Re: [Harp-L] Re: Cheap Harps

[Timothy Kane <hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx>]

"So the main reason for paying a bit more is to reduce your chances of getting a lemon and to have the warranty and technical support to rectify things if you do. The stories of individual lemons and gems at all sorts of price points and brands will continue regardless."
 
 
Here's another individual story for you. More than once, I've purchased Special 20's, both from online retailers and from local music stores, and as soon as I got them out of the box to break them in, discovered that they had a reed either blown or out of tune. 
 
One time that this happened was an A harp purchased from a local music store. I got in my car, took it out and went up and down the blow-draw on it. Sure enough, the 4 blow was mistuned. I went back inside the store and showed the owner. He was all for giving me my money back or making an exchange. Problem was, not only was that was his last SP20 in A, but it was his last HOHNER in A...period. So I wound up settling for a Silvertone, which served me well for months. And in the case of buying online, well....Rockin Ron is the best there is in my opinion. But even if he wanted to, he can't accept returns. It has to go to the manufacturer, and if you have time on your hands, then great. But if you have a pressing need for the harp right then and there, then you're kinda screwed. 
Warranties are great and all, especially on something as delicate and meticulously designed as a harmonica. But a warranty isn't going to help much in a pinch when you have an imminent gig. That's why I wish harp retailers and music stores all had harmonica testers and checked every harp they receive for their inventory. It'd save a lot of hassle and frustration for both the seller and the buyer.
 
                          Hawkeye Kane
                                                                                                 hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx
                                                                                                     Cell: (217)-741-7183
                                                                                                    http://www.hawkeyekane.com/