[Harp-L] Subject: Quirky Harmonica details

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Dave Payne writes:
 
"There was a time, and I think it was right after that plating issue  
mentioned above, that we switched to a new reed. We started with "FTP 9.0" FTP  
stands for flex-point technology, and then we went to the second generation  
reed, which we called FTP 10.1 or something. I can't remember.. but I 
screwed up  and ordered "FTP 9.0" coverplates from the engraver. At that time, 
production  was limited to the number of coverplates we could get made. We had 
to use them.  Coverplates were like gold to us, we had such issues getting 
them. So, there are  a few dozen B-radicals out there with the 
second-generation reed that have the  first-generation "FTP 9.0" coverplates on them. It 
was a screw up, yes, but I  damn glad I made it. It was an accident, but even 
when I learned I'd screwed  that up, I realized the implications of it - I 
am part of harmonica history.  Long after I'm gone,
there will be harmonicas out there that have some cool  little quirk that I 
was entirely responsible for. I think that is incredibly  cool."
 
 
It is. My own Bb B-Radical has FTP 10.3 engraved on it so I know mine isn't 
 one of those 'special' ones. Not sure about my C since it's somewhere I 
can't  access right now. I've always appreciated your focus on and interest in 
these  quirky little historical details about Harmonicas.
 
Elizabeth