Re: [Harp-L] Meisterklasse

["John Kerkhoven" <solo_danswer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tim (and anyone else who might have something to say on this topic),

I've just ordered my first Meisterklasse (in C). I'm comfortable with harp
mods. I want this harp for overblow playing.

What's your assessment of the current breed of Meisterklasse out of the box?

Any thoughts about working on these as opposed to Special 20s or Golden
Melodies (which I am familiar with)? Are there things in particular to pay
attention to?

Thanks,

John



>
> I think we're mixing talk about pre-MS and MS Meisterklasses here.
> The original handmade Meisterklasse that PT is referring to has nine
> screws, not counting the cover mounting screws.  There are five
> across the back and four across the front, including two through
> comb tines (between holes 4 & 5 and between holes 7 & 8).
>
> The MS Meisterklasses originally had five screws (again, not
> counting the cover mounting screws) -- four across the back and one
> in front, between holes 5 & 6.  Later they switched to three screws,
> two in back and one in front, and rely on the cover mounting screws
> at the ends to complete the set.
>
> I have LOTS of these old handmade Meisterklasse and have worked on
> them for a lot of customers.  I like their small size and their
> heft, which is similar to a modern Suzuki Promaster.  Unfortunately,
> they were produced at a time when Hohner production quality wasn't
> at its best, and so they can be leaky.  They're certainly worth the
> work it takes to restore them.
>
> Also, because they were made on the same handmade frame as the
> Marine Band/Special 20/Golden Melody that's still made today, you
> can replace reeds in worn out plates without a lot of issues.  They
> had the same short slot/long slot configuration found in other
> Hohner handmade harps.
>
> -tim
>
> Tim Moyer
> Working Man's Harps
> http://www.workingmansharps.com/
>
>