Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Harrison custom Harmonicas reply

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Apr 15, 2008, at 12:45 AM, Rick Dempster wrote:

> Elizabeth;
>              Maybe Smo-Joe might have a more useful word than  
> 'custom' where modified harmonicas are supplied from off-the-shelf  
> stock, and not adjusted to an individuals specific requirements.
>              If I ever become rich and successful, I might just  
> hire a ful-time harmonica valet!
> Cheers,
> RD

Actually Rick, YOU supplied the appropriate word. And that word is  
'specific'
Custom simply means made to order. It can be as loose or as involved  
and convoluted as the 'custom ER' dictates. Example: I call Rupert  
Oysler and order a Seydel chromo in the key of C, BUT I request that  
it START on G. This would be a custom built chromo. Now outside of  
being a custom tuning, it wouldn't be set up for any particular  
person. It would be like other chromos in all respects EXCEPT for the  
custom tuning.
Now if I wanted a slide modification, that would also be custom. But  
it would still ONLY be custom

YOUR word ..specific is more appropriate for the semantics of which  
we speak. Example: I order the key, but then SPECIFY that the gaps be  
such that it would match my STYLE. Let's say, I am a hard charger,  
the gaps of the reeds should be set more open. Let's say that I want  
to do gently suave ballads on low tones, The gaps of the reeds should  
be set closer. Let's say I am looking for 'carry', Then embossing  
might be in order. This would all be worked out with the harp mystic.  
If I order diatonics and specify that my style were like Charley  
McCoy, the harps would come one way. If Mike Stevens, then another way.

So, I don't know what William F. Buckley jr. would say, but I think  
'Specifically built FOR (add name)' is the proper nomenclature for  
our descriptive text. Yes, 'Specific built' is my term for UPPER  
category harps, and 'custom built' for (generally) blueprinted harps.

smokey-joe