Re: [Harp-L] Bends Tonica Chromatic Review

[Slim Heilpern <slim@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Polesky, MPA wrote:
> Howdy,
>
> That does indeed show a picture of the "tabs" that are on both sides 
> of each hole in the instrument.  I don't know a lot about these - 
> although I have seen them used before in custom instruments.  I guess 
> the idea is to create a square hole out of the round peg (outer hole).
>
> I am not sure if I totally agree with the philosophy behind it, but I 
> bet they tested it with and without these "hole guards" to see how the 
> instrument performed.  For those of you who aren't sure what we are 
> talking about, the holes on the slide plate - in front of the slide - 
> are smaller than the round holes you blow into.  
Oh, I thought Chesper was talking about the slots on the sides of the 
backplate. They appear in two locations and are similar to the ones on a 
270, they are used (I assume) to keep the slide on a tight track -- with 
the upper plate containing the tabs that fit into these slots. Not 
uncomfortable at all on the Bends.

> They also take the round edges off the actual hole you are blowing 
> through so that the square hole that gets the air is smaller than the 
> round.
>
> I bet that there is a more elegant solution than that for keeping 
> round holes from leaking air away from the aquaria comb.  Certainly 
> one approach is cross tuning - although I like straight tuned 
> chromatics a little better.
>
> One question I have for Slim is how much he paid for it or if he knows 
> how much it sells for.  I am curious to see.
I don't remember exactly, I remember I was very pleased with the NAMM 
show price, and it was less expensive than the cheapest price I've seen 
on line:

http://cybermusicalinstruments.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=bends

Which currently has 12-holes in various keys for $190. That sounds like 
a very competitive price considering the quality and out-of-the-box 
playability of this axe (or maybe I was lucky ;-)).

According to the following website, the list price is $339.95 (and they 
are selling them for $237):

http://www.instrumentalsavings.com/SearchResults.asp?cat=431&RefineBy_Manufacturer=Bends&RefineBy_Price=&Search=

- Slim.
> Michael