Re: [Harp-L] The price of harmonicas - Whoa...Long

["Suave Blues Man" <res6k2zt@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brother Mark,

    The price of harps has had a decided increase for over a year. Hohner 
has had a few increases to where the once humble Big River harps, which 
could be had for $12 to $15 are now at MSRP/MAP of $20.95 or nearly double. 
Top end models are well into the thousands...and thousands, of dollars and 
Euros.

    It does show that - a) business is good and b) there are more harmonica 
players. Additionally, you will note, there is more competition, increased 
quality harps and more product lines.

    Used to be that there were a limited number of choices. Hohner, Huang, 
Kratt. But times have decidedly changed. Now we see: Bends, Bushman, Hering, 
Hohner, Huang, Johnson, Kay, Merano, Lee Oskar, Seydel and Suzuki. 
Collectively their quality and quantity are increasing. And even within 
brands the commercial 'premier' or "Top-of-the-line" models are rivaling 
what used to be the exclusive territory of customizers! The Hering "Deluxe" 
and "Meisterclass" and the new Suzuki "Fabulous" models are moving the 
(price) bar ever upwards.

    Here are some reference sites: (As best as I can find)

Bends - http://www.bends.com.br

Bushman - http://bushmanharmonicas.com/

Hering - http://www.heringusa.com/

Hohner - http://www.hohnerusa.com/ and http://www.hohner.eu/index.php?502

Huang - http://www.frankhuang.com/

Johnson - http://www.johnsongtr.com/

Kay - http://www.kayguitar.com/

Merano - http://www.fishlips3.net/Harmonicas/harmonicas.htm

Lee Oskar - http://www.leeoskar.com/

Seydel  - http://www.seydel1847.de/

Suzuki - http://www.suzukimusic.com/harmonicas/

References: (not inclusive)

http://www.gluckman.com/ChinaHarp.html

http://reviews.ebay.com/A-GUIDE-TO-HARMONICA-BRANDS_W0QQugidZ10000000002717973

http://www.angelfire.com/tx/myquill/

http://www.angelfire.com/music/HarpOn/index.html

http://www.spah.org/mc/page.do

http://www.harphouse.com/

http://www.coast2coastmusic.com/

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=12024851&mcat=&cid=&search_params=s+1-p+1-c+-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+Harmonica&search=1

    In short the answer is yes the price has increased. And that 'something 
I need to know about buying harps...' is to buy many and buy often. After 
all, isn't that why we play? Sort of like any other hobby, like golf or 
fishing, i.e. the "lures" are there to catch more fishermen than fish. (And 
any wife, girlfriend or significant other can tell you exactly that! The 
story goes something like this: My girlfriend asked me if I was going to buy 
all those harmonicas or "commit". I do love my new set of diatonics and my 
chromatic. I'm sure gonna miss her. )

Be Blues...And Jazz,

Suave Blues Man


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Earley" <harmonika13@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2008 9:43 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] The price of harmonicas


Is it me or is the price of the average harmonica outrageously expensive?
Time to learn how to repair and file reeds, I guess.
Since when did a set of Marine Band harps set you back $359.00?
I must be getting old but when I was just starting out Marine Bands were 
only 8 bucks!
Is there something I need to know about buying harps....?






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