Re: [Harp-L] suzuki promaster vs. hohner meisterklasse...

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Evan Porter wrote:
> what are the pros cons of these two models and how do they stack 
> up.  their design looks identical but the suzuki is a good bit 
> less, about $20...

In my opinion, the old handmade Meisterklasse was much more similar 
to the Promaster than the current MS Meisterklasse.  The MS models 
are much bigger and use cast combs with hollows to reduce weight 
(and presumably expense).  The promaster has solid, machined combs.  
My biggest beefs with the promaster are the welded reeds (making 
customizing dicey and maintenance problematic) and the poor fit of 
the covers where they meet the reedplates and the ends of the harp, 
which can sometimes make them leaky.  I'm not a big fan of the MS 
Meisterklasse, but it's probably mostly bitterness at the 
discontinuation of the handmade Meisterklasse, which was a jewel of 
a harp.  

-tim

Tim Moyer
Working Man's Harps
http://www.workingmansharps.com/