Hi,
I am informed that Hohner are issue a new Marine Band 1896/20. This
is to be the Marine Band Deluxe
Dear list,
Right on the money, Norman.
I saw and inspected very closely a prototype last week at Steve
Baker's who designed it. Hohner, which apparently has been loosing
ground after Hering introduced their "Vintage Harp", decided to strike
back with Steve's Marine Band Deluxe.
1) The comb:
This was problem for the industrial process of mass producing this
particular harp. It has a traditional pearwood comb with the edges a
little smoothed out...
2) The plates:
It's apparently a new material/alloy --KA2--, Hohner not being able
to secure the "old" ZA5 brass ally anymore. I don't now the exact
thickness but it seems that it is the same as the MS series. The plates
are screwed to the comb with three screws with Philips heads.
3) The covers:
Also screwed with two Philips head screws to the comb. No more
nails. They are chromed and opened on the back for better projection.
4) The tuning:
Here are the values (relative to each either. These are no cents or
Hz) of the prototype I played. Mind you this harp was set up for Mr
Baker:
1B: +5 1D: +6,5
2B: +2 2D: +6
3B: +4 3D: +4
4B: +4 4D: +5,5
5B: +2 5D: +5,5
6B: +5 6D: +6,5
7B: +4,5 7D: +4
8B: +3 8D: +6
9B: +4 9D: +5,5
10B: +4 10B: +6,5
5) The box:
It will come in a black box with a red insert, similar to the old
hand made 580 Meisterklasse box
6) How does it play:
Quite good. It overblowed easily and was very fluid to play. It is a
compromise between your regular MB and a custom one. Not bad at all. I
really liked it. It was also fun to hold (it's a little heavier that
your regular MB) and looked good. It's price? Around 45 euros a pop,
they say.
Sunnyside in Vienna