Todd Parrott
1181 posts
Jan 23, 2014
3:29 PM
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bluemoose
934 posts
Jan 23, 2014
3:36 PM
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I'm seeing it listed as MAP $99 (what ever MAP is)
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Frank
3736 posts
Jan 23, 2014
3:41 PM
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Very little info out there as far as I can tell - Is it a customized Special 20? :)
Hohner’s new Rocket harmonica features an ergonomic design that eliminates all sharp edges on the comb and cover plate, maximizing player comfort. Soft, rounded channel openings make this harmonica very smooth to play and increase the air pressure behind the reeds, reducing player fatigue. Wide-open cover plates and side vents ensure that projection is maximized. MAP: $99.00.
Launching alongside the Rocket is an in-store standee which features a striking four-foot replica of the actual harmonica box including a launching rocket that is blasting out of the box.
Last Edited by Frank on Jan 23, 2014 3:44 PM
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Todd Parrott
1182 posts
Jan 23, 2014
3:44 PM
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Based on the prototype I played, it appears to be somewhat of a Special 20 deluxe. with opened covers in the back. Also, it appears that the covers may be interchangeable with the Marine Band Deluxe and Crossover, based on the placement of the cover plate screws. I have not seen the final product yet.
Hohner Rocket
Last Edited by Todd Parrott on Jan 23, 2014 3:46 PM
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Seven.Oh.Three.
271 posts
Jan 23, 2014
3:51 PM
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If it is a "special 20 deluxe" that would be awesome! Although for Ninty Nine bucks it wont sell...... It certainly looks like an upgraded special 20. I'm not sure why Hohner doesn't get with the program and make more "deluxe" versions of their popular models (the special 20 and Golden melody. Although a quick look at guitar center's webpage and a Special 20 lists for $58 and retails for $41 while a marine band deluxe lists for $96 and retails for $62. So, maybe it'll retail for around $65?
Last Edited by Seven.Oh.Three. on Jan 23, 2014 4:01 PM
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Slimharp
132 posts
Jan 23, 2014
3:53 PM
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Looks like a cleaned up Special 20. Big deal. Wonder what kind of reeds they are running. An emory board, wet and dry 220, a tin snip and small hammer can do that. Its got to have different reeds for close to $100.00. Gotta be good to cost more than a Crossover. Maybe bamboo is getting scarce LOL.
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Slimharp
133 posts
Jan 23, 2014
3:55 PM
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One screw on each side ????
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1847
1473 posts
Jan 23, 2014
3:57 PM
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MAP
minimum advertised price
its what's known as price fixing
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Ugly Bones Ryan
36 posts
Jan 23, 2014
5:07 PM
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I'm a huge fan of the Special 20 but prefer the side vents and open cover plates of the Crossover. This looks excellent......but 100$ a pop. Really Hohner?
I might just stick with Spec. 20's if thats the case. Thanks for posting Todd.
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Ugly Bones Ryan
37 posts
Jan 23, 2014
5:11 PM
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@Slimharp by the way according to a few customizers like Richard Sleigh one screw on each side closer to the front improves the airtightness of the harp.
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HarpNinja
3704 posts
Jan 23, 2014
5:24 PM
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This is awesome!!! The XO is $106 msrp, so this will retail at less. $60ish
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
Last Edited by HarpNinja on Jan 23, 2014 5:44 PM
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Frank
3739 posts
Jan 23, 2014
5:40 PM
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Know that's the harp Jason Ricci should be pluggin ...It looks like a sweet harp, I'll bet they sell a million of them in the first year :)
Last Edited by Frank on Jan 23, 2014 5:42 PM
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Kaining
26 posts
Jan 23, 2014
5:50 PM
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Side vents ?
Well, here is an harp i'll never even consider buying then.
Too bad, he does seems less dangerous than previous rough edge honner harps.
