[Harp-L] Re: Cheap Harps

[Maka McMahon <makamcmahon@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think a contributor to the diversity of opinion on cheap harps is the variability in their quality.
 
One would hope that the more expensive harmonicas are built with better quality assurance and are therefore less likely (but not impossible) to produce a 'lemon'.  The cheaper harps have less QA and more variable outcomes - more lemons, but a few gems too.
 
So some folks will swear what great value their cheap harp was - a gem.  And a few will swear at their one example of a well known brand that was a lemon.
 
A willingness and ability to rectify some of the simpler QA issues (via gapping/tuning etc) can change an apparent lemon into a gem, but beginners may lack those skills.
 
So the main reason for paying a bit more is to reduce your chances of getting a lemon and to have the warranty and technical support to rectify things if you do.  The stories of individual lemons and gems at all sorts of price points and brands will continue regardless.
 
Just my 2c
 
Maka