Re: [Harp-L] XB-40

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rick Epping at Hohner USA invented this, didn't he?  It was a stroke of genius. I mean, this whole thing a stroke of genius, making the impossible, possible.  Just because I didn't like it, didn't mean I didn't respect it and respect Rick for the work he poured into it. 

If what you heard is true, it's representative of a very interesting dynamic. If you look back through patents, you see some amazing designs. Most of the problems we have with our harmonicas, somebody has addressed it and gone through the expense of getting a patent on it. Some of them get made. Most don't. 
But through all this, we never, as a community waiver from the Richter style, Richter note placement harmonica - although gnarly has enough odd tunings for the rest of us. It would seem the only potential usurper that has enjoyed any real staying power is the slide chromatic and even it was Richter note-placement for several years. 
 
David Payne
www.elkriverharmonicas.com


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________________________________
 From: Timothy Kane <hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Chuck Linville <linvillec@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 10:26 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] XB-40
 
I'll begin by saying that I've never played one. I've wanted one for a while, but never taken the plunge. I do know that the word on the street is that Hohner is planning to pull the plug on the XB-40. So if you want to try for another key, better get after it soon. I'd say G or A would both be good keys to have a power bender in. 


 

                          Hawkeye Kane
                                                                                                 hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx
                                                                                                     Cell: (217)-741-7183
                                                                                                    www.hawkeyekane.com