Re: [Harp-L] Cheap harps

[Timothy Kane <hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx>]

Don't get me wrong here. I'm not saying that a cheap harp is a particularly GOOD thing to learn on. I'm saying they're a good thing to have for practice or backup during a gig. Yes, a beginner should learn on something better than a Silvertone. A MB, SP20, or Harpmaster would be ideal. And then when progressed enough and a full key-set of good harps has been acquired, use the cheapies for practice. 
 
And I think I should define my perceived differences between a cheap harp and an inferior harp. Cheap harp in my description would include harps like Silvertones and maybe Big Rivers. Under 30 bucks for the most part, reliable, decent tone and bendability, and not too leaky.
 
An inferior harp would include things like Folkmasters, Blues Bands, Pocket Pals, and any of the Hohner harps with plastic cover plates. Jambones, LoDucas, and Pantheons would fall in there as well. They're leaky as a sift, don't bend, and are often out of tune. They're pretty much worthless for any purpose. 

                          Hawkeye Kane
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