Re: [Harp-L] choose new harp

["Rick Dempster" <rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Mr.Fishmong3r,
                                   If, as you say, you have 'never even touched a harp', then I wouldn't worry too much about getting the perfect thing to start with. In the time it's taken to search the web and sent and answered all these emails, you could have been playing for a few hours already, and have at least a bit of an idea what the thing is supposed to sound like.
                                  Without knowing that, how much could you tell from testing it on the bellows/pump/squeeze box at the shop?
                                  I may be wrong, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't pick up some kind of inexpensive, ten-hole, twenty reed, 'Richter' tuned harmonica in a music shop in your country, whatever the brand or model.
                                  Some of the Chinese harps (like the Folkmaster and Bluesmaster - that's how they are marketed in Australia anyhow) are OK; I know what particularly fine local harp player who uses these onstage; not my choice necessarily, but they suit him.
                                  You have to find out what suits you, too.
Best of luck,
RD

>>> fishmong3r <fishmong3r@xxxxxxxxx> 19/04/2009 15:38 >>>
Hi,

Thanks for tips.
But I'm curious how can a man, who never even thouched a harp, so how can I
try a harp in a shop to know it's mechanically fine.

fishmong3r

2009/4/18 Bill Kumpe <bkumpe@xxxxxxx>

>
> The Suzuki BluesMaster is a great harp out of the box but the price is
> going
> up all of the time.  The Special 20 is a good harp but do a squeeze box
> test
> to make sure that all 20 reeds produce a clear, clean tone before you
> purchase it.  I have several Special 20's.  They can be turned from
> reliable
> standards into truly great harps by a skilled harp tech.  But don't leave
> out the new Hohner BluesBender.  I have one of these little guys, in C, and
> even though it is a Chinese harp, I was impressed for the price.  I think I
> paid seventeen bucks for it and it plays fine.  It's not in the same league
> with a Special 20 or a BluesMaster but it is easy to play, sounds fine (I
> have jammed with it) and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.  As a matter of
> fact, for just a couple of bucks more you could buy a C and an A for the
> price of one S20 or BM.
>
> Bill Kumpe
> Tulsa, Oklahoma
>
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