[Harp-L] ACE Chromatic New wood inserts by Tom Halchak at SPAH

[Vern]

The notion that plugs of various materials inserted into the comb of a harmonica can affect the tone is laughable.
Making the claim is false advertising.
Charging an outrageous price for this gimmick is customer abuse.
Save yourself time and money by dismissing the ACE from serious consideration.

I have written a 7-page essay on “THE CASE AGAINST THE MATERIALS EFFECT”
I have submitted it for publication in Harmonica Happenings but it has not yet been accepted or rejected.

If you wish to read it, I’ll email a copy to you.

As you can see, I have mixed feelings on the subject.  ;o)

Vern


> On Jul 18, 2017, at 6:05 PM, Rick Dempster <rickdempster33 at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> Duh....sorry...what are "wood inserts" and where do they go? I'm a late
> starter on chrom and the more I practise the more maintenance troubles
> I have. If this improves the durability of the instrument, Im interested.
> RD
> 
> On 19 July 2017 at 06:28, Joseph Leone <3n037 at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
>> If you have a vice and some various scrap metals. or in  my case teak
>> flooring, around the house, you should be able to make these. They’re not
>> rocket anthropology.
>> smo-joe     (who once told William Tell: “Aim a little higher”)lol
>> 
>>> On Jul 18, 2017, at 3:43 PM, Slim Heilpern <slim at xxxxx> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Wow, I didn’t think I could be surprised anew with respect to Hohner’s
>> ability to do stupid stuff. After all the publicity about the choice
>> between would and brass “Acoustic Coupling Elements”, to not even have them
>> in stock (not to mention that crazy price) seems to point to incompetence.
>>> 
>>> My question for you (Michael) is, did you try both types of elements at
>> SPAH and notice a big difference?
>>> 
>>> I’ve yet to try an ACE, but I’ve heard nothing but raves from those who
>> have. On the other hand, I literally have too many chroms at this point,
>> not intending to buy any more for a at least a bit...
>>> 
>>> - Slim.
>>> 
>>> www.SlimAndPenny.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2017, at 11:21 AM, Michael Rubin <
>> michaelrubinharmonica at xxxxx> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Correction, the harp costs $700.  Still expensive.
>>>> 
>>>> On Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 12:59 PM, Michael Rubin <
>>>> michaelrubinharmonica at xxxxx> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>>> I spent three salivating the ACE chromatic being heavily advertised.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I played it at SPAH 2016 with both brass and wood inserts.  It was a
>> great
>>>>> harp.
>>>>> 
>>>>> The Hohner rep warned me the wood inserts would not be included iof I
>>>>> didn't buy right then.
>>>>> 
>>>>> That would be okay, I thought.  How much more could they be?
>>>>> 
>>>>> About 6 months ago I bought the ACE for $799, more than I have ever
>> spent
>>>>> on a chromatic.
>>>>> 
>>>>> To its credit,  it plays and sounds wonderful.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I contacted Hohner.  How much are the wood inserts.
>>>>> 
>>>>> $150.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Shock.
>>>>> 
>>>>> But we don't have any right now.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Oh.  When are you going to get some?
>>>>> 
>>>>> No plans for the near future.
>>>>> 
>>>>> To me, if I spend $700 on a harp, it should do my taxes.  Needless to
>> say,
>>>>> I am frustrated with Hohner.
>>>>> 
>>>>> If you or anyone you know has a similar story, I have good news.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Tom Halchak of Blue Moon Harmonicas is creating some wood inserts.  He
>>>>> make use more than one type of wood.
>>>>> 
>>>>> He is not going to make a large batch, but they should be available for
>>>>> sale at SPAH.  Of course, he ultimately would be able to do lots of
>>>>> different types of woods and metals, if there was a demand.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thank you Tom!
>>>>> Michael Rubin
>>>>> michaelrubinharmonica at xxxxx
>>>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>>