Header Graphic
Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! > Hohner Blues Harps Today vs. 45 years ago
Hohner Blues Harps Today vs. 45 years ago
Login  |  Register
Page: 1

Spoonful
1 post
Dec 14, 2012
5:04 PM
I retired a year ago and decided to really take a shot at learning enough about music to do more than play a few licks in the background.

My first harp was a Marine Band and cost $2.50. I had to soak it in a glass of water to bend notes reliably. Five years later Blues Harps hit the market. I tried one and loved the way it bent with the slightest of effort - a twist of the tongue or pull of the cheek.

So last year I bought a three pack of Blues Harps. One blew out the 7 draw reed after perhaps 2 hours of playing. The other two I can bend but I feel like I've run a 5K race after a few minutes of practice. What the hell happened? Is it me or are Hohners not the same quality they used to be?
timeistight
953 posts
Dec 14, 2012
5:28 PM
Blues Harps aren't the same harps as they used to be. They are now part of Hohner's Modular System family of harps along with Big River, the new Pro Harps, the new Meisterklasse and others.

However, it may surprise you to learn that the old Blues harps were pretty much Marine bands with different covers. The whole thing about it being easier to bend was a marketing fantasy: http://www.patmissin.com/ffaq/q9.html
The Iceman
549 posts
Dec 14, 2012
6:01 PM
What are known as the pre-War Hohners are really wonderfully responsive harmonicas. I've been told that the brass alloy was a different recipe back then.
----------
The Iceman
Spoonful
2 posts
Dec 14, 2012
6:23 PM
Interesting article and thanks for responding but there was a huge difference in ease of bending. I ordered a Delta Frost cuz the name is so cool and its supposed to be made of different non-ferrous alloys than Hohners. That ws a month ago and I gather many more onths might go be before its delivered.

Maybe I should try a Marine Band. BTW, my harps from the 60s and 70s never wore out, they just grew feet and walked away with somebody else.
Blueharper
207 posts
Dec 14, 2012
7:42 PM
You need to find another harp dealer.Try Rockin' Ron.
Blueharper
208 posts
Dec 14, 2012
7:46 PM
Sorry Spoon, I just went to Ron's site and see that they are on backorder with no ETA.
bluemoose
830 posts
Dec 14, 2012
8:24 PM
People, people, people. I'm only gonna say this once.
MB Crossover. Do it. You will kick yourself in the head for not doing it sooner,
----------

MBH Webbrain - a GUI guide to Adam's Youtube vids
FerretCat Webbrain - Jason Ricci's vids (by hair colour!)
timeistight
954 posts
Dec 14, 2012
9:05 PM
Yes, indeed. That's what's on my Christmas list.
jbone
1132 posts
Dec 15, 2012
4:10 AM
Suzuki Manji may be the best harp I have ever played. No swelling, resonant, different and better reed material, braised and laser aligned reeds, covers which lend to better volume at the harp. And I mean BIG volume acoustically. Very durable. Replaceable reed plates.
Some find issue with the price- $60 or more- but for my money these harps have sounded the best and lasted the longest of any I've tried. Reed plates run about $30 a set but I have needed only a couple in over 2 years of playing including a lot of jams, sitting in, and an average of a gig a month either with a loud electric band or totally acoustic on the street. These harps project sound very well. Some do not like their tone but I have found it to be very suitable to what i play, mostly blues and roots with some folk, tock, and country, and even a bit of jazz thrown in.
I do business with Rockin' Ron. Great selection,prices, and service.
----------
http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
harp-er
270 posts
Dec 15, 2012
7:46 AM
And while the XO retails at musicain's friend for close to $70, and $65.50 at RockinRon's, they can be had on ebay for $57+/-(some keys, anyway).
It does seem to matter though what vintage they are, and I don't know how you can tell this. Newer=better?

I just got my first one and I have to say I am liking it. The more I play it the more I like it. Hmmm.

Last Edited by on Dec 15, 2012 7:47 AM
chicagopsych
7 posts
Dec 15, 2012
12:04 PM
@Spoonful
If you want a Delta Frost with quicker shipping, get a Suzuki Harpmaster from Rockin' Ron.


Post a Message



(8192 Characters Left)


Modern Blues Harmonica supports

§The Jazz Foundation of America

and

§The Innocence Project

 

 

 

ADAM GUSSOW is an official endorser for HOHNER HARMONICAS