[Harp-L] Harp Player endorsments

["vespaman" <vespaman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'd just like to comment on the subject of endorsees and whether they get product for free.  I've been a Hohner Harp endorsee since 1996.  As I understand it, there are several levels of endordorsment deals.  I'm not sure exactly what they are and who qualifies for the best levels.  The deal that I have is one that I have been thankfull for and satisfied with.  I don't get them for free. I won't tell you exactly what my deal is, but I buy a lot of harps each year and if I had to pay retail price it would be extremely costly to be a harp player. When I first started learning to play harp, retail cost was around $5.00. Retail cost on a Marine Band is about $27.50 these days..One the great parts of the deal is that I can make a call and place an order and have 30 days to pay for them  I also have learned to tune my harps when a reed goes flat or sharp or gets stuck or whatever. This also helps cut down on cost and gets the most mileage out of my harps. I'm sure that some of the "High Profile", internationally known professional players may get harps for free as long as they state that they play the manufacturers product exclusivly.  Some of those guys state that in print but actually play other products too.   I've been been playing Hohner Marine Bands for over 25 years because I like the way they sound, feel and respond.  I've tried alot of other harps and have never found a harp that I liked as much as a Marine Band.  That doesn't mean that other products aren't good.  It's like asking the question-----"What's the best kind of blue jeans to wear?"   The answer is------What ever kind feels the best to you. !!!   So....................I hope this response gives you guys some insight on the subject of endorsment deals from a Hohner endorsee since 1996.
Mike "Wezo" Wesolowski
Hohner Endorsee
Blues World Order
www.bluesworldorder.net