Re: [Harp-L] So do pro harp players still have to buy their

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nate in the Blues Room wrote:
> 
<Thanks Richard, this has been informative and might I add a bit
<surprizing too.

Nate, I think it's surprizing on the surface, because we tend to think
in terms of the perks that are showered on guitar players.  But when you
compare the size of the markets for guitar or keyboard gear to the size
of the markets for harp gear, you see pretty quickly why the
manufacturers are loathe to give it up for free. Companies operating in
small markets with tight margins act differently from companies who move
lots and lots of stuff.  (Never mind guitars -- look how many cars are
given away by auto companies as game show prizes every year!)

As and if markets for harmonica gear increase in size, and competition
for the bigger markets increases, we'll see more endorsements that
involve free gear. In the meantime, with or without endorsements, I'm
very happy with the state of harp gear now.  Compared to my youth, the
gear is better-sounding, more reliable, and remarkably less expensive in
every price bracket, even without freebies. Harp players have more and
better choices for everything they use on stage and in the studio than
they've ever had.    

Thanks and regards, Richard Hunter
hunterharp.com

On 3/26/06, Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> I don't know any pros who get their harps, or any other gear, for free.
>
> Sponsored pros are usually offered a discount that's a bit better than
> over-the-counter retail, but not a whole lot better than what you'd get
> from one of the several online dealers who specialize in harp gear, or
> even from Musicians's Friend.
>
> There are exceptions, but they're not frequent, and they're not
> ongoing.  They're more likely when a manufacturer is trying to break
> into a new market, and needs high-profile users.
>
> Regards, Richard Hunter
> hunterharp.com