Re: [Harp-L] Suzuki Bluesmasters? price and mail order

["David R. Fertig" <dfertig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bry,

I won't comment on Suzuki harps, I prefer Sp 20s, but you note $26 for a 
Sp20??!  No way, spend about $17 at most mail orders, and my local music 
store  helps me in an emergency by selling me SP20s for $20 out the 
door.  They know I'm a player and I give them other small amounts of biz too.

I cater to local biz too, but don't buy junk just to save a few $$,  and 
don't listen to anyone else as to what you should like, but try out 
different harps to decide what works for you.

On the other hand, if you like Old Standbys, well, maybe take up the 
washboard...

And don't shop Walmart if you can avoid it, they screw their workers by 
hiring lots of part-timers and subcontractors with undocumented 
laborers,  they sabotage union organizing and leave taxpayers to pay 
employee medical costs cuz they're too darned greedy to give their line 
workers a decent package.   This while reaping record profits ($bb) at our 
whole society's expense.   Of course, I'm talking about buying harmonicas, 
so it's on topic.  And it's about the blues, especially if you work for 
Walmart...

My preferred mail order house is Kevin's Harps, not always the cheapest but 
over the years they've been the most reliable, communicative and and 
friendly.  Others no doubt have better sources, but I like 
Kevin's.  http://www.kharps.com/

At Kevin's, Lee Oskars' go for $21 and Suzuki Bluesmasters -  and Hohner 
Special 20's - for $17.

-Dave Fertig


At 10:19 AM 12/5/2004, Bry Thomas wrote:
> Any comments one way or other re: Suzuki Bluesmasters (or Folkmasters)?
>
> Locally, the two small music stores have Oskar's for $38, S-20's for $26, 
> MS Bluesharps for $28.  Key selection is limited.  They have Old Standby's 
> for $11 in a better key selection.   Wal-Mart has Old Standy "C" only for 
> $8 and change.
>
> The local stores say "they can order anything" but at those prices...plus 
> they don't have a clue when you ask a question.  They are school band, 
> guitar, and piano student oriented.  Not blues and harp.  Sure, putting a 
> few bucks in the local economic machine would be good but not at those 
> prices and not for something I don't really want.
>
> Now to the Suzuki's.  Any comments would be welcome.
>
> A guy at a fest (Bean Blossom) this Sept.  had just purchased a six key 
> set w/case for around $100 and was happy as a clam.  Not sure if he still 
> feels that way, but...
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Bry Thomas  (Huntingburg, Indiana)
>
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