RE: [Harp-L] Cheap harps

[Buck Worley <boogalloo@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Richard. I agree. But I keep a couple of Blues Bands in my case for giveaways to kids. I took a dozen to a Cub Scout campout and we all had a ball.
I never see Johnsons mentioned. I have had some good luck with Johnsons just for carrying in my pocket and if I get some lint in them or drop them or whatever I'm only out >$10. If someone asks for a little tune off the cuff I'm ready and dont have to run the risk of ruining a $50 harp by carrrying it in my pocket without being in a case. Usually in these instances the requester is happy with what I deliver. If a request is made by someone whom I perceive as "serious" I just say "well I dont have a harp on me". So with that said, in my world, cheap harps have their place in a not so serious setting.Buck

> Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 13:29:32 -0600
> From: turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Cheap harps
> 
> It seems to me that the most important question in this thread is: what's the least expensive harp that meets minimum needs for volume, responsiveness, durability, etc.--an instrument that will not hinder either a beginner or a pro?
> 
> The answer depends on the player, of course.  High-end players need high-end instruments; concert pianists do not practice or perform on anything less than a well-tuned concert piano.  In terms of harmonicas, Howard levy plays very technically demanding stuff, and I'm sure he practices as well as performs on high-end instruments; it probably doesn't matter much what make or model Bob Dylan is playing on, so long as it's in tune, given that he doesn't put a lot of demands on the instrument.
> 
> That said, I agree with several other posters: a Lee Oskar, Special 20, or lower-end Suzuki harp is a solid choice for a beginner.  The slightly greater expense is more than justified by better playability, without which any player will be unable to progress. It's terribly frustrating to play lame instruments, and the lowest-priced instruments are thoroughly lame.  But I definitely would not advise a beginner to buy more-expensive instruments until she knows that harmonica is going to play a continuing role in her life.
> 
> Players who've already progressed beyond the beginner stage, who know that their relationship with the harmonica is going to last a long time, should get the best instruments they can afford.  And of course, instruments in every price range are a lot better now than they were even ten years ago, and FAR better than they were 20 to 30 years ago. 
> 
> regards, Richard Hunter
> 
> author, "Jazz Harp" 
> latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://hunterharp.com
> Myspace http://myspace.com/richardhunterharp
> Vids at http://www.youtube.com/user/lightninrick
> more mp3s at http://taxi.com/rhunter
> Twitter: lightninrick