Re: [Harp-L] Special 20 vs. Seydel Session Steel?

[Steve Webb <swebb@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Same here, Fred. I guess I have played Special 20s for so long, I can't make a switch. I  bought a couple of custom combs from Mathew Smart, but I just don't like how it feels. And I couldn't see how they played any better.
It's probably that my playing style is suited better for the recessed harps. I play mostly pucker and I tend to jam the harp down into my bottom lip sometimes. Without the recessed reed plate, it feels like that edge is going to damage my lip.
So it's mostly SP20s, though I have various Bushman, LO and Seydel harps, too. I can tweak them well enough for my needs, but I guess I will have attempt flat sanding on a SP20, just to see what it does.
Steve in Minn.

Sent from my iPad

On Dec 28, 2012, at 8:27 PM, <fssharp@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I've tried many harps over the years, and have come to the conclusion that I
> am a confirmed recessed plate guy.  No matter how great the harp, if the
> reed plates are exposed, they eventually annoy me. (One exception may be the
> one valved Promaster I have that is essentially flush.)
> 
> In the end, the Special 20 is just about the perfect harp for me.
> Particularly after the big quality upgrade of around 2004(?).  I like my
> Oscar's ok and my Harp Masters (aka Delta Frosts) are a close second to the
> Sp20.  But nothing feels or plays quite like a 20.
> 
> I did get a Session Steel this year, and found it to be a very nice harp.  I
> supposed if I had to recommend another recessed plate harp to replace a
> Sp20, I would suggest the Session Steel or the Harp Master.  But the Session
> Steel is a little pricier and "stiffer" with smaller holes, and the Harp
> Master is a little more "bendier" and "less gutsy" than the Sp 20. So in the
> end I always come back to the Sp 20.  Many thanks to Hohner for making such
> a solid, comfortable harp.
> 
> 
> 
> I wish I could learn to love exposed plates, since the MB tone and the
> quality of harps like the Crossover, T-bird, and Manji, are said to be the
> best.  But I gotta have those plates recessed, so thank God for the Sp 20.
> I suppose I should take Matthew Smart's advice and try flat sanding a few of
> those combs, but seriously it usually only takes a good gapping review to
> make my Sp 20's play just fine.
> 
> 
> Fred S
> 
> 
> 
> 
>