Re: [Harp-L] Re: Thunderbird

[Tom Albanese <reedwrecker@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks for setting the record strait as usual, Steve. And to quote from my
original post that started this thread: "Filisko and Hohner really nailed
it. This thing is FOG HORN low, sounds fantastic and plays
beautifully!" Truth.

t.a.

On Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 11:38 AM, Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> There's been some speculation recently about the development of the MB
> Thunderbird. I was involved in this from the beginning and would like to
> set the record straight:
>
> Hohner worked on developing a better low key harp for some time before
> involving any of the players mentioned. Howard Levy and Dennis Gruenling
> were among those players to whom we gave prototypes to test and whose
> positive reactions were a great encouragement. The only player outside the
> Hohner company to be involved in the development as such was Joe Filisko,
> who agreed to let us adopt the conical lower cover form which he pioneered.
> This is the best way to eliminate reed rattle in such low pitched
> harmonicas and Joe was the first to modify standard covers in this manner,
> which is why the Thunderbird cover bears his signature. The actual
> realization of these covers in the manufacturing process, on the other
> hand, was the work of the Hohner R&D department, where staff put a great
> deal of time and effort into developing a tool capable of die stamping
> asymmetrical covers to the exacting tolerances required. They were also
> responsible for the reed development needed to create such low pitched
> reeds within a regular long slot mensur without adding weights to the tips.
>
> Hope that helps,
>
> Steve Baker
> www.stevebaker.de
> www.european-music-workshops.com
> www.harmonica-masters.de
>
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