[Harp-L] WHY YOU CAN'T BUY SOUND

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

Just received the latest update from harponline, the website that sells 
harmonicas and Hohner replacement reeds and other stuff. FYI: My only connection 
with the website is as a customer.

What I found interesting is that the firm has removed its sound samples of 
various harmonicas from its website because harmonica players would buy a 
harmonica and complain the harmonica they bought from Harponline "didn't sound 
right," not understanding that it would take time and skill to duplicate the sound 
on the website.

As I read recent posts I see nothing has changed ... new harmonica players 
expect spectatular results in a relatively short time   Instant Harmonica!

Below is that section dealing with that topic:

Phil Lloyd
Still working on the instant mastery of the harp


> 
> *******************************************************************
> WHY YOU CAN'T BUY SOUND
> 
> Over and over again we hear of customers who've bought a harmonica, then
> complain about the sound: 'All that money and it doesn't sound anywhere
> near as good as I expected...'
> 
> Problem is: 90% of the 'harmonica sound' is created by the player's body
> and his/her ability to form the throat corresponding to the frequency of
> the note, and played in such a way that the overtones sound comfortable.
> Basically, that's the reason one can recognize a player by simply
> listening to his sound.
> 
> Consequently; a player must practise frequently and over a long period
> until something develops that can be called 'a tone'. Only when players
> are prepared to maltreat themselves over several years, do they achieve a
> good tone and push the limits of a High-End harmonica.
> 
> For this reason, regards the products, we've cancelled all sound-samples
> on the 'Harponline' page. Customers listening to our sound-bites did not
> realize they were listening' not to the sound of a harmonica, but to the
> sound of an experienced player, plus his or her ability.
> Besides, even bad takes can be improved using special-effects.
> 
> Therefore, in future we'll be doing without sound-samples,  they are not
> an objective criterion and every player should read the product
> descriptions with this premise in mind.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 


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