Miami University, majoring in musical education.^[4] His goal was now to become a teacher. Meanwhile, he continued to perform on the 'Jamboree'. When Miami faculty members discovered that he was playing rock and roll for a square dance they warned him not to continue with such 'lower forms of music'. McCoy replied that he was willing to quit his work at the barn dance if they would give him a scholarship. The faculty rejected his request.^[5]

McCoy, who still wanted to make a career in music, applied for the vacant job as guitarist in John Ferguson's band. But when he arrived in Nashville, his job had already been taken by guitarist Vance Bullock. After a short discussion Ferguson decided to hire McCoy as a drummer instead. McCoy bought a drum set and joined the band. John Ferguson's band was unsuccessful, and they soon disbanded.^[5] After a month of unemployment he joined Stonewall Jackson as a drummer. The job came to an end in the autumn that year. He then received a call from the booking agent Jim Denney, who informed him that Archie Bleyer of Cadence Records had listened to McCoy's tapes and wanted to sign him. McCoy cut his first single, 'Cherry Berry Wine', for the Cadence label; it reached No. 99 on the Billboard chart. In Nashville, Denney advised him to do demo sessions and to concentrate on the harmonica. Next, McCoy joined Wayne Moss as a bass player, performing at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.^[6]

Big break[edit]

Chet Atkins heard one of McCoy's demo tapes and immediately hired him in May 1961. His first recording as a harmonica player was the song 'I Just Don't Understand', by Ann-Margret for RCA.^[7]Fred Foster of Monument Records also heard about McCoy and hired him as harmonica player on Roy Orbison's song 'Candy Man'. When the song became a million-seller, McCoy's prominent harmonica throughout the song drew notice. He continued to record for the Monument label without a written contract. Although some of his singles and albums at this time did not sell, Foster believed in McCoy's music.^[6] Tex Davis, the promoter for Monument Records, was persuaded by Charlie Dillard of WPFA to release 'Today I Started Loving You Again' from McCoy's second LP as a single. When it came out in 1972 it sold 750 000 copies^[8] and went to No. 16 in the Billboard country charts.^[9] For his next album, The Real McCoy, he won a Grammy from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. His album Good Time Charlie reached No. 1 in the Billboard country chart. During the 1970s, McCoy participated as a studio musician in over 400 sessions a year.^[8] He has won two CMA Awards and seven ACM Awards.

Success[edit]

From there, he went on to play harmonica for other acts, Elvis Presley, Perry Como, Joan Baez, Steve Miller Band, Johnny Cash, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kris Kristofferson, Paul Simon, Barefoot Jerry, on Ringo Starr's 'Beaucoups of Blues', on Gene Summers' In Nashville and by Ween.^[9] In the fifteen-year period at the height of his activity, McCoy played on over 400 recording sessions per year.^[10] He also played guitar on Dylan's 'Desolation Row', from the album Highway 61 Revisited; and 'Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands', from the album Blonde on Blonde; bass guitar (on all the tracks from Bob Dylan's John Wesley Harding); keyboards, and drums plus several wind and brass instruments. For 19 years McCoy worked as music director for the popular television show Hee Haw and was a member of the Million Dollar Band, a group of all-star session musicians who performed on the show.

On May 17, 2009, McCoy was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame along with Roy Clark and Barbara Mandrell.^[2] He is also a member of the International Musicians' Hall of Fame and the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. In May 2016, West Virginia University awarded McCoy an Honorary Doctor of Musical Arts.

In 2017, The West Virginia University Press published Fifty Cents and a Box Top The Creative Life of Nashville Session Musician Charlie McCoy.^[11]

Personal life[edit]

McCoy has two children with his first wife and five grandchildren. Each of his grandchildren has contributed to one of his albums in some way. His second granddaughter did the artwork for three album covers (Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Smooth Sailing, Celtic Dreams) and sang on one of his Christmas CDs. His oldest granddaughter played flute and sang on a few of his albums. Each of the youngest three has sung on one of his albums, as has his son (Charlie, Jr.) and daughter (Ginger).

