I rarely if ever make an endorsement like this but Tom Halchak is a rare individual.
I've only two Blue Moon Harmonica combs and they are great, end of that discussion. My point being that I'm not tight buddies with Tom, sneaking in a pat on the back.
My reasons for giving Tom a resounding applause are manifold. First and foremost is the reputation he has developed as an honest and solid businessman who's developed a durable, trustworthy company. That's something that's rare enough in this day and age, especially in the harmonica world.
Next would be his unflagging generosity in helping others. He seems to regard us all as players first, and the fact that we're potential customers appears to be way down on his list. Normally you'd think that wouldn't be the hallmark of a great businessman but Tom has managed to parlay this philosophy into a healthy business plan. That's quite a magic act!
Next in line, Tom is an amazing harmonica technician who has accumulated lots of specialized knowledge that goes far beyond his superlative combs. He's accumulated an inside and out knowledge base about pre-war harmonicas that is matched by few others. And, true to form he is extraordinarily free with this knowledge and experience.
Finally, Tom has an amazingly resilient and positive personality. I know I've been quite frank to the point of saying some fairly provocative things out of my candid nature. They were never meant to be malicious but could have easily been taken that way. He has uniformly responded positively and constructively, demonstrating the best of human nature.
I met Tom at SPAH, but he was always so purposed and busy I never had the chance to sit down and get to know him a little or jam some. I just know that we'd a had a good old time if we had.
Bottom line: Tom Halchak has raised the bar as a businessman, personal technical advisor, and general friend to the harmonica community. I just wanted him and others to know that it hasn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated even by someone who has remained only a potential customer.
Thanks, Tom and keep it up!
Michelle
---------- SilverWing Leather - Custom leather creations for musicians and other eccentrics.
This is a small community. we get to know each other like this. Just for the record, I had the booth next to Tom's at SPAH and found him to be a great guy who does great work and is passionate about harmonica.
Michelle is pretty great too, if you haven't met her. Did you know she makes really nice hand crafted leather microphone bags? Nice thick leather to really protect your gear....... ---------- *************************************************** /Greg
Yes, Greg Heumann is also a charter member of my little admiration society. Greg is also always right there with a smile and a helping hand.
There was a parade of smiling faces at both Tom's and Greg's booths at SPAH. Not least because of their fine products, but they both share the same positive "helpful friend" attitude and genuine smile. It was heart warming to see.
Tip o' the hat to both of ya!
Michelle
---------- SilverWing Leather - Custom leather creations for musicians and other eccentrics.
Last Edited by mlefree on Sep 27, 2015 8:48 AM
Yes, Tom claimed he wasn't going to work too hard at this year's SPAH, but there were really only a couple of times when there was no one there--unlike Jim Antaki's booth, which he abandoned mid-week to go on vacation with his family. Tom likes what he's doing and he does it well.
I'll unabashedly bandwagon the Blue Moon gooeyness. While I've never met Tom, I am a very satisfied customer. People skills and product quality. That's the winning combo plate.
---------- ~Buzadero Underwater Janitor, Patriot MBH poster since 11Nov2008
I got m'se'f started honoring a couple great people in the harmonica community and realize that there so many that I can't stop there.
Gary (Gnarly) Lehmann is another one of those "givers with a smile." I don't know how to gracefully put it, but Gnarly was always at the center of the traffic I saw at the huge Suzuki booth. One of the most dynamic characters at SPAH, he was fairly boiling over with enthusiasm, much like a little kid wanting to show off his new toys. Love it!
Aren't harmonicas great? They seem to bring out the best in people.
Michelle
---------- SilverWing Leather - Custom leather creations for musicians and other eccentrics.
Like ---------- I'm out of the Biz for a while till I get over my burnout. You can try HarveyHarp or arzajac, or just look the page nacoran put together under Forum Search. .
Michelle wrote: I met Tom at SPAH, but he was always so purposed and busy I never had the chance to sit down and get to know him a little or jam some. I just know that we'd a had a good old time if we had.
Same here Michelle--I really try to stay focused on business, I missed a bunch of stuff. At some point I need to take advantage of all the teaching talent and get some pointers, as I am not really a blues guy. Hope that doesn't make my presence here less valid.
Oh, and that full moon had a full eclipse here in San Diego, that was a treat--anyone else get a show?
Gnarly - Had the same show in Central CA. It was a red moon up here and extraordinarily beautiful. I love watching that thing. Just to keep this comment on topic I will add that Blue Moons are also exceptional.
I have bought several harps from Tom and have always been very happy. As shameless self-promotion, you can hear one of Tom's pre-war MBs in action here :-)
http://youtu.be/QveBXx8auW0
He has just refurbished a School Band for me, which I get to pick up next week :-)
This thread made me pull out my Big River harp with a Blue Moon cherry comb.Man that thing plays nice!Was able to get my first 10 blow whole step bend.On a key of C to boot!!Tom always goes the extra mile for his customers.
Rather than start a new thread, I thought I'd just add to this one. I discovered Tom through this forum and the praise seen is not exaggerated. I had some difficulty seating reed plates in a comb I purchased from him. As a fairly new player, this was the first harmonica that I had ever fully disassembled. He suggested I send the harp to him to evaluate.
He not only fixed the problem ( the same day he received it!), he provided a lengthy explanation of the possibilities of the cause including the possibility that it was his comb (which I'm convinced it was not). He also made sure it was gapped right, in tune and straightened a reed or two before returning it.
This is service beyond what is common in the world today as is the service from Rockin Ron and I'm sure Azerjac and others that have been identified on this forum. Thank you all for your input and thank you, Tom, for your dedication to the harmonica community.
No JInx, some people actually just get along with other people. It's the strangest thing. They feel warmth and camaraderie and like to say nice things about each other, even when they disagree about one thing or another they manage to find common ground. It's almost like they feel that kindness and friendship reduce the amount of human misery in the world.
I mean, they could be wrong. I haven't seen any good studies on it, but I'm willing to let them try it if they want.
