Re: [Harp-L] Steve Baker Special

[fjm <bad_hat@xxxxxxxx>]

I've had a full set of the Steve Baker Specials since they were 
introduced.  I play them often most notably the D and the F versions. 
I've never had any difficulties bending any of the notes on any of the 
tunings and I own one of the rarer low A versions.  I've never broken a 
reed on any of these harmonicas.  I actually have an F# that I had 
retuned from an F by Pat Missin.  The donor harp had been used hard 
before being retuned.  Pat was kind enough to go ahead and retune it for 
me.  I still use the F# and it is still holding the superb retuning and 
playing well.  For whatever reason the 365 series seems to be very 
durable.  I'm really surprised that more people don't play them.  I 
rarely if ever use a regular 10 hole F or a D.  My only quibble 
regarding these harmonicas is the hole 14 reeds.  They're just too short 
to really work well.  They are never tuned well and retuning them is 
difficult at best.


Seydel also makes a version of this tuning available as the Solist Pro 
12.  It leaves off the last 2 holes on top and doesn't have the same 
span as the SBS.  I've never tried this configuration because I am not 
dissatisfied with the SBS.  If Hohner ever made the SBS on a more stable 
comb with screws instead of nails I for one would be forever grateful.

Speaking of reed longevity.  Regular brass reeds played a bunch still in 
tune and unbroken over a decade after the harmonicas were purchased. 
Tough to beat that.  fjm