RE: [Harp-L] SP 20's Life Span

[Steve Shaw <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> Its funny that so many of the SP 20's break, That they've come up with a
> replacement deal, probable the same bin the original are from.
>
> Don't get me wrong I like and still buy them because they play so easily but
> (mabe that's the price we pay to have that ease of bending) but they are the
> only harp that breaks down on a regular basis.(for me anyway.)
> I started buying Marine Bands but again (for me) they take a lot of care to stay
> sounding like new.
>
> The Lee Oskar's are the ones I do nothing to. Just wash once in a great while.
> But there not really the sound I'm looking for.I'm
> Having real good luck with the Golden Melody also.
> I guess the good thing is you'll have plenty of extra reed for repairing
> practice on SP 20"s.
> I've played some really nice old vintage harp from EBay and after cleanig them
> and lite adjustments they sound great and seem to keep in tune alittle longer.
> go figure...

I agree, though with the caveat that good playing style, that elusive thing, can help them last much longer. A really nice harp that is comfortable, inexpensive and very long-lasting is the Suzuki Bluesmaster. I've found that a little tickling is needed on occasion to get them playing nicely, but most harps need a bit of that anyway unless you're incredibly lucky.