[Harp-L] Lowest priced professional instrument?

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

When i think about the price of harmonicas, I think about the cost of  
a performing set. i carry a performing set of 13 (12 standard keys  
and high G) and I use them all regularly  (except for B which i use  
very infrequently).  Maybe it's because I don't OB and i play  
multiple positions, but I think of my entire set as my instrument.   
If a tune gets called, i select which key harp  I'm going to play in  
which position.  Equinox will put me in 4th. St. Thomas will put me  
in 1st.  I Shot The Sheriff or Little Wing will put me in 5th. So  
What will put me in 3d, but I need to use 2 harps. Got My Mojo  
Working, will put me in 2d. etc.

So, i consider my "instrument" to be my entire SET of harps.  If one  
is playing primarily blues and only using 2 or 3 positions, maybe a  
performing set will consist of 7 or 8 harps.  BUT a serous diatonic  
player needs to cary multiple instruments in a range of keys.  13  
Suzuki Hammonds @ $45 or so a piece adds up to more than the cost of  
many other moderately priced instruments.

So, I guess it depends how you look at it and whether you can  
realistically consider a single harp to be your instrument.

JP