rpavich
11 posts
Jun 18, 2013
5:11 AM
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I'm a noob, I'm just working on the blues scale, general single note isolation, and all around comfort with blowing through the harmonica.
I've been playing SP20's up until now, but decided (based on the rave reviews) to get a Crossover in C to compare.
Well, color me very impressed! Talk about improved bending! My previously "sick cow" moo of a draw 3 is now somewhat recognizable!
Not to mention my other bends actually sound "ok" now!
This is an impressive instrument for sure.
I'd also like to shout out a thank you to Adam G for his lessons...I've really enjoyed them and am coming along due to is "infectious" style of teaching...he makes the most mundane thing fun!
Thanks Adam!
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FMWoodeye
670 posts
Jun 18, 2013
6:38 AM
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I use the SP20 for practice and the Crossover for performance. Every now and then, I'll get a SP20 that is a "clunker." The quality of the Crossovers I've bought, a sample size of eight, has been consistent. When I blow out a reed on a SP20 and send it out for repair, gapping and tuning, the playability is comparable to the Crossover, in my opinion.
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kudzurunner
4128 posts
Jun 18, 2013
6:53 AM
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You're quite welcome, rp. I'm happy to have you aboard.
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MP
2784 posts
Jun 18, 2013
12:15 PM
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My favorite MB type Hohner hands down!
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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TexasRico
4 posts
Jun 20, 2013
8:23 PM
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rpavich, I've also been really pleased with my progress since getting my first Crossover. Perhaps getting a bit too enthusiastic, I managed to wear out the 5 draw -- special thanks to MP for making an expert repair in record time. In the process of adding to my Crossover arsenal.
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rpavich
20 posts
Jun 21, 2013
7:22 AM
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OH! Didn't know that MP did repairs...I'll definitely keep that in mind!
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MP
2787 posts
Jun 21, 2013
2:22 PM
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yes i do rpavich. click MP for info and e-mail address.
i have nothing except my own harps on the bench right now so turn-a-round is faster than fast.
when no one sends me work i get back to my pet project. i'm repairing /customizing three of every Hohner Hand Made series for my own use.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
Last Edited by MP on Jun 21, 2013 2:22 PM
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groyster1
2269 posts
Jun 21, 2013
5:46 PM
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stick with mark and u cant go wrong!!!!yo mark!!!
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SuperBee
1242 posts
Jun 21, 2013
6:15 PM
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I'm a fan of the crossover. But I baulk at the price a bit. At the moment I'm loving these special 20s I fitted with Hetrick Bamboo combs. And even an old Bb MS Blues Harp with a Hetrick Bamboo is doing tHetrick for me.
When my C Crossover was out of action for a while I swapped the comb onto a marine band deluxe. I enjoyed playing that harp as much as any I have. So I have concluded quite a lot of what I like about the Crossover is thanks to the bamboo comb.
And, since this seems to want to turn into an MP appreciation thread, I gotta say Thanks! Mark, for the repairs you made to my harps, including my A crossover...and that blue corian comb in the G 1896...it's just irresistible...
Right, now I gotta go do some busking/practice with the JS...at the last day of Dark MoFo
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JellyShakersTipJar
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FMWoodeye
676 posts
Jun 21, 2013
8:49 PM
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@SuperBee, regarding the price of the Crossover.
Yeah, it's roughly twice as much as the SP20. Is it twice as good? No. I'm thinking (if I had to quantify it) maybe 20% better, and a lot of that is due to consistent quality. As I said, when I send a SP20 out to be "worked on," that is, optimized rather than customized, it comes back playing like a Crossover. Andrew Zajac near me (Detroit) in Canada does a fine job. I've heard nothing but good things about MP also. He is in Hawaii.
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JInx
460 posts
Jun 21, 2013
9:19 PM
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I used to like my spceal 20. But, since I heard the crossover....it's mostly all I play. I have a Big RIver with a bamboo comb, I like that too. Maybe try an acrylic sometime
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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groyster1
2271 posts
Jun 22, 2013
7:51 AM
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I have a few custom sp20s,one stage 1 done by joe spiers....they all outplay my crossovers but then again theres more $$$invested...having said that the XO is riding crest of the wave OOTB
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rbeetsme
1262 posts
Jun 22, 2013
6:36 PM
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Ok, you sold me. I just bought 5 of these lightly breathed on by customizer Kevin Baker. I have high expectations.
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groyster1
2273 posts
Jun 22, 2013
8:41 PM
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sp20s or crossovers?kevin is a great harp tech....as mark prados,harvey harp,deak harp,joe spiers and others coming into the picture....too many to mention....some in UK and Canada.....
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MP
2791 posts
Jun 23, 2013
1:31 PM
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oh, hello! thanks guys!
Bee, the Crossover and MBD are really the same harp, save the comb, the tuning, and the lazer etching on the covers. oh, the cover screws too.
my A Crossover is dated 2007 on the reed plates. The debut of the Crossover was 2009.
And Bee, did i tell you i broke the original Corian comb on your MB 1896?
i had just finished drilling it for screws. i was clearing my work area, bumped it, and it fell and broke into four pieces. had to order another from Matt. All said, i'm really glad you like it.
have a good day.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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