Re: [Harp-L] Lowest priced professional instrument?!

[MundHarp@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 26/01/2010 22:03:47 Malay Peninsula Standard Time,  
hvyj@xxxxxxx writes:

<<  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
>>
 
I AGREE!
When I moved from London to Cebu City, I brought with me just 11 diatonics  
and a couple of chromatics. No amp and no mike.
The missing diatonic was a Bb... F in second position C in third position.  
Also one of my favourite keys!
 
I can play well in 1st 2nd and 3rd positions; get by in 4th... so I was  
covered more or less if a song was called in the key of "F"..
 
But I felt naked, without that Bb harp.
 
I eventually obtained a Bb Meisterklasse with Blues Harp cover plates  (One 
of my favourite harps) from 
_WWW.harponline.de_ (http://www.harponline.de)  They mailed  it to me half 
way across the world.
First class service as usual. OK It took the Philippine Mail Service a  
while to deliver... Air Mail or Pigeon Post? LOL.
 
Now I have my COMPLETE instrument. Well I have a set of  12 diatonics.
 
In the Philippines a locally built GOOD guitar can be bought for  just 1800 
Pesos ($36 USD). Not quite a Gibson, but  I've seen  local bands performing 
here professionally with much worse!
However just ONE Marine Band retails here at 3,250 Pesos.... And I  have  
found it impossible to obtain ALL keys.at any price!
If obtainable, a set would come to 39,000 Philippine Pesos About  £560 GBP 
or $780 USD
I do not think that represent an inexpensive working musicians  instrument!
 
The short harp is my instrument of choice... the chromatic my 2nd  
instrument of choice.
If I could have just one harmonica it would be a chrom in D or Bb...
But I'd sooner have a set of 12 short harps
 
Sincerely
John "Whiteboy" Walden
Cebu City
Philippines