Re: [Harp-L] Re: [HarpTalk] Sonnyboy Williamson 47 hours to go...

[MundHarp@xxxxxxx]

Rice Miller (Sonny Boy Williamson 2) In his later years came to the UK, and 
 while he was in England,  he got hold of  a batch of Hohner's 12  hole 
diatonic harps, sold in England as Echo Vampers, and in America as Marine  Band 
12 hole.... They were MUCH BETTER than any of the 10 hole diatonics  
available back then.
They were at that time available in every major key, and "tenor  tuned".... 
As far as I remember, most all keys of the "Echo Vamper" were an  octave 
lower than the regular Marine Band 10 hole that were sold in England  at that 
time as Echo Super Vampers...
My "harp of choice" back then (I was in my mid teens) was the 12 hole  Echo 
Vamper, with bell metal reeds... But once Hohner refused to continue  to 
supply me with harmonicas wholesale... I was buying a dozen in each key at a  
time... I often purchased 36 or 48 harps, every month or so... (I blew out  
LOTS of harps back then!)
So I simply could  no longer afford  to purchase the 12 hole  harps... They 
were 1/2 as much MORE expensive then than the 10 hole ones... I  guess the 
fool in charge of marketing for Hohner UK back then simply thought I  was 
some " fool rich kid".... And  that I was of no importance whatsoever!  But I 
know I was buying more harmonicas from them on a monthly basis, than 75%  of 
the music stores they supplied!
Hohner's stupid decision back then put my harp playing career back by  
YEARS! 
I have always liked Hohner harmonicas, but their attitude to musicians,  
has  (in my opinion) always seemed arrogant. Such is life!
John "Whiteboy" Walden
Just now in England....
_http://johnwalden.freevar.com_ (http://johnwalden.freevar.com) 
 
 
 
In a message dated 11/15/2011 9:06:54 P.M. GMT Standard Time,  
billhines4@xxxxxxxxx writes:

What's  the deal with "low C harp"? Are the example recordings done on a Low
C?