jnorem
75 posts
Mar 04, 2014
6:42 PM
|
Over the years I've come to be aware of the amazing things people have done with the simple diatonic harmonica, and the hefty prices these amazing things make those harmonicas cost.
But I have to wonder how far these incredible advancements can go before they start to enter the realm of lunacy.
Case in point: http://www.antonydannecker.com/store/Harmonicas/Dannecker-Centurion-Chrome/prod_122.html
(I wish it was possible to embed links on this forum.)
This "harp" can only be aimed at the very wealthy or the crazed zealot. Two hundred thirty quid for a 10-hole diatonic. In US dollars that's $383.00. I carry 9 Super 20s; with those I can play four sets without having to sweat about not being able to play in any key a song may be in, and the SP20 is a good damn harp. For me to replace my SP20s with the same number of Dannecker Centurions would cost me $3447.00. For harmonicas that I play blues with.
Three thousand four hundred and forty dollars. Not including shipping. For nine harmonicas that I play through a JT30 into an old Super Reverb amp.
Of course, the Centurion isn't aimed at players like me. So I have to wonder, other then the very wealthy or the crazed zealot, who else is this intended for?
And I'm just betting that eventually someone's going to come forward with a 10-hole diatonic harmonica that improves on the Centurion. You know that's bound to happen.
It's insane.
Just my opinion.
----------
Call me J
Last Edited by jnorem on Mar 04, 2014 6:47 PM
|
timeistight
1506 posts
Mar 04, 2014
7:30 PM
|
"(I wish it was possible to embed links on this forum.)"
You mean like this?
Last Edited by timeistight on Mar 04, 2014 7:31 PM
|
jnorem
77 posts
Mar 04, 2014
7:32 PM
|
Yes, just like that. I don't know how to do that.
----------
Call me J
|
TetonJohn
194 posts
Mar 04, 2014
8:39 PM
|
See "Forum FAQ" in the left margin for how to link.
|
1847
1536 posts
Mar 04, 2014
8:45 PM
|
there are some great clips on that site
huey lewis tearing it up!
giles king laying down some fine harp also
wonder if mr dannecker would accept my offer
$382.00 dollars american.
i can't resist a deal lol
----------
i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
|
STME58
649 posts
Mar 04, 2014
10:30 PM
|
The SE Shires trombone I have my eye on retails for just a bit more that the $3447 for the set of harps mentioned.
A good sax is more than that. Many professional level guitars are in that price range.
A lot of instruments have student models in the $200-$300 range and top notch professional models in the $3k to $6K range (or frequently much higher). so harmonica at about $350 for a set of special 20s and $3500 for a set of Danneckers seems right in there.
Keep in mind that a lot of very good music is played on modest instruments, and just owning a great instrument doesn't make you good.
Here is a brief list compiled off Musicians friend with a few instruments and the lowest and highest priced models listed.
Trombone
Jiggs Pbone $149.00 SE Shires Small Bore Tenor $3,295.00
Oboe
Allorra student model $1,149.00 F. Loree Paris Royal $9,399.00
Tenor Sax
Allora Student Model $499.00 Yanagisawa T-992 $11,579.00
Trumpet
Etude Student Model $149.00 Yamaha Cutom artist series $4,559.00
Violin
Florea Recital II $149.00 Yamaha Intermediate Model $3,294.00
Double French Horn
Amatti $1,559.00 Yahama custom $9,047.00
Electric Guitar
Squire Strat $129.00 Gibson Custom Limited Edition Marshall 50th Annive... $21,166.00
Now does a $3500 set of professional harmonicas, ore even $5k for a set of 12 seem too out of line?
Last Edited by STME58 on Mar 04, 2014 11:24 PM
|
Mirco
133 posts
Mar 04, 2014
11:59 PM
|
STME58: "Does a $3500 set of professional harmonicas...seem out of line?"
Yes. Yes, it does.
|
Milsson
112 posts
Mar 05, 2014
1:12 AM
|
I know a customizer personaly that charges around 400$ for a harp. In that price you have a life long warranty. If you are a hard hitter and destroy harps he'll probably not fix them for you but tuning and gapping he'll do and change flat reeds.
I DON'T have any use for that kind of instrument so i get by with hohner's high quality ootb instruments.(i do a little embossing and tweaking my self)
Howard Levy on the other hand would pay for that kind of instrument because he needs is instruments to do flawless ob\od and bends. His income depends on it.
