Re: [Harp-L] Custom harmonicas: Filisko method...Differing Priorities

[Pierre <slavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think there are many good reasons to get a custom harp, but in the end the
question is: are you happy with your instrument or are you frustrated
because the instrument won't let you play what you want (easely).

The old masters and others (which I greatly respect) who play out of the box
harps have learned to coax all kinds of sounds and music out of their harps.
They may not feel unduly constrained by their instrument since they can say
all they want to say. Changing their setup might deny them some of their
musicality.

On the other hand some people want other things from their harmonicas,
Howard Levy is a good example, he wanted chromaticity so he could play what
he played on the piano and he figured it out.

So the questions are: Are you happy? Could you be happier? Would you play
more?

If you aren't happy you can consider a better harp, it need not be a
Filisko, you can go in smaller increments. Like the squash rackets.

Pierre.



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Hammond" <dawgawntired@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <IcemanLE@xxxxxxx>; <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 6:28 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Custom harmonicas: Filisko method...Differing
Priorities


> Thanks, I feel better now!!  I have been playing GM harps now for about 10
> years (previously I was a MB guy for about 20 years)  I have never tried a
> custom harp but have heard from many that I need to experience the joy
> thereof.  Thankfully (before I cashed in my life insurance policy) I read
> this post from Iceman!!
>
>
> >From: IcemanLE@xxxxxxx
> >To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> >Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Custom harmonicas: Filisko method...Differing
> >Priorities
> >Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 16:55:59 -0400
> >
> >For whatever reason, I love Golden Melodies. It became my harmonica of
> >choice after studying w/Howard Levy at Augusta Heritage Center. It was
what
> >he played exclusively and I wanted to be just like him.
> >
> >It was 9 months before I fully adapted to their unique shape, having
> >previously been a Lee Oskar guy. They have a tone that resonates within
me
> >- a bit darker than other models/brands.
> >
> >I've played all the formative stages of Filisko custom jobs over the
years,
> >as he really tried to convert me in the early days. While they played
like
> >a dream, that introverted dark Golden Melody tone wasn't there. All
custom
> >harps I've tried (even a custom built GM) have a brighter, brassier,
> >reedier tone.
> >
> >I chose tone as my first consideration, having to learn regulation in
order
> >to make my GM's as OB friendly as possible. They aren't as responsive as
> >custom made harmonicas, but suit my artistic choice of "Tone is King".
> >
> >The Iceman
> >_______________________________________________
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