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rogonzab
465 posts
Jan 23, 2014
6:54 PM
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Maybe a good product, but a the price is to much.
If I am going to spend $100 on a harp, I prefer save $45 more and get a Joe Spiers Stage 1 for $145.
There is no point to spend that much on a mass produced harp.
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HarpNinja
3705 posts
Jan 23, 2014
7:51 PM
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MSRP IS NOT THE SAME AS RETAIL!
A Crossover has a list price (MSRP) of $106, but they sell for $65.
So, a Rocket with a list price of $100 will be closer to $60-65.
While I love the idea of the comb and open/rounded covers, I'd prefer no side vents, but I can just as easily make a "Rocket" out of a SP20...although I love that they moved the cover screw up!!!
The Rocket is like the Crossover of the SP20.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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jbone
1472 posts
Jan 23, 2014
8:23 PM
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Wonder about the comb on that.
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REM
240 posts
Jan 23, 2014
8:39 PM
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HarpNinja,
They're saying that $100 is the MAP (minimum advertised price), not the MSRP (minimum suggested retail price). So if that's correct, it looks like these will have a list price of at least $100. The only way you can sell under the MAP is if you have a sale. I'm not sure how Hohner could justify that kind of price increase over their other models. Hopefully they don't just decide to hike up the prices on all their other models.
Last Edited by REM on Jan 23, 2014 8:42 PM
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20REEDS
2 posts
Jan 23, 2014
9:34 PM
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It doesn't say marine band on the cover plates, maybe they are using more advanced reeds(?) I guess if they were, you would think that it would be part of the roll out advertising. If they are using this model to crank up prices in general even HIGHER, that would be horrible. One more price hike and I will change brands. Admittedly the quality has been improved over the last decade, and I understand a PROPORTIONATE increase in cost, but unless they give an actual reason for a price jump besides profit margins I'm jumping ship.
Last Edited by 20REEDS on Jan 23, 2014 10:07 PM
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Seven.Oh.Three.
272 posts
Jan 23, 2014
10:36 PM
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I love the knee jerk reactions and folks preparing to jump ship because of the theoretical price of a harp that they know nothing about. Relax folks. I can't imagine that the HOHNER ROCKET is going to be their flagship harp. Let's see what the retail price is and what's inside it first.
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20REEDS
3 posts
Jan 23, 2014
10:48 PM
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I'm not really interested in this harp, I like the crossover, I buy them. What I'm nervous about is the possibility that hohner is going to start using minimum advertising pricing to increase prices further. Hopefully this was a mistake in the print ad, and they meant msrp...
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BluesJacketman
58 posts
Jan 23, 2014
11:12 PM
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Its looks nothing like an special 20. more like an upgraded big river.
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Todd Parrott
1183 posts
Jan 24, 2014
3:00 AM
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It may look like a Big River, but it certainly is not. And based on the size of the "ears" of the covers, it looks like you could attach these covers to a Crossover without them hanging over in the back like SP20 covers do. In my opinion, they should have offered both vented and non-vented covers, but plugging up the side vents isn't too terribly difficult to do. The smooth comb and enlarged holes are both nice features as well. Yes, you can sand and polish a SP20 comb, but it's a lot of work, and takes a lot more than some 220 sandpaper. I just think it's nice to see an actual (somewhat) new model from Hohner, rather than another Marine Band. Perhaps we shall see an upgraded Golden Melody soon. ;)
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HarpNinja
3706 posts
Jan 24, 2014
3:49 AM
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$100MAP is different than $100MSRP...you're right! That link suggested the harp will run $99 RETAIL...which is $15-20 more than a Crossover.
I was mistaken.
This looks more like they put MB covers on a SP20 and polished the comb...I am not saying it is, it just looks like one.
