Re: [Harp-L] Tombo Aero Reed

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

martin oldsberg wrote:
> Has anyone had any experience with the Tombo Aero Reed? 
> <snip>
> I fail to see any advantages with it. 
> <snip>
> How does it hold up in terms of longevity? 
> <snip>
> The Ultimos I own <snip> are probably the best harmonicas that 
> I´ve ever played. Is it just the metal body that is the thing 
> with the Aero Reed -- and if so, what´s the intrinsic appeal of 
> weight?

I own an Aero Reed, and I, too, don't see anything particularly 
innovative about it.  It does seem to be most substantially about 
the weight of the solid metal (chromed) comb.  I don't play mine a 
lot, since it's not particularly overblow-friendly without a lot of 
work, so I can't really comment on the longevity.  In fact, it was 
because it was unremarkable that I chose not to invest the time to 
make it more compatible with my playing style.  Honestly, I forget I 
own it until something like this reminds me.  

I also own a number of Tombo Ultimos, and like them quite a lot, 
though I'd stop short of calling them the best harmonicas I've ever 
played (I own a couple of composite combed Richard Sleigh custom 
Marine Bands that probably fit that description).  I've done a lot 
of work on my set of Ultimos, and they currently make up my Melody 
Maker tuned set that I take to gigs. Some of them see a lot of 
action.  I am very fond of their ergonomics, with the low profile 
and full-length covers, and recessed reed plates, which gives them a 
very comfortable mouthpiece.  They're surprisingly loud considering 
the narrowness of the rear cover openings.  Too bad they're so hard 
to get in the states.  

-tim