Re: [Harp-L] sp-20`s, MS, etc.

["Suave Blues Man" <res6k2zt@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brethren & Sisters of Whammin', jammin' and slammin' Harpin',

         There are several "rules" of success in any endeavor, namely:
1.) If it works - DON'T FIX IT!
2.) If it fails to work - WHATEVER YOU CHANGED LAST IS WRONG!
3.) After completion - WRITE IT DOWN, because - IF YOU"VE SEEN IT BEFORE: 
YOU'LL SEE IT AGAIN!
4.) TEACH WHAT YOU"VE LEARNED!
5.) PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE!
6.) ANTICIPATE!
7.) ADAPT!

    For those proponents of out-of-the-box harps it's never a simple matter 
of actually being able to play right out-of-the-box. Oh sure you'll find 
reasonable quality with almost every brand. However consider this:
all harps are in transit once leaving the point of manufacture, hence 
exposure to heat/cold, humidity, handling-handling-handling, and storage 
before they come to you.
    Are they "in-tune" or close enough to what you can use? One harp some 
time ago was labeled in one key and, well, "not as advertised". It happens.
    There is a practical side to being able, and willing, to modify or 
mangle your harps. One local club member has several dozen custom and 
personaly adjusted harps. Each one is magnificent. And the sound...superb! 
His investment in quality is an investment of time and self. (Also tools, 
tuner and a high dedication to quality output.)
    This is not to say that any of us is less dedicated; we all expect, and 
get IMHO, a good quality from Bushman, Hering, Hohner, Huang, Johnson, Kay, 
Lee Oskar, Souza Band, Seydel and Suzuki as well as others.
    Each brand has it's supporters and detractors. And once in a while 
there will be bad apple in the bunch. When that happens we need to get out 
our micro-tools, magnifying lenses, tuners, pens/pencils/notebooks and a LOT 
of patience, take a deep breathe and proceed.

    The show, y'al, must go on!

Be Blues,

Suave Blues Man

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "drori hammer" <drori_hammer@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, March 25, 2006 1:50 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] sp-20`s, MS, etc.


> I also play out-of -the box harps, and have spent years in search of the 
> "perfect " harp (the search still continues...) - right now my case 
> contains several different candidates
>  I REALLY like the Hering vintage 1923`s, for that big wood sound, like a 
> good Marine band, only easier to play, and better longevity
>  I have recently started trying Golden Melodies - a great harp, although I 
> am still getting used to how WIDE they are - it makes my pucker blow-bends 
> a bit harder
>  I am also a big fan of Hohner MS reedplates - some of the best harps I 
> have had were "Big River" bodies with replacement reedplates installed in 
> them
>  Obviously, the special 20`s are a good choice too
>  Just my 2cents
>  Hammer
>  www.dovhammer.com
>
>
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