Suzuki Pro-master valved

[Patrick Hester <ph@xxxxxxxxxx>]

A little while back someone (I forget who) posted that Suzuki
Pro-master valved harps don't have windsavers on the top holes.
I've got one from Kevin's a couple months back that is valved
on all 10 holes. I don't know if this is a relic or a new
version. I tend to believe it is newer because I also got
a Hohner ProHarp the same order and it was an MS.

I like this harp (the Suzuki). It may end up being one of my
favorites in certain circumstances. Being able to bend bottom
blow notes is soooo sweet! Like everyone else said, the
windsavers tend to buzz at times, but that's ok, I like a good
buzz. Overall it's got a strong tone too. Very powerful
compared to my usual Lee Oskars. Almost like pushing the
loudness button on a stereo, but across the whole range, not
just low end. These reeds feel like they will be around for
a while. The metal comb is a little rougher on the lips than
plastic, but much better (IMHO) than wood.

It's easy enough to bend the top draw notes, but they are
wicked hard to control. I get lots of harsh ringing. Oh well,
guess I better practice.

I had one bad experience with this harp. It was the second
day I had it and I was jamming some Hot Tuna. All of a sudden
the 7 blow hole goes flat, then dead. Not good. I took the
harp apart and it turned out to be a moustache hair stuck
in the reed (This, BTW is the biggest problem I have with
learning to play chromatics - snagging the 'stache when the
slide closes and ripping half my face off). Meanwhile I got to
see that the harp is pretty well put together. Too bad the
reeds and comb aren't matched metal.

The box is a nicely curved plastic thing with a felt lining.
Excellent for when you stick a harp in your pocket and go
to a bar - the harp doesn't rattle around and there's no
sharp corners to jab yer leg (or your partner) while you
dance. I think this box would probably fit well in the right
ammo belt. Plus you can buy replacement reed plates.

Bottom line, I give this harp some pretty high marks. I'll
have to try one of the non valved Pro-masters and see how
they sound too. Sometimes I'd like to have that extra bit
of power, but without the valve chatter.