[Harp-L] My Scott Magowan 1923 story

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I called the clothing store, Miller Magowan, to make sure Scott was OK healthwise or whatever, but that number has been disconnected... Miller-Magowan and Harp House was the same operation... It was a Miller-Magowan "also does business as Lil' Harp House" situation. So whatever catastrophic did happen, it was probably related to the clothes store. 
 
I remember back at Buckeye '07, I went over to the Best Lil' Harp House booth to get some of the cheap $10 Herings for my kids. This guy was wanting to know about the 1923 Hering and was asking Scott about it. Scott wasn't getting anywhere with the guy, so I jumped in and started telling the guy about the 1923, how it was tuned, comb material, etc., I expounded on the awesomeness of the Just tuning concept, etc. and answered his follow-up questions. The guy bought two or three 1923 harps from Scott, I bought the harps for my kids and went on my merry way.
That afternoon, I see Scott. Scott says "I just want to thank you for what you did today." At first, I didn't know what he was talking about, I had forgotten, but he reminded me. 
He said "no, really, I want to thank you. Come by my booth later." 
So, I did. He offered me a free 1923, but he didn't have a Bb 1923, and I really needed a Bb, so he gave me one of these, I think it's hering Blues, instead, it was about the same price. 
Still have it, of course. Those are the things you really remember....
 
Dave
__________________________
Dave Payne Sr. 
Elk River Harmonicas
www.elkriverharmonicas.com  
 
 
Est. Annual Sales:$450,000
Est. Employees:5
Est. Employees at Location:5



----- Original Message ----
From: "av1901@xxxxxxx" <av1901@xxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 1:03:09 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Re: Harp House


I for one will miss Kevin's Harps which later became the Best Little Harp House. I loved the catalogues and did a good deal of business with Kevin McGowan. While I usually called in my orders and had them shipped (quickly, inexpensively, and accurately), and later ordered from the website, I did enjoy visiting the physical "store" and Kevin himself.

For those who don't know, the operation was in the back of a small men's clothing store (McGowan's) in Bordentown, New Jersey, USA. Kevin had shelves full of harps and CDs in the back of the clothing store, with some cool signed promo photos of Willim Clarke, Junior Wells and Charlie Musselwhite, amongst others. I remember driving I295 up to see Kevin from my home town of Wilmington, Delaware to try out one of his Chrystal Balls microphones. I brought my Champ 12 amp (long gone) to the store and we went down in the basement to test it out. Bought it.

Never had a problem with the store and will miss them. Still have the catalogues..... the '2001, a Harp Odysey' catalogue was a clssic.

I have used Coast to Coast twice recently and have been VERY pleased with their website, selection, prices, service and delivery. They have the harps I've needed, and I just picked up a Holmes Harp Commander Jr.?They will get my business in the future and I highly recommend them to others. (I only wish they had a cool catalogue like Kevin's).

.....just wish I could still get a Special 20 for $17.99.

Andy Vincent
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