The real question to me, though, is does it play better OOTB than a Crossover OR are the reeds less prone to squealing when set up for overbends? I doubt they'd spend time considering that, BUT it could be a fortunate coincidence.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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jiceblues
259 posts
Jan 24, 2014
5:12 AM
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I don't think it's a SP20 comb .It's a one-piece and all rounded comb .The covers seem to be the MB ones , with only one hole for the screws , and another engravement .
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harpwrench
762 posts
Jan 24, 2014
5:19 AM
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Looks to me like the covers have the SP20 profile along the rear edge (opening).
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20REEDS
4 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:00 AM
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Looks like that is the MSRP after all... From the official press release:
HOHNER, Inc. 1000 Technology Park Drive Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500 NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 11/26/13 CONTACT: Scott Emmerman, Director of Marketing and Sales Ph: (804) 515-1900, ext. 3771; Fax: (804) 515-0840; semmerman@hohnerusa.com HOHNER LAUNCHES THE NEW ROCKET HARMONICA GLEN ALLEN, VA – Hohner announces the launch of the new Rocket harmonica, a new breakthrough in harmonica design. “The Rocket represents the culmination of many years worth of effort that we’ve put forth in pursuit of improving and perfecting the design of the harmonica,” stated product manager Drew Lewis. “The development of this new instrument was organically stimulated, being based on input from players and customizers around the world.” The Rocket features an ergonomic design that eliminates all sharp edges on the comb and cover plate, maximizing player comfort. Soft, rounded channel openings make this harmonica very smooth to play and increase the air pressure behind the reeds, reducing player fatigue. Wide-open cover plates and side vents ensure that projection is maximized. “This harp can be very loud while also being very responsive and dynamic, giving the player more control,” added Drew. “Hohner is dedicated to improving the harmonica players experience,” commented Scott Emmerman, director of marketing and sales. “The Rocket represents an exciting new step in our 160 year legacy of producing the finest, most innovative harmonicas in the world.” Launching alongside the Rocket is an in-store standee which features a striking 4-foot replica of the actual harmonica box including a launching rocket that is blasting out of the box. This disposable “shout-out” P.O.P. display will be provided free of charge to retailers. The Rocket has an MSRP $99.00 and will be available in January 2014. Go to www.us.playhohner.com or contact your Hohner sales representative for more information.
Here is a direct link to the press release:
http://www.namm.org/sites/www.namm.org/files_public/presskits/WN14_62
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FreeWilly
398 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:00 AM
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Aha! Progressive is what the special 20 and the Golden Melody are now called. 3 series: MB, Progressive and MS.
This might mean that we're going to see an update on the best diatonic harp in the world too. (GM guy throwing a stick..)
That's great news!
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scojo
455 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:00 AM
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This Seydel endorser would like to jump in, in defense of Hohner... I'll play whatever harmonica suits me best and would not automatically "jump ship" because of an increase in price. I can't afford to play any model but the one that allows me to express myself the best way possible. I would certainly ask questions if the price of my favored model (1847 Silver, if you're keeping score at home) went up dramatically for no clear reason... but I think Hohner is simply doing their best to gauge what the market will bear.
I played Special 20s for many years and still find much to like about them. I suspect that Hohner is simply exploring the same concept that worked well with the enhanced Marine Band models... take the things that make a particular harmonica distinct, make enhancements to playability and consistency, and charge what they estimate to be a workable price. The market will determine whether that is successful or not, but I doubt it is some kind of underhanded way to increase prices across the board.
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harp-er
500 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:11 AM
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@FreeWilly: I've never heard this term before regarding Hohner's harps. So my favorite GM's are Progressive series harp, eh? What's it mean, anyway?
MB is MB; MS is Modular System. Progressive is......?
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Frank
3741 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:14 AM
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Why they couldn't get a better spot for kim to demonstrate the ROCKET was an opportunity missed...All I took away from that vid is - "damn that is one shitty sounding video" :)
Last Edited by Frank on Jan 24, 2014 6:14 AM
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HarpNinja
3707 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:35 AM
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That is great news if it is $99 MSRP...that puts it around the price of a Crossover.
