[Harp-L] The "newest" Stradivarius of Harmonicas!

[Michael Rubin]

Vern,
At the risk of opening up a can of worms, I participated in the comb test
at SPAH where Tom Halchak had me and many other harp players play the same
brand of harp with different combs.  I definitely noticed differences in
tone.  He gifted me with a special comb, I think it was brass and it was a
favorite harp for a while.  A reed broke and it is somewhere in the
graveyard, but I should dig it up and put the comb on a stock harp.

Just my opinion, comb affects tone, if only for the player.  Many audience
members stated they also heard variety.
Michael Rubin
michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Sat, May 7, 2016 at 1:24 AM, Vern <jevern at fea.net> wrote:

> Oh pshaw, Bob,
>
> I share your skepticism about the features touted on the website.  I have
> the following questions and comments:
>
> * Individual channel covers for each reed.  Many years a ago I had a
> Hohner 2016 with that feature.  I could not perceive any special effect.
>
> * Brass comb and channels plus SS covers.   It must weigh a ton.
>
> * Comb material doesn’t affect tone.
>
> * Accordion-style individual reedplates.   Has the hole-spacing grown to
> accommodate this feature?
>
> * IF so and with cross-tuning, the button travel could be very long.
>
> * Details smaller than half a wavelength won’t affect the direction or
> reflection of the sound.  That stuff about chamber shapes is pure BS.
>
> * If a group of listeners can tell the difference between Psardos and
> Hohner Super 64s under the controlled conditions of a blind comparison,
> then we can start thinking about paying $2k for a harmonica.
>
> * What about valves?  They are the things most in need of improvement in
> chromatics.
>
> Vern
>
> > On May 6, 2016, at 9:50 PM, Robert Coble <robertpcoble at hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > I just received an email from one Ron Wishnak touting the Psardo
> Chromatic 64. You too can pre-order for only
> > $200.00 down payment, with the balance due and payable once it is
> actually manufactured at some point in the
> > future. The Silver Elite lists for "only" $2195, and the Gold Bar for
> "only" $2695. Get on the priority pre-order list
> > now, and for "only" another $2,000-$3,000 you too can be one of the
> first in line to. . .complain to the BBB about
> > non-delivery?!?
> >
> >
> > No offense to Mr. Wishnak, who is probably a very well-intentioned
> businessman. Why do I envision him playing
> > his innovative new line of harmonicas on an old tune called "The Road to
> Hell is paved with Good Intentions."
> >
> >
> > Link to the money quote: http://www.philharmonicas.com/preorder.html
> >
> >
> > Why do I have an uneasy feeling I've seen something similar before?!?
> Calling Brad Harrison. . .
> >
> >
> > If Mr. Wishnak is legitimate, I apologize in advance, but I would think
> that if he is familiar with the prior marketing
> > of the B-Radical, he would eschew this business model.
> >
> >
> > Crazy (but not crazy enough to anticipate or participate by sending good
> money after bad) Bob
> >
>
>
>
>