Television[edit]

Television appearances as an artist[edit]

• Music City Tonight
• Nashville Now
• CMA Awards Show
• Arthritis Telethon
• The Mike Douglas Show
• The Midnight Special
• The Colgate Country Showdown
• That Good Old Nashville Music
• Pop Goes The Country
• New Country
• The Orange Blossom Special
• The Hee Haw Honeys
• Prime Time Country
• Nashville Swing Canada
• The Val Doonican Show England
• The West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame Awards Show 2008
• Larry's Country Diner

Television shows as a music director[edit]

• The Colgate Country Showdown
• The Nashville Palace
• The Hee Haw Honeys
• The Hee Haw 10th Anniversary Show
• The Hee Haw 20th Anniversary Show
• Happy New Year From Opryland
• The Charlie Daniels Christmas Special
• The Mickey Gilley Arthritis Telethon
• Tootsie's, Where the Songs Began
• Country Gold
• The International Musicians Hall Of Fame Awards Show 2008

^[12][13]

Discography[edit]

Albums (incomplete)[edit]

Singles[edit]

Collaborations[edit]

• Highway 61 Revisited - Bob Dylan (1965)
• Blonde on Blonde - Bob Dylan (1966)
• John Wesley Harding - Bob Dylan (1967)
• Country, My Way - Nancy Sinatra (1967)
• How Great Thou Art - Elvis Presley (1967)
• The Way I Feel - Gordon Lightfoot (1967)
• I Stand Alone - Al Kooper (1968)
• One Day at a Time - Joan Baez (1969)
• Nashville Skyline - Bob Dylan (1970)
• Easy Does It - Al Kooper (1970)
• Blessed Are.. - Joan Baez (1971)
• Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) - Elvis Presley (1971)
• Yesterday's Wine - Willie Nelson (1971)
• Summer Side of Life - Gordon Lightfoot (1971)
• Come from the Shadows - Joan Baez (1972)
• Paul Simon - Paul Simon (1972)
• He Touched Me - Elvis Presley (1972)
• Really - J. J. Cale (1972)
• Rock and Roll Resurrection - Ronnie Hawkins (1972)
• Hank Wilson's Back Vol. I - Leon Russell (1973)
• Seven - Bob Seger (1974)
• Don't Stop Believin' - Olivia Newton-John (1976)
• Lovin' and Learnin' - Tanya Tucker (1976)
• Honest Lullaby - Joan Baez (1979)
• High Country Snows - Dan Fogelberg (1985)
• Girls Like Me - Tanya Tucker (1986)
• Greatest Hits Encore - Tanya Tucker (1990)
• Let There Be Peace on Earth - Vince Gill (1994)
• The Houston Kid - Rodney Crowell (2001)
• Fate's Right Hand - Rodney Crowell (2003)

Bibliography[edit]

Harmonica For Copd

• Kosser, Michael (2006), How Nashville Became Music City U.S.A: 50 Years of Music Row, Hal Leonard Corp., ISBN978-0634098062

References[edit]

1. ^'The Grammys/Past Winners Search?Charlie McCoy/The Real McCoy/1972'. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
2. ^ ^abcd'Country Music Hall of Fame/Inductees'. countrymusichalloffame.org. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
3. ^Gilbert, Calvin (November 27, 2007). 'Unsung Heroes Honored at Musicians Hall of Fame Induction'. Country Music Television. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
4. ^ ^abRodack, Jaine. 'Harmonica Player of the Month: Charlie McCoy (Exclusive Interview)'. harmonica.com. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
5. ^ ^abBillboard December 21, 1974, His Monumental Ten Years by Bill Williams, Nielsen Business Media, page 39
6. ^ ^abBillboard December 21, 1974, His Monumental Ten Years by Bill Williams, Nielsen Business Media, page 41
7. ^Kosser, p. 101.
8. ^ ^abBillboard December 21, 1974, His Monumental Ten Years by Bill Williams, Nielsen Business Media, page 44
9. ^ ^abAnkeny, Jason. 'Charlie McCoy biography'. AllMusic. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
10. ^Field, Kim (2000). Harmonicas, harps, and heavy breathers : the evolution of the people's instrument (Updated ed.). New York: Cooper Square Press. p. 144. ISBN978-0-8154-1020-1. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
11. ^McCoy, Charlie, and Travis D. Stimeling. Fifty Cents and a Box Top The Creative Life of Nashville Session Musician Charlie McCoy Morgantown, West Virginia: West Virginia University Press. 2017. +++
12. ^'Charlie McCoy/TV Credits'. webarchive.com. Charlie McCoy. Archived from the original on July 31, 2010. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
13. ^'Charlie McCoy'. IMDb. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
14. ^Whitburn, Joel (2011). Top Pop Singles 1955–2010. Record Research, Inc. p. 584. ISBN0-89820-188-8.

External links[edit]

Harmonica Macon Ga

• Charlie McCoy shows off his box of harmonicas – June 19, 2008 Interview for the NAMM Oral History Library

Harmonica Tabs For Old Macdonald