[Harp-L] choose new harp - In store test



Every music store I have ever visited has a squeeze box aka bellows test
unit.  It is a set of bellows with a test jig to place the harmonica against
which will blow air through several holes at a time on the chord setting or
through a single hole on the note setting.  A good harp will sound a loud
sweet chord and a clean, clear note with moderate pressure from the squeeze
box. 

I have started doing this with every harp I buy, instead of simply taking
the first harp the clerk hands me.  I run it up and down the test unit
several times and listen carefully.  Is any note sour?  Is it obstructed? Do
I like the sound of this particular harp?  Does it blow freely?  My
frustration level with my gear has gone down considerably because of this
routine even though some of the local music clerk's has gone up. But, at
thirty to forty bucks a pop, they can just darn well indulge me.  

Not all harps coming out of the same factory are created equal.  There are
bad days, bad techs and bad batches of parts.  This is true of all factory
made products.  A long time ago, right after I got out of the Navy, I worked
on the assembly line as an alignment technician/inspector in a factory that
made marine electronics gear.  While I only produced 32 units per day as
compared to up to 40 by other technicians, my units were invariably hotter,
more sensitive and were never returned.  I look for those type harps.

Bill Kumpe
Tulsa, Oklahoma   




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