Re: [Harp-L] RE: Huang Star Performer Quality

[Ken Deifik <kenneth.d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Hi - I haven't bought a new harp in several years and had a question on 
> their recent quality.When I started playing in the 80's the Hohner quality 
> was terrible and I started playing Star Performers.I know that harp 
> quality has varied over the years, but I've had great luck with the 
> Huangs.My experience is that I need to retune 5 and 6 draw occasionally, 
> compared to the Lee Oskars I have which seem to stay in tune forever, but 
> I prefer the Star Performer tone and playability.Any recommendations are 
> welcome.

I played Star Performers for 15 years, until last year.  I really liked 
them alot, more than any other harps.  I don't tune harps, so I think the 
tuning of the Star Performers probably suited me out of the box.

Last year my D disappeared after a gig, just as a discussion of the Suzuki 
Fire Breath was getting going here on Harp-l.  I bought an FB to replace 
the missing harp.  I must tell you that it is such a radical improvement 
that I will never buy another Star Performer.  Beautiful sound, incredibly 
smoothe response up to the 10th hole, better dynamics.  Dang.

Weirdly, on a gig this last March I looked down in my case and the old Star 
Performer D was just sitting there.  I have no idea why my eye just 
completely missed it for nine months.  Later that evening I pulled tried it 
out, and my only reaction was "What on earth did I ever like about THAT?"

Ken