Re: [Harp-L] custom harps

[Douglas Tate <douglas.tate@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 09:01 14/09/2004, Tim Moyer wrote:
> My point is, when your performing at that level, the limitations
> start to be found in the equipment, rather than the performer's
> abilities.  If I run like Michael Johnson, I don't want to lose
> because I picked the wrong shoes.  If I play like Howard Levy, I
> don't want to miss the notes because I chose a stock harp over a
> custom.
> Tim Moyer

This is strange... for once I have to disagree with Tim... not in what he 
says but in what he implies.

Customisation is the process of making a harmonica work better.  In the 
majority of cases this means ironing out manufacturing defects caused by, 
eventually, making down to a price.   In a large number of cases it means 
adjusting a harmonica so that it works well and efficiently for a 
particular player.  In a few cases it means applying with delicate care the 
result of thousands of hours of experimentation and careful observation to 
improve the capabilities of the instrument beyond where people thought it 
could go.

This latter type is where Tim appears to be heading.

There are very few in this class and I am absolutely no judge of exactly 
what it can bring to a top player... except by observation of said top 
players reactions to the instrument, and the same degree of expertise 
applied to other instruments (non harmonica)!!   I've no axe to grind here, 
I don't customise and I don't play diatonic to any extent (and THAT is a 
total understatement)   As an aside, I once played (Ho!) one of Joe 
Filisko's brass harps. After a couple of notes even I could start to see 
what people talked about.

However, the well set up harp... can one REALLY argue against this being 
something to aim to have??

I have the greatest respect for what these guys do.  Diatonic players are 
lucky, the instrument has spawned a multitude of people trying to make 
their instrument play right, and out of that bunch have risen some giants 
who have shared their skills.  Chromatic players don't have the same wealth 
of customising people... yet.  However, I see more and more young diatonic 
players (anything under 50!!) turning their attention to the chromatic and 
demanding more from their instrument than they can get out of the 
box.   This I hope will encourage the younger techs to do the 
experimentation needed to improve our chromatic instruments beyond where 
they are today.

Douglas t