I think that I would have to charge about 100 dollars an hour to have the same salary as I have today. And I know that he works on a harp for several hours so why wouldn't 400 be a fair price?
|
jbone
1521 posts
Mar 05, 2014
4:32 AM
|
Why does it seem out of line, $400 for a harp? I see two angles here. One is, remember guys like Arthur Crudup, who wrote Elvis' first hit and played it- and everything- on a guitar that was so crappy it would be out of tune before the first song was played on it! Or some of the other early innovators on guitar who made their own instruments or bought kits from Sears, and went ahead and changed how music was done?
Ever heard or read about Blackie Schackner or Larry Adler or the others from the mid 1900's who headed up harmonica outfits and had to constantly work on the instruments- the first chromatic harmonicas- to keep them all making a living?
If I was a pro, selling cd's and touring every year, maybe I could justify a $3400 set of harps, a $4k guitar, whatever, but as a sometime player who does it out of love more than anything, it does not hurt me to miss out on these Lamborghini harps.
The Danneckers are no doubt good quality if not excellent. I have to ask myself honestly, could I justify that level of workmanship and craft? Even with a lotto win I have my doubts. I want an instrument that plays well ootb and is competitively priced. That's all I need.
----------
http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
|
Martin
618 posts
Mar 05, 2014
4:58 AM
|
STME58: "Now does a $3500 set of professional harmonicas, ore even $5k for a set of 12 seem too out of line?"
Yes, here as well.
Are you of the conviction that A Dannecker has invented a harmonica as long-lasting as that trombone?
You compare harmonicas to quality instruments you can use with good results for a lifetime.
|
arzajac
1297 posts
Mar 05, 2014
5:28 AM
|
"You compare harmonicas to quality instruments you can use with good results for a lifetime."
A harmonica certainly can be a quality instrument that can last a lifetime. That being said, any instrument requires some maintenance. Guitar strings need to be constantly tuned and replaced. Pianos need to be tuned and serviced quite often if they are to be kept in top performing shape. The harmonica is no different.
----------
Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
|
Frank
3934 posts
Mar 05, 2014
5:44 AM
|
Remember kids... the wise words of Uncle Tubey, Why be a baffoon, when you can learn to TUNE :)
Last Edited by Frank on Mar 05, 2014 5:52 AM
|
harpwrench
784 posts
Mar 05, 2014
6:44 AM
|
The USD doesn't buy as much in the UK as it does here, not Tony's fault.
|
A440
132 posts
Mar 05, 2014
7:29 AM
|
Those Danneckers are a bargain next to Seydel's 1847 Limited Edition, which goes for a cool 750€.
|
Honkin On Bobo
1183 posts
Mar 05, 2014
9:04 AM
|
I'm with ya, jnorem.
For a while, several years back, I used to read everything posted about the harps with the exotic combs, custom reed work etc.,etc., wondering (though i was skeptical) if it would make a big differnce in ones sound.
Then, awesomely, one of our very own MBH forum members (if I could remember who, I would certainly credit him, as it was one of the most valuable services provided to the membership here, in any post ...ever) put together a blind test, whereby he played the same musical passage on a number of harps including one or two customs I think. He then challenged the membership to guess which was which. Nobody did well, including our own esteemed kudzurunner, who was unable to identify the Marine Band which is his admitted favorite harp.
It was at that point I stopped worrying about the high end harps. I wouldn't have even clicked on this thread except that its title gave no indication it was about high end harps.
I'm especially curious as to why people would spend a ton of money on cosmetic improvements to an instrument nobody even can see while it's being played.
Long Live the Hohner Special 20!!!!!!!! (right out of the box!!!)
Last Edited by Honkin On Bobo on Mar 05, 2014 9:13 AM
|
1847
1538 posts
Mar 05, 2014
9:07 AM
|
lets see red ferrari $229,825 dollars
imagine the maintenance on that!
----------
i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
|
Milsson
113 posts
Mar 05, 2014
11:07 AM
|
Harpgear hg50 cost 2000$ and a harp attack pedal cost 200$ why would you bother with an amp when you can play directly thru the PA?
What´s insane in todays western society is that people expect quality products to have the same prices as cheap chinese products made by starving kids!
