[Harp-L] Hohner myths and realities

[Jonathan Ross <jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paul Routledge writes:

"I know that Andy Garrigue has stated that Hohner return rate for  
harmonicas is less than 1/2 of 1%. But the reality is, that is only  
because most of us fix them ourselves if there is a problem."

Nope.  I would guess less than 1% of harmonica players and buyers  
work on their harps at all.  Harp-l is not a representative body,  
especially not if you just look at the few people who actually post  
compared to the thousand-odd who lurk.  Looking at harp-l makes you  
think everyone is taking their harps apart and tweaking them to their  
hearts delight.  That simply isn't the case at all-- a few people do  
this and write about it.  Most don't bother.


JohnnieHarp writes:

"PPPS   subsitute instruments in similar price range ... Suzuki
Bluesmaster $31... decent Yamaha recorder for jazz $30 ... Xaphoon
pocket sax $60 ... decent ½ half sized acoustic guiter $100 ... ½
sized Fender-Squier Stratocaster $100"

I could see this making sense for the Bluesmaster, but comparing a  
harmonica to a recorder makes little sense.  True, this is probably  
in response to what Andy Garrigue wrote about other professional  
instruments, but then none of what you listed can be considered  
professional grade instruments.  Also, comparing an acoustic to an  
electric instrument just doesn't work.  Electronics are cheap, a  
working acoustic instrument is much more difficult to make.  A more  
realistic comparison would be to a Martin D-45 (the classic model  
similar to an MB).  The price there is $7,499.00 from Musician's  
Friend (again a 1/2 sized guitar is not a professional instrument-- 
and we may also disagree on what "decent" is quality-wise).

Let's face it, even at $50 each harmonicas are cheap, but not as  
cheap as harmonica players.





JR Ross