[Harp-L] Question about custom harmonicas

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

Steve,
	
	To be fair, my most recent experiences (last 3 or 4 years) have been  
with MS series Hohners, although I did also acquire a couple of new  
Special 20's and several Golden Melodies. The Hohner  harmonicas i  
liked best used to be in the classic series, but Hohner stopped  
making those models and I have not been as satisfied with the MS  
series models that replaced them. I agree that the  inconsistent  
quality control that used to be a problem in past years  has  
improved.  I also acknowledge that I really don't have the expertise  
to objectively assess harmonica construction in an informed fashion  
and it is unquestionably true that a large number of players (many of  
them much better players than i am) have a strong preference for  
playing  Hohners.

	BUT, a player does not need to be very expert to know when a harp is  
airtight and when one is not.  All of my Suzukis have consistently  
good compression.  I cannot say the same about my Hohners.  This is  
not subjective.  The rest of my statements could just be a refection  
of my subjective opinion, which may be influenced by my particular  
style of play.  If I knew more about harmonica construction I might  
be better able to analyze that, but I don't and i won't pretend to  
have expertise i don't possess.

	Best regards,
		JP