RE: [Harp-L] Cheap harps

[Scott Hicks <dscotthicks@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think the answer is fairly clear: spend as much money as you can afford. Two of my own experiences bear this out. When I was a much younger man, I wanted to be a guitar player something fierce, and I acquired an inexpensive guitar. Over the next couple of years, I made some improvements in my ability and acquired a couple more cheap guitars. But I could never get the sound I wanted and I seemed to hit a wall in advancing my skill. I stopped playing for over 15 years, but when I picked it back up, I bought a decent (although still not top-of-the-line) guitar and I was amazed at how much easier it was to play.
That was around the same time that I started playing harmonica. My girlfriend bought me an inexpensive set and I used them dutifully until I could afford to start adding to my collection with better ones. Again, the difference between those cheap harps and the first Special 20 I bought was astounding. I didn't feel like I was fighting the harp anymore.
If I were to advise a new player it would be to spend what you can and try not to get discouraged if you are limited by the quality of your instrument. If you have a passion for it, be patient and upgrade as soon as you can.

Scott

> Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 09:53:45 -0700
> From: hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Cheap harps
> To: gnarlyheman@xxxxxxxxx; michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx
> CC: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> 
> "I have never worked sales in a music store.  But when I taught guitar I told my students "spend as much money as you can, otherwise you will throw good money after bad." If you want to play music, invest in your dream. Obviously, don't waste money. But don't let it rule you. Isn't that the proverbial root of all evil?"
> 
>  
> That's one train of thought behind this. And in a perfect world, it'd be the way I'd go. But the facts are that times are tough, and sometimes sacrifices have to be made. I'd love to be able to drop the money on quality harps whenever I want/need them. But alas, I do what what I can do to keep playing, keep practicing, and keep my love of harp alive. I, for one, don't see any of that as a waste of money. But, for what it's worth, I do see remarks like "play on a corner with a sign around your neck", and remarks that pretty much amount to "what's the point of trying if you can't afford to invest in quality gear" only serve to discourage.  
> 
>                           Hawkeye Kane
>                                                                                                  hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx
>                                                                                                      Cell: (217)-741-7183
>                                                                                                     http://www.hawkeyekane.com/