Whats fun is that brendans X-reed harps seems to have a legit price range? To me, the extra bends on the x-reed harp isn´t worth that price. But then again i don´t NEED those extra bends. IF i would need those extra bends i would gladly pay brendan(and his partner) for the time and money that they put in this project.
|
FMWoodeye
826 posts
Mar 05, 2014
11:23 AM
|
@STME58....Do you prefer a small or medium-bore bone over a large-bore bone for small band work?
|
barbequebob
2485 posts
Mar 05, 2014
11:27 AM
|
It goes back to a thing Rod Piazza once said about harp players in an interview in Mississippi Saxophone magazine back in the 90's, and too often, every word is true when it comes to harp players, like it or not and that's "harp players are just too broke or too damned cheap to buy the right shit."
Back when my mom was a kid (and she was born in 1920), a brand new MB out of the box costs $00.25 US, and now you can't look at one for that price. If you want something better, every little thing you do costs money for labor and taking a body off the assembly line to make things more perfect slows the line down considerably and making harmonicas, even with the use of robotics, is still labor intensive and gets expensive quickly if you want all the bells and whistles.
Too many players look at the harmonica as a throwaway instrument where if you blow it out, you throw it out, and too often don't think of it as a real instrument.
Remember this, there is no instrument manufacturer on the face of the earth, REGARDLESS of the instrument, that is a non profit company and there are always expenses and they will always be passed on to the customer whether you like it or not.
Now, I don not work for a manufacturer, distributor or retailer, but too often, I'll say it, even tho more than a few of it won't like it, but harp players are often the biggest frequent whiners on the planet.
----------
Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
|
STME58
657 posts
Mar 05, 2014
11:50 AM
|
I have been trying to post but my posts appear and disappear. I have tried posting on two different computers. My apologies if There are multiples of my last post but I can not see them from here. If anyone sees this post please let me know.
Thanks
|
Honkin On Bobo
1185 posts
Mar 05, 2014
12:19 PM
|
In some grand internet irony, I just had a post that I made confirming that your post was indeed visible..............disappear
|
SuperBee
1730 posts
Mar 05, 2014
12:19 PM
|
Seems pretty simple; if you have the dough and you see the value, why not?
No one is gonna dis you for playing a mass-produced harp, so there's no pressure. If I hear a cat playing some brilliant stuff, it doesn't occur to me to wonder about the quality of the instrument. I guess I'm interested but i know that great music can be produced on stock instruments. When my skill level becomes such that I can produce better music on a more refined instrument, I expect I'd start to consider acquiring such.
I know one bloke, plays ok, nothing special, with a full set of harps which go for $450 per. Maybe they're more. These harps start at $450, the 'good' ones are $600. I didn't ask which standard, assume they're the base model. These are full filisko method hohner endorsed customiser harps. To me, that's nuts. But he has plenty of $, he likes the harps, and he is supporting the community. I like that these instruments are available. I won't be buying any for a long while, if ever, but it's no skin off my nose they exist.
In the bad old days, if you were a serious enough musician to play chromatically on harmonica, I think you just played on a chromatic harmonica. This current era may be a passing fad, maybe in. 50 years the customised, optimised, short run boutique diatonic will be a museum piece...
Ah it's early in the morning, just musing...I dunno. Take it easy, I better go to work...
|
CarlA
466 posts
Mar 05, 2014
12:35 PM
|
Years ago, while discussing a particular homeopathic product with a colleague intended to cure cataracts in dogs, he just turned to me and smiled saying, "You know, there is an ass for every market".
I guess that pretty much sums it up!
|
harpwrench
787 posts
Mar 05, 2014
12:44 PM
|
Wow who's getting that much for their harps?
|
Gnarly
943 posts
Mar 05, 2014
12:58 PM
|
As I recently posted in reply to another unrelated thread on another forum (Slidemeister, if you must know), "Service adds value--but time costs money."
|
SuperBee
1731 posts
Mar 05, 2014
1:11 PM
|
Sorry, my memory may be faulty, or prices may have come down since the hohner affiliation...the most exxy now I see are $420 in AUD. Cheapest are $300. I feel sure they used to be more, but I've had some memory shocks over the last year, so I accept I may have it wrong.
|
smwoerner
241 posts
Mar 05, 2014
1:24 PM
|
Dannecker Harmonicas
There is a guy in town that has a full set of these with the metal combs. From what I can tell they are a fancy MS series or Meisterklasse harp with the Dannecker cover plates and combs. I having heard them played I can tell you they can be played loud and they are heavy.
I've never had one under the microscope so I can't say if any custom work has been done. Overall though the quality seems solid.
However, if it was me spending the money, I'd buy a Spiers harp or maybe one of the other folks on here as I prefer the reeds on the Hohner handmades and I know the internals would have been personally massaged.
