[Harp-L] Harp Tech Gurus / Hohner Affiliated Customizers

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I wanted to comment on a coupla points in the recent discussion:

It's certainly true that it takes an accomplished player to be able to accurately assess the work of any given harp tech. It's also true that Hohner has initiated a certification system, the Hohner Affiliated Customizer program. However, certification in this program is not granted by Hohner. 

In order to ensure a genuine and independent guarantee of quality for the consumer, and to eliminate the uncertainties posed by the difficulties of reaching an objective judgement, Hohner has appointed Joe Filisko to be Head of Certication Program. He alone assesses the work of prospective customizers and Hohner is contractually bound to abide by his decision. 

Prospective candidates can apply directly to Hohner, and if their application for for assessment is accepted, they must send samples of their work directly to Joe for in depth evaluation (this generally takes several months). He will then either say "yes" or "no". Only if he is completely satisfied that the instruments meet his very exacting standards will the candidate be granted certification as a Hohner Affiliated Customizer.

Presumably most list members would agree that as the initiator of commercial harmonica customizing and role model for most of those who have followed him, as well as being a master player, Joe is qualified to make such judgements. Such a guarantee of quality has never existed in the past and no other manufacturer has attempted to establish one. The consumer can only benefit from this.

Understandably, Hohner expects those fortunate enough to earn certification in the Affiliated Customizer Program to agree to work exclusively on Hohner instruments. Thomas Hanke from Leipzig, Germany was the first customizer to be certified under this system (www.hankeharmonicas.com) and he has been followed by Joe Spiers in the USA and Neil Graham in Australia. All make fantastic harmonicas on the basis of Hohner instruments.

Steve Baker
www.stevebaker.de
www.european-music-workshops.com
www.harmonica-masters.de