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

[Michael Rubin]

Vern,
I played with both brass and wood at SPAH.  I played with my own ACE with
and without brass.  I need only satisfy myself.  To me, it makes a
difference.
Michael

On Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 9:31 PM, Vern <jevern at xxxxx> wrote:

> 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
> >>>>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>