RE: [Harp-L] SPAH Gold Medal Custom Harmonica Competition

["Chris Michalek" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The best custom diatonic harmonica is built by Joe Filisko.

The best custom chromatic harmonica is built by Doug Tate and Bobbie
G.


There is no contest in this matter.  I have tried most custom harps
and the difference between the Filisko guild and everybody else is
phenomenal.

This is not to say that harps built by folks not associated with
Filisko are not suitable.  Many of them are very good but not near as
good as what Filisko does. I have yet to come across another
customizer that they dares says he does a better job than Filisko. 
If they can't say so why should a bloke like meself bother other than
to be nice and spend money on something I would never use?

Then again, the way I play is more technical than most so I need a 
properly set up harp. I've been trying to touch out my gig with
regualr golden melodies and I've found I can't play half the stuff
with them that I can with one of the Filiskos.


Just my two cents.










>
>
>
>---- Original Message ----
>From: tony@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: RE: [Harp-L] SPAH Gold Medal Custom Harmonica Competition
>Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2005 08:39:40 +1000
>
>>
>>Dear all,
>>
>>            This list often features debate about "the best" custom
>>harmonicas, an argument which is never settled by words. I would
>like to
>>propose a competition which formalises the custom harmonica debate
>outcome.
>>Wine competitions, featuring eminent judges and blind tastings, are
>common.
>>A similar event for custom harmonicas, perhaps run at SPAH, would
>generate
>>much interest. Rules could be as follows:
>>
>> 
>>
>>1)       Each maker submits 2 diatonic C harmonicas
>>
>>2)       A maximum of 10 entries (i.e. makers) are allowed.
>>
>>3)       Two prominent players are selected as judges.
>>
>>4)       Each player is blindfolded, then provided with the
>instruments.
>>Their task is to choose the best and the second best instrument. An
>>assistant keeps track of which instruments are being played
>>
>>5)       The first and second choices are awarded the "SPAH Custom
>Harmonica
>>Gold Medal" and "Silver Medal" respectively.
>>
>>6)       In the event that different harmonicas are chosen for 1st
>and 2nd
>>placse by the respective judges, then joint gold and silver medals
>are
>>awarded.
>>
>> 
>>
>>The first and second place winners will be auctioned during the SPAH
>award
>>ceremony. Given potential interest in owning the winning
>instruments, the
>>successful bids could amount to a hefty prize for the first and
>second place
>>makers. Similarly, the other makers could auction their instruments,
>perhaps
>>by having boxes available during the convention, where potential
>buyers
>>could place their bids. This would provide an opportunity for all
>makers to
>>get a decent price for their instruments. For example, even for non
>winning
>>entries, bidders may be prepared to pay well above the list price
>for a pair
>>of instruments which are immediately available.
>>
>> 
>>
>>What do you all think?
>>
>> 
>>
>>Tony Eyers
>>
>>Australia
>>
>>www.harmonicatunes.com <http://www.harmonicatunes.com/> 
>>
>> 
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
>>Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
>>http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l
>>

Chris Michalek

www.michalekstrone.com
CD Available
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michalekstrone