Re: [Harp-L] Marine band

[Dennis Michael Montgomery <gaulay2@xxxxxxxxx>]

I find it funny that anyone can get nostalgic over Marine Bands.  To me they were an annoyance.  

For starters, I grew to dislike the box it came in.  The instructions that came with it said to always keep the harp in the box to keep it protect.  The problem was the stupid box would always wear out before the harp did.  The second annoyance was the wooded combs would swell causing them to protrude which would rub your mouth raw especially when playing fast.  The third annoyance was after time the nails would start coming out and it was a bear to try to keep them in.

In those days I didn't have the funds to buy more nor did I have the tools, the skills, and lore to fix them.  I also had the same problems with Hohner Blues Harp.

In spite of all of these annoyances I had fun, however years later when I discovered the Suzuki Bluesmaster I was overjoyed.  No more cardboard boxes, no more swelling combs, and no more falling nails and on top of that they were easier to bend and sounded very good.

Notwithstanding, I did miss the woody sound and since then have discovered the Crossover.  The Crossovers have become one of my favorite harmonicas.  The Crossover is more expensive than the 1896 Marine Band, but is worth the price.

Dennis Montgomery



On Saturday, March 15, 2014 8:09 AM, "Cljdm@xxxxxxx" <Cljdm@xxxxxxx> wrote:
 
Hey everyone,

I play Marine Bands and cannot seem to switch.
 I have tried a number of  
other brands, but seem to always stick with my Marine Bands. I guess it is  
because MBs are what I grew up with. I do not like the Deluxe model though. 
and  tinny for me". I really cannot explain exactly, but I do prefer the 
"regular  MBs".

I do have to tweak the MBs a bit out of the box, and they can be a bit  
inconsistent. Yet when I have a Marine Band that plays well, I have to say it  
has been my harp of choice. I break them in slowly, and I never soak them. I 
also wipe them down and let them air after playing them. I also wipe with  
bottled alcohol periodically.

I am not saying there are not other good harps out there. Seydel  Soloist 
Pros come to mind, among others harmonicas. I think a lot has to do  with the 
style and methods the individual player uses that go into which harp  brand 
to choose. In other words it
 is such a personal choice. I play mostly  
Blues and some melodies. I also am pretty hard on my harps. When I get a good  
Marine Band (which is more often nowadays) it can last me for years and  
years.

No connection with Hohner ( I could only wish ;) ), Just my opinions and  
experiences.
Chris Mastakas


In a message dated 3/15/2014 5:56:04 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tcslim@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:

I'm  wondering people's experience views on standard marine bands these 
days. My  concern or query is do the combs still swell like they used to? I 
tend to buy  deluxe these days. But need to consider a cheaper option at the 
moment.  

Cheers Tom 

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