Re: [Harp-L] recommended harps

[Richard Hammersley <rhhammersley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Tom
Like yourself I am an amateur who has been playing since the early  
70s, but I barely played harp between about 1987 and 2004, because I  
was learning the guitar and how to sequence and sample. When I came  
back I was stunned by the variety of harmonics available, so over the  
years I have bought a variety pack of the new models to find out what  
I like and what the new stuff can do.

The valved Suzuki MR350vs are interesting. An XB40 is currently the  
one I carry about with me. The low tunings are interesting - have a  
low tuning Seydel in A that plays a mean blues growl. Lee Oskars are  
great easy to play sound good uncomplicated harps. None of them are  
'best' though. "Best" comes from the player. I have also revived a  
Sonny Boy Williamson style 12 hole Marine Band that I have had since  
about 1977. Folk said on the list that it doesn't make the player  
sound like him. They are wrong! (Well in my heart anyway). I don't  
think you can get the timbre of his later playing on anything else old  
or new.

But after all that, if I had money to spend on harmonicas and lived in  
the USA I would try one of Buddha's custom jobs which are reasonably  
priced. The idea of playing more keys on fewer harmonicas appeals to  
me and his workmanship is highly recommended by many on this list.

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Richard Hammersley
Grantshouse, Scottish Borders
http://www.last.fm/music/Richard+Hammersley
http://www.myspace.com/rhammersley
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