[Harp-L] Joe Spiers Harmonicas UPDATE

["Joe Spiers" <joemopar@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

My first SPAH was very cool! Wish I would have been there the whole
week. Not enough time in two days to find and meet everyone I wanted
to....

Right now I'm finishing up harps ordered last year, and I can finally
see light at the end of the tunnel!

I will need to update my website pricing and describe new model
availability before officially accepting orders again, and have just
been too busy to get that done. I do intend to resume accepting orders
before winter, and I currently accept repair work. Here's what's on my
mind- three levels of performance available for the diatonic
harmonica.

STAGE I

Blueprinted/stock. No visible modifications to factory parts--- but
every reed is accurately indexed, profiled and gapped for optimum
"stock" performance. Strobe tuned. Reed plates and wood combs
flattened. Overblow friendly, but not purposely optimized for that
style (however- the 6OB will be guaranteed). SP20, Golden Melody,
Marine Band Deluxe, Marine Band Classic. Other makes and models
possible. Choose a model you aesthetically enjoy (or tolerate) in
stock form because there'll be no comb sealing, no cover mods, no
extra screws. Keeping the labor, lead time, and price as low as I can.

The idea is to optimize within the boundries of unmodified reedslots
to provide players with enjoyable and affordable axes they can depend
on to play correctly, without waiting for the top of the line model.
The difference between "out-of-the-box/stock" and "blueprinted/stock"
is significant. Or as Ben said at SPAH- "We just need stock harps that
don't play like crap!"

STAGE II
Same as Stage one except covers opened in back and reed slots mildly
embossed for increased projection. A little more time and expense.

STAGE III
Serious performance instrument- very wide dynamic capabilities, custom
comb, plus all necessary modifications to yield the best, most
powerful and efficient harmonicas I'm capable of building. All
overbends readily accessable. Reed profiles balanced for stable
intonation and tempered response. Will be priced higher
to reflect the labor and focus involved.

If you think I'm on the right track with my plans, or have other
suggestions, please feel free to discuss it!

Thanks,
Joe Spiers