but I had all Special 20's (plus some practice hack Pro Harps), when a friend coming from America brought a Hohner Rocket and Suzuki Manji for me.
After giving them a bash for a while, I'd have to say that apart from the rounded edges on the Rocket, I didn't much care for it. BUT I LOVE THE MANJI, MAN!!
If I get enough bucks, I'm getting a full range of these!
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Nice demo Danny. That sounds like Stormy Monday, if not, then something close.
If you know anyone going to Tokyo, ask them to pick up Manjis for you at Taniguchi-Gakki. They go for about 25€/28US$, depending on the exchage rate. At that price (cheaper than the basic nailed Marine Band), they are unbeatable.
Last Edited by A440 on May 05, 2015 6:01 AM
With the timing of it and other recent developments at Hohner, I can't help but think they were listening to their marketing department instead of their core customers when they brought the Rocket to market. And it costs more than a Manji.
I've owned a Manji. I've only played 2 Rockets, which I repaired for their owners. To each his own. I haven't replaced the Manji. I liked everything about it except the reeds and the comb and the fact I couldn't repair it when the 4 draw went bad. I've only played Rockets I mended for other folk. I already know I like hohner reeds, and from what I can tell the Rocket is just like a Sp20 only with a nicer comb and vented covers with open backs..except now they come with closed covers too. I really wasn't a sp20 fan until recently, when I started mending for others...of course people send their favourite harps to be mended. There are some really great sp20s out there, and the 2 Rockets I've seen have been like the best sp20s only better. I love the posi-drive cover bolts, 8 screws in the reed plates, slightly tapered comb. They seem loud and really airtight. And easy to work on; everything fits into place just so, without all the little adjustments that make some harps annoyingly fiddly. But...if I lost my kit and was starting out to acquire new harps I believe I'd go with stainless steel.