----------
Purveyor of Optimized New and Refurbished Harmonicas.
scott@scottwoerner.com
|
1847
1540 posts
Mar 05, 2014
1:50 PM
|
i,m with you, a joe spiers or andrew z harmonica
would be my first choice.
----------
i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
|
jnorem
79 posts
Mar 05, 2014
2:06 PM
|
How portable is this Dannecker Centurion? Would I carry a set of them to gigs in bars? No way. I wonder if I'd play it at all!
I don't have any problem with deep-pocketed harp players going for this; everyone is free to spend their money any way they choose. But when I think about what a constantly played harmonica goes through, I just don't see the practicality of this harmonica; I can't even bring myself to call it a harp!
Imagine taking the plates off this beauty to do some gapping or tuning adjustments, or just to give the innards a basic cleaning. Eventually you'd have to if you played it all the time. Sooner or late that work of art wouldn't be so special anymore, unless you always sent it back to Anthony Dannecker. It seems that owning one of these would be more hassle than it's worth.
----------
Call me J
Last Edited by jnorem on Mar 05, 2014 3:16 PM
|
nacoran
7569 posts
Mar 05, 2014
4:06 PM
|
STME58, I think you get the award for most persistent attempt to defeat the evil spam filter. I actually hit this thread before I hit the spam filter, and restored your attempts even before I went there, but there were still a near record number in the folder. It seems to be in overdrive. :(
If we get as many tomorrow I'll put in a support request.
Cheers, and soldier on,
Nate
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
Martin
619 posts
Mar 05, 2014
5:13 PM
|
@STME58: Your post are certainly coming through now, in a big way. (But I´m not making fun of you -- I´ve had my share of trouble with this forum myself.)
It´s quite all right to make that kind of comparison quality instruments/quality other types of gear.
I´m in no way interested in outlawing expensive/super expensive harmonicas.
But if, say, that Bugatti broke down after a few months you´d be entitled to a new one.
If that one broke down as well you´d probably get your money back -- and (probably) not spend them on another Bugatti.
Harmonicas have a systematic weakness in the reed department, that´s the crux of it.
I don´t think Dannecker makes his own reeds but he uses the standard ones on the market.
|
Martin
620 posts
Mar 05, 2014
5:15 PM
|
@arzajac: "A harmonica certainly can be a quality instrument that can last a lifetime. That being said, any instrument requires some maintenance. Guitar strings need to be constantly tuned and replaced. Pianos need to be tuned and serviced quite often if they are to be kept in top performing shape. The harmonica is no different."
Yes it CAN be an instrument that lasts a lifetime. In principle.
But it IS never an instrument that lasts a lifetime -- if you play it.
Reeds go broke. You are probably one of a select few who replace reeds yourself and I congratulate you. 99 point something percent of the harmonica playing world can´t do that, for various reasons.
This has been debated here before so I won´t repeat it -- but comparing a diatonic harmonica to a quality trombone is misleading.
Give me a harmonica with the properties of that horn, first and foremost including the longevity, and I´ll cough up money.
Still, to each his own; and, of course, if I had money I´d probably go for at least somewhat more expensive instruments than I do today. But for me, a veritable Harmonica Terminator, it´s a question of whether I can afford to play at all. This week: three (3) instruments down the drain. Irretrievably so. That´s a cold fact.
|
Frank
3940 posts
Mar 05, 2014
5:44 PM
|
I've been changing reeds for 15 years and yes back then it was'nt the norm...But Now a days changing reeds is childs play with the sedyl punch pliers and a few other affordable tools...Honest to God Martin you can do it, no problem :)
|
STME58
663 posts
Mar 05, 2014
7:06 PM
|
I have also learned to change reeds. It makes the harmonica a much more economical proposal. Many Manufacturers make replacement reed plates. However if I had a harp that was embossed, it would make more sense to replace a reed. If reeds were as available a guitar strings it might just change the whole perception of the harp as a throw away instrument. Seydel makes individual reeds available but I don't know if there are any stocking dealers of reeds.
|
STME58
664 posts
Mar 05, 2014
7:30 PM
|
@FMWoodeye,
I have two horns one is 1968 Conn 48H "Constellation" straight tenor with a .5" bore . Most of my playing is with a brass quintet and my Conn is well suited for this. I haven't played a large bore or a dual bore to really know what the difference is. Unlike the harmonica I cant buy 1/12 of a trombone to try out and see how I like it:-)
I did get a chance to play trombone at a blues jam for the first time the other day and it went pretty well. I would never have been able to do this if it were not for what I have learned playing harmonica the last few years. I was one of those who have to have the music in font of me to play anything until the harp taught me otherwise. I was very surprised to see that harp improvisation translated to the trombone.
