Re: [Harp-L] Piedmont Set

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

The set is an inexpensive way to get a set of harps. They are entry level  
harps. So what? The price is right. And if you want to go slightly upscale, 
get  the Hohner Bluesband harp set. They come in a similar case and seem to 
differ  only by having metal covers instead of plastic covers. BOTH ARE  
good entry  level sets. Both of my sets seem to in tune in all keys. FYI: 
Bluesband usually  only comes in the key of C and in a cardboard box. The 
Piedmont usually sells in  a fishbowl of 50 harps in the key of C.
 
If you want to sample what playing the same song in different keys sounds  
like without spending a lot of money these two sets are a great bargain. 
 
If you like to send money, buy a set of 7 harps in the brand that you like. 
 Everybody who is even halfway serious about playing harp should have 
several  keys, just to see how the different keys sound and play.
Amazon had the Bluesband set. I have free second-day service from Amazon  
(after you pay the annual fee) and I wanted to get a Piedmont set for to show 
my  harmonica class before the next week's class. That's when I learned of 
the  Bluesband set. I had already used a set of Bluesband harps for an 
earlier class  -- was well satisfied with the harp. BTW I own all three models of 
the Marine  Band, SP 20s, Golden Melodys and Big Rivers of the Hohner line. 
I own lots of  other brands, too. Piedmont sets cost about $30 U.S. 
Bluesband  sets $40.
 
Phil
 
 
 
In a message dated 11/16/2010 6:09:17 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:


Dear  Reeders;

One of my students asked what I thought of the deal for a set  of seven 
'Piedmont' harps from Hohner. 
Around $60.00 here in Aust.(similar  in US at the current exchange rate, I 
would think)
My response was that,  though I didn't know for sure, I would have thought 
that, at that  price,
they were probably similar to the 'Hot Metal' line,
and made in  China to much lower standard than the German product. 
While I think it's  not a bad idea for beginners to have a range of cheap 
harps so they can work  on finding keys etc.
without having to shell out too much before they work  out if they are 
going to continue, 
this student, if I am any judge, having  taught (or failed to teach) around 
1,000 people (in groups, mind you)
is  obviously going to do quite well if he sticks at it, so good quality 
won't be  wasted on him.
Anyhow, am I right? are they Chinese and similar to the 'Hot  Metal' line? 
(which from my one off experience are awful)
I looked on  Hohner's website, and searched Harp-l archives, but no help.
Appreciate  your opinions, gang.
Thanks, 
RD