Re: [Harp-L] Origins of Toolkit

[John Kerkhoven <solo_danswer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Steve,

Though I found the order form for individual reeds, I could not find the price. I'm not talking about the 20 x 5 packs for specific keys, but individual reeds. Can you fill us in on that?

It's not listed either in the spare parts catalogue that Robert Coble posted the link to.

Thanks,

John

> People may be interested in the origins of the new Hohner Instant Workshop Toolkit.
> With inspiration from Richard Farrell and the great classical harmonica virtuoso Franz Chmel, Michael Timler first introduced a simpler form of this system in 2003, marketing it through his company Harponline. His vision was not just to develop a tool system for reed replacement, but also to offer it in combination with an easy-to-follow didactic system and then continue to develop it further to reflect customers' experiences when working with the tools. During the past decade, Michael always retained ownership of the concept.
> Personally I was convinced of the necessity to provide players with the means to repair their own instruments from the beginning and as a consultant was instrumental in persuading Hohner to supply him with reeds. Thanks to their support, Michael was able to offer individual reeds for harmonica repair from 2002 onwards. In 2005, his system was adopted by Seydel, but the logistics of single reed supply were never fully realized there. By 2010 Michael's small business had become a victim of its own success and had grown to a point where it was no longer viable for him and his family to continue running it as a cottage industry. Under these circumstances it made sense for him to to accept Hohner's offer to take over the Service Department in Trossingen and implement his concept there. As a global player, Hohner has the capacity to reach thousands of distributors, dealers, players and harmonica techs all over the world and thus facilitate quality harmonica maintenance support everywhere.
> 
> As well as allowing you to replace individual reeds, the Instant Workshop Toolkit also includes all tools necessary to do basic maintenance work on chromatic and diatonic harmonicas. The intention is to empower the player (or the dealer) to maintain, repair and improve their instruments themselves by providing them with the means to do so.
> Reeds are available either as complete sets or as individual reeds. The cost of accessing single reeds in the warehouse is high, so in order to keep prices reasonable, there is a mimimum order of 5 pcs per reed. The prices for tools and parts may appear high, but the logistics necessary to provide this service in terms of man hours and investment are expensive. Hohner is not doing this in the expectation of making a lot of money, but in order to demonstrate their committment to the harmonica community.
> Michael and Andrea Timler would like to thank everyone who was part of this process for their support. They are happy that all major harmonica brands have been touched by this development and believe that competition is good for business.
> All infos about the toolset:
> hohner-cshop.de/cms
> 
> How to order reeds or single reeds:
> hohner-cshop.de
> Look for the appropriate model in the spare parts section.
> 
> For the US market please direct all enquiries to Bill Bucco:
> bbucco@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> 
> Steve Baker
> www.stevebaker.de
> www.european-blues-masterclass.com
> www.harmonica-masters.de
> 
> 
> 
>