SpecialSean
12 posts
Mar 10, 2014
1:30 PM
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Hi All,
I have played around with all and am curious what you guys play and why. A little insight on how you made that choice would be greatly appreciated.
I have used only Hohners and have a Manji in the mail. I am trying to get as much info as possible and want to learn a little more about what is out there.
Thanks!
Sean
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sonny3
132 posts
Mar 10, 2014
4:45 PM
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Well I have tried all those harps and for me 1896s can't be beat.I only have one GM and it plays great and overblows easy but I don't like full length covers or th e harsh chords.I don't like the protruding comb of special 20s. I just like the size and playability of 1896s the best. The tuning is great for chords and the comb feels right to me.You just gotta try them all and figure out what fits your style.
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jnorem
106 posts
Mar 10, 2014
5:43 PM
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I've been playing Special 20s almost since they first came out. I like the protruding comb, I find it to be very comfortable; it doesn't mess with my lips. And it just plays wonderfully, crisp and fast and tight, it's great playing and great sounding harmonica.
I don't do overblows so I can't comment on that.
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Last Edited by jnorem on Mar 10, 2014 5:44 PM
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nacoran
7601 posts
Mar 10, 2014
5:56 PM
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I've played all those harps too (except the Manji) and I have almost exactly the opposite opinions as sonny3, which goes to show how subjective it all is. I like Sp20s for feel on my face best. I like the feel of GM's and I choose either ET or Compromise based on the song when I have the choice, so I go back and forth on temperament. I actually love the sound of Blues Harps, but they tear my lips up, and, given the choice, I'd choose pre-MS ones. I like MB's fine, but all things equal, I'd take a pre-MS Blues Harp, a Sp20, a MS Blues Harp, a GM and then a MB, in that order (with some Seydel models and LO's thrown in between the pre-MS's and the Sp20s.
The part I really agree with Sonny on is you've got to try them and see what fits your style.
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Goldbrick
335 posts
Mar 10, 2014
6:11 PM
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I have come to be a big fan of the Suzuki Hammond
I also like the Steve baker Specials which I guess are basically an extended MB ..
I tend to like a harp with some weight to it.
I do have a low D sp 20 which I like quite a bit tho
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arzajac
1303 posts
Mar 10, 2014
7:39 PM
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Under the covers, Marine Band 1896, Deluxe, Crossover, Special 20, (Rocket, too, I'm pretty sure) and Golden Melody all share the same reeds. They are long-slot in the keys of C and lower. MS harps use different reeds - they are shorter and fatter but the MS harp models all use the same reeds.
Manji reeds are all long slot, even the high keys. Seydel stainless reeds, too. (Not sure about Seydel brass... I don't see a lot of them...)
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Last Edited by arzajac on Mar 10, 2014 7:41 PM
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jiceblues
298 posts
Mar 11, 2014
5:27 AM
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All these harps are good .I find the late Blues Harp MS to be pretty good and i like the tone .They are better if you adjust the gap to suit your playin' style .
I fit them with Meisterklasse MS coverplates for comfort and tone .
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jiceblues
299 posts
Mar 11, 2014
9:39 AM
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But...for gigs , when you need a very easy & responsive harp ,i use mostly SP20's .
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MP
3117 posts
Mar 11, 2014
2:06 PM
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@ SpecialSean
Go to Forum Search. It is to the left listed on the orange bar. type in favorite harmonica and variations of that topic. You will find pages and pages of posts and descriptions of harmonicas.
After a bit of reading you'll have a head full as to choices. Everyone has different tastes. Some are in the Hohner camp, some Suzuki, some Seydel, and even some Lee Oskar fans. Also guys who play several brands and makes and models.
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SpecialSean
13 posts
Mar 11, 2014
4:54 PM
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As always, awesome info. Thanks for the help.
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