My other horn is a Jiggs Pbone Alto. This is close to a disposable instrument as it is made of plastic and only cost $129. It is a great instrument to practice on as it is very unforgiving. You can get a good tone out of it but it falls off fast with the slightest change in embouchure or support.
Last Edited by STME58 on Mar 05, 2014 7:59 PM
|
jbone
1524 posts
Mar 05, 2014
8:27 PM
|
I am ok with buying reed plates. I am ok with slapping a plate and going on. I doubt that most listeners can tell a $385 harp from a $38 harp. If I had to worry that #$k+ was sitting on stage I doubt I could relax and have a good time playing just like if I had a $100k Corvette parked out front. If I could make harps at home out of stuff from the flea market like I see people make guitars I'd do it, since I can't i am buying what i need for an economical price. For me there is a definite cutoff on how much I can EVER spend on harps, amps, mics, p.a., etc etc. If it got much more costy I'd be settling for "lesser" instruments and perhaps I'd be learning to replace reeds, tune, emboss, all that. For now though my time is worth buying reed plates at a bit over $30 a pop.
----------
http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
|
jnorem
84 posts
Mar 05, 2014
8:39 PM
|
Would you pay almost $400 for a harmonica and emboss the reed slots? If so, then what's the point?
----------
Call me J
|
STME58
666 posts
Mar 05, 2014
9:41 PM
|
J,
I would expect the reed slots to be embossed at $400. I would sure find that out before ordering it. Weather or not the slots on a reed plate are embossed is important when you blow a reed and are deciding if you re going to replace the reed or the reed plate. Replacing one reed is easier that embossing 10 slots.
Another way of looking at the cost of a custom harp is looking at the time it takes to make it. A harp tech probably has a higher level of skill than an auto mechanic and many shops charge $100 an hour.
Making things in small quantities costs way more than making them in production. I design printers and the first prototypes of a product that will cost $200 once it is mass produced and on the shelves, can cost upwards of $40,000 to make.
If I were to send a print of a harmonica comb to the shop where I work and have it made out of brass and then plated it would probably cost $300 to $400. If I asked for 1000 of them they would probably come down to around $50 each because some fixtures and programming would be developed. If I wanted 10000 a month they would probably come down to around $5 each. These are just educated guess number based on my experience but you get the idea.
|
Martin
622 posts
Mar 06, 2014
6:38 AM
|
@Frank and STME58: There are two types of klutzes in this world: the standard variety; and then the real asshole klutz. Guess where I am?
I get a head-ache and often f*kh things up already when opening the covers. Tuning is absolute Hell, and -- on the higher draw reeds -- almost invariably results in a dead reed.
OB setup, arching, embossing -- are you kidding? Might as well apply for a position in the Apollo program.
This isn´t something I´m particularly proud of; but I know I´m not entirely alone in my plight (which doesn´t help me a whole lot).
Appears to be a life-long affliction. I can always hope for a miracle -- but I´m not prepared to invest money in that hope.
|
robbert
291 posts
Mar 06, 2014
7:07 AM
|
I'm fairly good with detail work, having been a picture framer in the dim, distant past, and I can tell you that it takes patient, careful work to modify a harp beyond gapping. Tuning isn't even that difficult, if you work patiently, in small increments.
Also, the more you do it, the faster, surer, and better you get, naturally.
All that being said, I cannot at this point get my harps to the condition of a high-end harp that I would pay $200-$300. Even from an expert, there is a lot of time put into those instruments.
How many of us need an instrument of that quality?I don't know, but if I could afford it, I would love to have several custom harps of that level. They are amazing to play.
|
nacoran
7576 posts
Mar 06, 2014
9:24 AM
|
How about a gold encased harp with gems and ivory?
Worlds Most Expensive Harmonica (not pictured)
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
MP
3104 posts
Mar 06, 2014
5:00 PM
|
MY most popular model is an MB cow bone comb series- [model # MB-CBS] w/ scrimshaw sailing ships, whales , etc. It has sliding side vents and hinges for an open or closed back.. These run about $450 and more for the scrimshaw.
