[Harp-L] Australian harp techs ? Neil Graham is my #1 reference...

[Robert KOCH <rok68@xxxxxxx>]

   The name of Neil Graham came up recently several times in this 
thread. I own three of Neil's "Deluxe Professional Custom Hybrid" (C, G 
and Ab), his top of the line model. They are among the best harps I own 
(Filiskos, Sleighs, Gordons, Moyers, Ramoses)! They are tight, very 
responsive, loud and, if nothing else, extremely fast to play. Why? 
Three reasons, IMHO.
   1) The comb: machined with African blackwood  a bit bigger than your 
average Hohner Marine Band, the air chambers are gently smoothed and 
burnished for improved airflow. The mouthpiece is slightly raised and 
the edges are rounded off. This gives a great feel, particularely when 
tongue blocking. Neils claims that his mouthpiece design is "an 
individual feature" of this custom built. Rightly so...
   2) The reed plates: a lot has been said on this list on reed 
profile. Neil uses Meisterklasse 580 plates, known by customizers to be 
quite difficult to work on. Somehow, he managed to set the*** *offsets 
for maximum compression and instant response. Neil also states on his 
site that "stress points on reeds are diminished to ensure longer life 
and improved performance". I testify to that: during the three years 
I've owned these harps, not one single reed went out of tune (I opted 
for a compromise tuning when I ordered). I play mostly acoustic and am 
known to have little mercy for my instrument.
   3) The cover plates: the Hohner Big River covers Neils uses for his 
"hybrids" are said to be among the loudest (projection wise) on the 
market. Opened out and deepened to prevent reed rattle, these give the 
instrument a phenomenal dynamic range (great for acoustic blues!).  
Also, a smart little back brace prevents the harps from crushing (a 
feature also available on Brad's "B Radical").
   Don't know why these beauties seem to be the best kept secret of the 
custom harmonica world.
   May I add that Neil is charm to work with...
   Usual disclaimer applies.
   Sunnyside