This really does sound like a fantastic harp, even if it is essentially current production SP20 plates!
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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The Iceman
1405 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:37 AM
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Todd...
Your post mentions a lot of "it appears to be" visual stuff.
How did it play for you?
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The Iceman
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FreeWilly
399 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:43 AM
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Hey harp-er
I just looked at the german website for Hohner (go to the source) and saw what I posted. And remarked that the sp20 is no longer part of the MB series.
Your question therefore, is beyond me, as I didn't come up with it!
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HarpNinja
3708 posts
Jan 24, 2014
6:43 AM
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I can confirm that they are $99 MSRP. I can also confirm that I have Rockets in A, G, and Bb headed my way. ;)
They are comparable to Special 20's from what I was told. I figure I'll stick with Sp20's for higher keys.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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6SN7
416 posts
Jan 24, 2014
7:02 AM
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A few weeks back, I sentenced to several hard hours labor at the bench of a harmonica optimizer/customizer, being taught the fine arts of fumbling with bolts and screws, using a shim, plucking reeds, polishing, tuning, you get the picture. Just an afternoon of tedious work that I could have used a Concerta milkshake to get me thru it, but I disgress…..
My instructor pointed out to me that my Special 20's were a bit more difficult to work on than his LO's as the Sp20 comb had these internal ridges that hinder the technician when getting to the reeds. He said they were there for "structural integrity." Has the comb been re-engineered/changed along with the cover backs being open?
Last Edited by 6SN7 on Jan 24, 2014 7:03 AM
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rainman
123 posts
Jan 24, 2014
7:06 AM
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I would think the "Rocket" would have to sell at or close to the price of the Seydel Session Steel (US $59.00). The Steel is a great playing/sounding harp,it has an ergonomic design eliminating sharp edges, it's available in low keys, and has stainless steel reeds. I think it's one of the best harps on the market for the price. They are probably looking to compete more with the "1847" at $89.00 US.
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HarpNinja
3711 posts
Jan 24, 2014
7:09 AM
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You can snip out those ridges with no negative impact. I do that all the time. It mostly makes it easier for tuning.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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arzajac
1263 posts
Jan 24, 2014
7:27 AM
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"My instructor pointed out to me that my Special 20's were a bit more difficult to work on than his LO's as the Sp20 comb had these internal ridges that hinder the technician when getting to the reeds"
I find it's more work to cut them out and doing so can warp the comb. I make a tuning tool that can slither between the sprue and the reed plate.
That reed plate is coming off anyway - you can't do advanced reed work when the plate is on the comb.
"Progressive is what the special 20 and the Golden Melody are now called. 3 series: MB, Progressive and MS"
So is "Progressive" the line of Hohner harps that feature MB reeds but use a plastic comb? I wonder if the new "Progressive" combs come in two slot sizes?
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Last Edited by arzajac on Jan 24, 2014 7:27 AM
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DoubleJ
32 posts
Jan 24, 2014
8:11 AM
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Played one yesterday.
It has a heftier comb material (composite)than the Spec 20. Opened in the back like a crossover and has larger holes like a Seydel.
The sound is brighter due to the open covers.
Tuning and reeds are identical to Marine Band/Special 20.
Hohner staffers say it will sell for $69 in retail stores.
Felt like a Marine Band Deluxe with recessed reed plates.
I think it's a winner overall.
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DoubleJ
33 posts
Jan 24, 2014
8:14 AM
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B/t/w we can thank Seydel and Suzuki for the new Hohner harps.
