RE: Opinions ? Big Rivers ( kind of long)

["Smith, Richard" <rismith@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with Steve about the MS reedplates.  There's something "unlovable"
about them for me, too.  IMHO (I hope that helps avoid flames) the plastic 
combs with recessed reedplates are more comfortable for me to play.  I have 
"Blues Harps" and "Pro Harps", and I avoid playing them, because it's like
running knives (okay, very dull knives) over my lips.  I'd like to hear an 
explanation of why someone would design a harp like that.  Does it have some
advantage that I'm not aware of?  

The Hering "Vintage" has a similar design, but the plates don't seem to stick
out nearly as far as the Hohners, so they are more comfortable for me to play.
Plus the fact that the wood comb is eased and sealed, helps a lot.  By the 
way, Hambone, if you're out there, I killed the 5 draw reed on my "A" Vintage.
Do you have replacement reedplates?

Richard J. Smith, R.A.
rismith@xxxxxxxxxxx


- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf
Of Steve Shaw
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 4:05 AM
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Opinions ? Big Rivers ( kind of long)










In a message dated 5/4/04 1:50:55 PM, Captron100@xxxxxxx writes:
 > Can any experienced players comment on the playability of the Big Rivers
 > and other less expensive harps?  I'd like to try 'em but am afraid of
 > experimenting because of the vast quantities of other harps available; 
and also
 > because i am easy on my harps and they usually last me a long time before 
(usually)
 > my 4 or 5 hole draw craps out.
 >
   <<<< I have tried Big Rivers and, compared to my SP20s, it's no contest. 
I have
worked hard on a couple of Big Rivers to try and make them play better, but 
I
can't get them anywhere near what I get with the SP20s... That said, I know
of at least one list member who plays Big Rivers and makes them sound better
than anybody should have a right to. i don't know if he works on them, but I
would doubt stock Big Rivers could play like that........>>>>

Steve "Moandabluz" Webb
still a fool for the harp

There's just something unlovable about those MS reedplates that I can't just 
put my finger on.  We don't go on much about MS plates here for reasons 
someone else could possibly explain.  Apart from a C MS Blues Harp which has 
served me well for years (I don't use C harps as much as some other keys) I 
much prefer Special 20s, and even Lee Oskars (robust and reliable if nothing 
else!).  Tuning is not a big deal, as I will always retune a new harp 
anyway.

Steve Shaw

Want more than the blues?  Try Irish!
http://mysite.freeserve.com/trad_irish_harmonica

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