[Harp-L] Wonderful (?) harmonica

["Mick Zaklan" <mzaklan@xxxxxxxxx>]

   Interesting thread.  The law of averages would seem to support the idea
that if you put a hundred or a thousand harmonicas out there; somebody is
going to become intrigued with the instrument and start expressing
themself on it.  Especially considering the portability of the thing.  If
that person eventually becomes, say, a Howard Levy; then it was probably
worth the other 999 harmonicas being discarded or consigned to drawers.
   On the other hand, I recall reading an account by a professional harpist
who claimed that he gave away cheap harps at most of his gigs for decades
and never saw a single player emerge out of this.  I believe Mr. Prushankin
also gave away thousands of harps away over his lifetime.  I wonder if
anyone ever developed into a serious player because of his generosity?  And
speaking of Harp Depot, I understand that they've given away many harmonicas
to our troops overseas.  It'll be interesting to see if any soldiers come
back and start showing up at jam nights and open stages with these harps
over the next few years.
   But in general, I'm not opposed to "fishing" for potential harmonica
players by handing out massive quantities of free harps.  As wasteful as it
might be, the jury's still out on whether or not it works.  Bottom line, our
instrument needs more players.

Mick Zaklan