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Todd Parrott
1184 posts
Jan 24, 2014
8:14 AM
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Iceman,
I only played the prototype a couple years ago. The prototype's comb was basically a Special 20 comb with smoothed edges, enlarged holes, and without the plastic centerpiece running through the tines. (It was also white, which I like better than gray.) It played very well, very responsive, and the overblows were there, though it wasn't necessarily set up for overblows. I was asked to evaluate it and offer feedback, which I did, and one of the things I mentioned is that it would be nice if more of Hohner's handmade harps had interchangeable parts. I specifically mentioned that many players use Special 20 covers on Marine Bands, and that it would be nice if you could place Special 20 style covers on a Crossover without having to drill holes, etc. I would like to think my feedback, along with others, perhaps influenced their decision to make the Rocket covers this way, as the prototype covers had the cover screws in the center, like a Special 20 if I recall correctly.
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Greg Heumann
2570 posts
Jan 24, 2014
8:38 AM
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A note about those side vents. They're great for acoustic work but really suck when playing amplified blues as they make it very difficult to get a complete airtight cup.
Other than that, because I DON'T manufacture harps, I'm all for more competition in that world - brings the quality and innovation UP and price DOWN.
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1847
1474 posts
Jan 24, 2014
8:42 AM
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hohner's largest share holder is khs
a Chinese company.
if parts are made in china, and shipped to Germany
assembled by hand in Germany,
you now have a made in Germany harmonica.
that is how a special 20 can sell for a low price
certain models are made entirely in Germany
the crossover the new rocket.
that is why the retail price is $100.00
Germans get 6 weeks vacation a year
that is factored in to the price you pay
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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HarpNinja
3712 posts
Jan 24, 2014
8:50 AM
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"A note about those side vents. They're great for acoustic work but really suck when playing amplified blues as they make it very difficult to get a complete airtight cup."
I dunno, people seem to ok with the Marine Band, which has always had vented covers and has been an amped harp staple for decades.
For me, the covers are more about how I feel than what other's hear. I like the focused and rounded sound of no vents.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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Slimharp
134 posts
Jan 24, 2014
9:28 AM
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DoubleJ if what you say is correct the Rocket is basicly a composit combed 20 with vents on the cover plates. How could it feel like MBD with MB/20 reed plates. It seems $69.00 is about what a MBD/Crossover ( about ) goes for. It would make sense to put in the upgraded reed plates at that cost. Seems it is not worth it to put in stock MB/20 reed plates. I guess the bottom line is to wait and play one ( which will cost about $75.00 after tax to do ) or see what the official scoop is on the reed plates. If they play like a MB or 20 why buy it ? also the holes on a 20 are already bigger than a MB/MBD/ Crossover.
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mlefree
139 posts
Jan 24, 2014
9:45 AM
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OK, here is my concern.
Hohner recently scuttled their low-keyed Special 20s, replacing them with the much more costly Thunderbird.
I wonder if and how long it will take for the powers that be at Hohner decide that this new Rocket line of harmonicas will replace the rest of their Special 20s?
I love my Special 20s and rued the day that Hohner stopped producing the lower keyed ones.
Michelle
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HarpNinja
3713 posts
Jan 24, 2014
9:56 AM
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Well, they've kept the Marine Band around for a while...I wouldn't worry about the SP20 going extinct. IMO, dropping the low keys was a supply and demand piece relative to the quality of the T-Bird.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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tmf714
2366 posts
Jan 24, 2014
10:15 AM
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nacoran
7507 posts
Jan 24, 2014
10:27 AM
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Looking at the picture, it looks like the front is narrower than the back?
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tmf714
2367 posts
Jan 24, 2014
10:45 AM
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Rockin Ron just called me from the NAMM show-he played one and got set up with Hohner to be one of the first,or maybe the first in the USA to distribute the Rocket.
Ronnie Shellist is at NAMM as the artist resident,and Hohner is saying these are the loudest diatonic harmoncias they have ever offered. Ron said the backs are opened ,and have a post to keep the covers from crushing,much like a Spiers Stage 1-
Ron said he will keep in touch-the retail priced has yet to be announced-
Last Edited by tmf714 on Jan 24, 2014 10:46 AM
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