[Harp-L] New diatonic from Suzuki

[Pat Missin <pat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

SUZUKI HARPMASTER MR-200

I have been fortunate enough to obtain a sample of a new diatonic to
be issued by Suzuki later this year. It is called the Harpmaster
MR-200 and in many ways is similar to their Bluesmaster model, the
most obvious difference being that the Harpmaster has a more
traditional cover shape than both the Bluesmaster and the ProMaster.
The covers are made of stainless steel with minimal engraving and feel
very comfortable in the hands, all the corners and edges being nicely
rounded. The reedplates are plain brass of fairly standard thickness
(.9mm or .035") and are recessed into the comb, which is made from
translucent red ABS. The reedplates are secured with three screws
(although they have seven screw holes) and the reeds are spotwelded to
the reedplate. The sample I have is in the key of C and the reeds are
quite short, comparable in length to the short slot reeds of both
Hohner and Tombo. Tolerances between reeds and reedplates are very
good and reed adjustment is very consistent, all reeds being set with
a fairly average offset. Tuning is very good, Equal Temperament at
about A=442/443Hz. The tuning appears to have been done by scratching
near the base with perhaps a rotary tool, rather than the laser tuning
that Suzuki use on other models. This is done very neatly and mostly
along the length of the reed, rather than across it. Another
difference between the Harpmaster and the Bluesmaster is that the
reeds themselves are of a brass alloy, rather than the phosphor bronze
used on the later.

The Harpmaster is very responsive and sings with very little player
effort. It probably wouldn't be the first choice for hardcore
overblowers, but it handles traditional bending techniques with no
problem at all. The tone is clear and bright, perhaps a little bright
for some, but if you like how the other Suzuki harps sound, you'll
like this one too. It's a little early to tell what the reed longevity
will be like, but Suzuki harps generally have a good reputation in
this regard and it is certainly holding up well so far. Although there
is nothing earth-shatteringly innovative about it, all in all this is
a very good quality diatonic harmonica. About the only thing I didn't
particularly like about was its plastic case - it would have been nice
to have had something in which the harp fitted more snugly, rather
than rattling around a little loose inside it. Hardly a major gripe,
though.

It will be available in all 12 regular keys, although it is not
certain at this point whether replacement reedplates will be
available. I am told that the UK retail price will be £15.95,
including VAT. Retail prices for other countries have yet to be set,
but the Harpmaster will be a little lower in price than the
Bluesmaster, making it good value. It will be available in stores
later this year.

 -- Pat.