Sir,

So, what is your question about harmonicas?

Uncle Jaque had a "Chanty Sing" in Portland a while back which centers around 1800s music from sailing ships.

He told me there was usually no instrumental accompaniment as Chantys were sung while hard labor was being done. He said that there was also a recreational style of "forecastle" (pronounced fox-ul) singing that may have had a little more room for instrumentation. I figured grand piano was definately out due to its size and weight in a heavy sea, but concertinas and harmonicas may have found their way into that music form.

My question therefore is:

Have you ever encountered vintage maritime harmonica players? (hence the term Marine band?)

If so, is it in 1st position harp?

Good question, eh?

mav out