My $600 model The [MB- DHS] is deer horn and extra for the scrimshaw. I call it the Department of Social services heh,heh,heh :-) Down to one, maybe two deer horn combs left and too much work
NOT!! I Sell No Such Harps.
I really love seeing our instrument all tricked out though. The closest I've come is a personal custom B-Rad w/ my own reed work and not one with an after market Hertrick Dymonwood comb. My fave material of all time. I have several SP/20s and GMs Love 'em! Cheers, my friends.
OT. Very excited. Get to try out new Brush labs crystal mc tomorrow.
----------
Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
Last Edited by MP on Mar 06, 2014 5:06 PM
|
SuperBee
1735 posts
Mar 06, 2014
5:24 PM
|
I sometimes think about my case at a gig...pedals and mics @$700 to replace, + up to 15 harps...$1000, and leads, spare tubes...about $1800 to replace...plus the case
So not much change from 2G if it was lifted. I sometimes leave my amp in the car overnight when I get home. I don't leave the case.
Probably should insure this gear.
I used to be involved in bicycle racing. I can relate to the example above. The bang for buck ratio declines markedly from a certain point...the point of diminishing returns. My gear was always pretty close to that place. Same with my harp stuff I think. Stuff that performs really well and probably isn't quite justifiable by alignment with my ability to get the best from it.
In bicycle time trials, especially in veteran racing, you see the very best gear. We all knew it was making very little difference but the guys who could afford it would alwYs feel they had to get the latest greatest lightest most aerodynamic stuff. Most of those guys couldn't ride fast enough for the aero effect to make any impact...you really have to get over 40kph before it starts to work in your favour...but they had to do it anyway...it's the same phenomenon as home workshop tools...and jewelry probably..partly status but some other psychological thing too..perhaps...
|
Frank
3964 posts
Mar 06, 2014
5:42 PM
|
Its alot like building sandcastles...there are some folks that take that pastime to the highest level of artistry and create supreme work...But most sand castle builders are average. Same with fixin harps...the average person can learn to get the job done and keep their harps in righteous shape, but to take it to the highest levels of craftsmenship is a completely different ballgame :)
Last Edited by Frank on Mar 06, 2014 5:44 PM
|
bigd
519 posts
Mar 06, 2014
5:53 PM
|
Most of my go to Golden Melody harps are J. Spiers -especially when recording - I have a fair amount of Harvey Harps too that serve me well. One day I saw Anthony had a special on his Meisterclass MS customized harps and bought one. It was a very balanced and well tuned harp but there was one partially stuck reed. It is not unusual for there to be a minor flaw in a customized harp because of settling or shipping, etc. When I contacted Anthony with a short demonstrative sound file he (within a week and a half from GB to the USA) sent me out a brand new replacement Meisterclass and told me to keep the original that was being replaced. His packing, peripheral harp-related material which he sends, and communication were mega-polite and sophisticated, i.e., "he's one dependable dude!".......For the record Brad Harrison once was slightly dissatisfied with a Golden Melody he customized for me and sent that along with a superseding one (there was nothing wrong with the original that I could discern either....I have rarely witness such pride as these guys have in their products independent of whether one feels the price is justified or not!
----------
Facebook
|
Douguitar
13 posts
Jan 06, 2015
1:08 AM
|
I don't think they are over priced. You get what you pay for. I had to pay much much more for my guitars when I reached a level where I needed better quality....and they are not custom instruments.
You can't say that it's only a harmonica and should therefore be cheaper.
I'd like an Aston Martin, but I can't have one.
I'm more than happy to play Seydel or Hohner harps and admire these beaties, knowing I'll probably never be good enough to justify buying one. So what?
|
KingoBad
1585 posts
Jan 06, 2015
6:42 AM
|
Yes, but you don't have to buy a new neck when your strings go bad...
----------
Danny
|
chromaticblues
1643 posts
Jan 06, 2015
7:29 AM
|
YES IT IS!
|
nacoran
8196 posts
Jan 06, 2015
8:59 AM
|
Remember also guys, that if you are a pro that counts as a business. If you itemize equipment costs are tax deductible. Even if you aren't making a living at it, if you are reporting any income from it those equipment purchases can be a write-off.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
First Post- May 8, 2009
|
Diggsblues
1618 posts
Jan 06, 2015
10:37 AM
|
I think a great comb can improve a harmonica but for those prices I would expect some reed and slot work. I
have not seen in any description of the instrument that the reeds and slots are worked on. This being said I don't think they're worth the money.
----------
|
