[Harp-L] Joe Spiers and Mark LaVoie's conversation about Joes custom Marine Band

["Mark Lavoie" <lavoie@xxxxxxxxx>]

-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Spiers [mailto:moparjoe@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 8:25 PM
To: Mark Lavoie
Subject: Re: harp


Hi Mark,

Thank you very much for your comments, honestly that's what keeps me 
going on these! I told you that the comb was gorgeous....it brought a 
synergy to the whole package, both appearance and function are much 
improved. The new reed profiles from Hohner have been frustrating for 
me, but the comb helps make up the volume loss from the new brass. I 
have developed what I think is a unique method, that when applied 
carefully guarantees each reed will respond correctly and evenly from 
the first hole to the tenth. I plan to further optimize the same setup 
for overblowing. I work with a Peterson 490 Auto Strobe tuner.

The covers are my take on the original pre-wars, as you noticed. I 
have several with the "mouse-ear" tabs, and always liked the shape of 
the covers, both from an artistic and functional standpoint. I think 
they make the harp louder and thicken the tone slightly. They also set 
them apart from the Filisko guild and others who copy his cover 
design. Right now I'm using a waterbased polyacrylic from Minwax for 
the finish. I don't have a website, but hope to in the future. I'm 
selling them for 125$, and there is about a 2-3 month wait right now, 
due to both shelf time and orders in progress.

Your comments posted to the harp-l community would be greatly 
appreciated, thanks much!

Later,
Joe


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Lavoie" <lavoie@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "Joe Spiers" <moparjoe@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 7:12 PM
Subject: RE: harp


> Joe,
> Your custom Marine Band harmonica with the LaVoie Vermont Maple Wood 
> comb
> is no doubt one of the Best in the World!!! What a beautiful 
> harmonica.
> Marine Band harmonica players will put you in High Demand when the 
> word gets
> out. Your reed set up and tuning is flawless. How long has Hohner 
> been using
> this cover design? Is it fairly new? These covers are similar to the 
> first
> Marine Band covers from the original design. I have a Marine Band 
> from
> around 1912. The covers look almost identical. The profile on the 
> covers of
> the Marine Band you sent me is slighty higher which in opinion is a
> deffinate bonus. What is the sealent you are using?
> I would like to post something on harp-l with your permission, 
> stating that
> you have an exclusive with the LaVoie Vermont Maple Wood comb, for 
> Marine
> Band harmonicas, and give a testimonial on your expertise. What are 
> you
> prices? Do you have a web site?
> Awsome customizing Joe!
> Mark
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joe Spiers [mailto:moparjoe@xxxxxxxxxxx]
> Sent: Sunday, July 02, 2006 1:06 PM
> To: Mark Lavoie
> Subject: Re: harp
>
>
> Thanks Mark,
>
> It'll go out Monday, you have a safe and fun 4th too!
>
> Joe
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mark Lavoie" <lavoie@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Joe Spiers" <moparjoe@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Saturday, July 01, 2006 9:32 PM
> Subject: RE: harp
>
>
>> Hey Joe,
>> My address is Mark LaVoie 4849 Bristol Road, Bristol, Vermont 
>> 05443.
>> Looking
>> forward to it.
>> Have a great 4th of July,
>> Mark
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Joe Spiers [mailto:moparjoe@xxxxxxxxxxx]
>> Sent: Saturday, July 01, 2006 12:09 PM
>> To: Mark LaVoie
>> Subject: harp
>>
>>
>> Hi Mark,
>> I'm finished with your harmonica, I'll need your mailing address
>> again, then I'll get it out to you!
>> Thanks,
>> Joe Spiers
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
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>> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.8/380 - Release Date:
>> 6/30/2006
>>
>>
>
>