[Harp-L] Re: Custom Harmonica Review - Dave Payne

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thank you Matt, for your kind words.Â
I think my stuff was decent a couple of years ago, but I wasn't making harps like that then. I have to give Brad Harrison a lot of credit for that with his Harrison method training. He was an incredible teacher. That is, by no means whatsoever a Harrison method harp, but Brad opened this new world for me and got me thinking in all these neat directions and create my own method based on what I've learned and developed.ÂOne example, that thing you mentioned where it sounds brassy, the idea of the secret-squirrel thing that makes that happen has its roots in watching Brad develop the 10.3 reeds - from what I learned there, the thing that makes that stuff happen - and some other things - was a progression of concepts in my head that started watching Brad design those 10.3 reeds. Brad was always so free with information with me, but the way he presented wasn't lecturing it to you. He said "today, we're gonna learn about air flow," or anything, he liked to
 answer specific questions and he tried to instill in you the ability to ask the right questions. He got really excited when people payed attention and asked him questions.Â
He was showing me something trade-secret about gapping. It was the first thing he ever showed me.
The conversation was:
Brad: "Do you have any questions." Â
Me: "No. It seems clear to me."Â
Brad: "Are you sure you don't want to ask me any questions?"
Me: "No. I got it."Â
Brad: "Well you should be asking me some questions."
Me: "I don't have any questions. I got it. I was paying attention, you know."Â
Brad: "I'll tell you what your question should be. This should ALWAYS be your question anytime I show you anything: 'what are my tolerances? (meaning the window of minimum and maximum attribute or something, such as the distance of a gap)"

Also, I wanted to mention to anyone interested in it, Elk River Intonation is not a compromise tuning.Â
Â
David Payne
www.elkriverharmonicas.com
www.hetrickharmonica.com


________________________________
 From: Matthew Smart <matthewsmart@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Harp-L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>; David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2012 12:55 AM
Subject: Custom Harmonica Review - Dave Payne
 
As Im sure many of you know, Dave Payne works for us now and so you can say im making this up to sell harps. that is fine. Think that if you want! This is not biased. If this harmonica sucked, I would not post a review. Nor, have I EVER posted a full review of another customizers work until now...

BUT, I today received a special custom harmonica from my friend Dave Payne. sometimes us customizers like to share harps when we play on the same team. Dave was kind enough to make me a beautiful seydel 1847 G, with steel, reeds, but brass reedplates ah hah. Discontinued, but still available for dealers. Old pre war seydel covers and a gorgeous fat tone, american chestnut comb. 800 years old.

1st, aesthetics awesome. really nice looking harp. Took the time to polish the covers and edges of the brass reedplates.

All 4 5 6 overblows work. no squeal. hard to hit 4 and 5 on a G. But they are there on this harp.

2 and 3 draw smoke. Hard for me to do deep throat vibrato on these holes on a stock. EASY on this. 4 draw like butter.

THE HARP IS REALLY LOUD.

The tuning is unparalleled. Elk River compromise tuning. Every chord like velvet. Perfectly smooth. Dave has the best ear. It shows.

Here is the last comment:

Up til now, I have not been a fan of steel reeds. I really like working with Seydel. I really like seydel brass. I really like hohner brass. Dave made this thing sound brassy. If there is such a word. I might be converted.

Dave Rules. BUT please do not buy his harmonicas. Because Id rather him build me more and not you = )

p.s. the comb is almost .30 thick and so for all of those people that think thin combs make the harp play better, I respectfully disagree!




-- hetrickharmonica@xxxxxx
www.hetrickharmonica.com
www.harpcase.com
www.harmonicacombs.com
www.bambooharmonicacombs.com
Matthew Smart & Scott Hetrick/678-851-1434

Please consider the following when doing business with us (this is our email signature):

1) Problems getting a tight seal on that harmonica? Every single comb is quality tested before shipping. Donât forget to flat sand those reedplates. Video how to at www.harmonicacombs.com

2) Please be patient with us on orders. We make everything in house and we are slaves to perfection. Quality takes time!

3) On the rare occasion that you should have a problem with our products or services, please don't keep it to yourself or post your displeasure on public forums. Please contact us directly so that we can resolve it immediately.

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