Killa_Hertz
1615 posts
Jun 21, 2016
5:48 AM
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I was going to add to an old thread, but they were a few years old.
So i just wanted to give a quick first impression of the Rocket.
I just got it in yesterday from Rons.
Let me just say first that I'm not a huge fan of the special 20. Simply for the fact that it feels a bit cramped to me. Hole spacing is a little small, i guess. Idk.
Ootb the Rocket was a little unresponsive, on the low end especially. That's normal.
But after a real quick adjustment (nothing fancy) this thing is pretty impressive.
It's in the key of E btw, so it should be a little stiff, but it's really not. It's a lot easier to play than my other Eb and F harps. It has pretty good volume even playing softly. Unlike the sp20. (Another thing that detracts from my liking the sp 20 i think. ) Very comfortable to hold.
The hole spacing is fantastic imo. I would definatly buy another one.
I was getting a lil catch of the lip when i went down to the 1 hole.(on the bottom left side ) I couldn't tell where it was coming from but i think it was from the cover vent. I filed all the edges of the covers, including the inside of the vents, and now its fine.
I think i might prefer the Rocket with SP20 covers. I have quite a few sp20s. So i may be ordering a few Rocket combs from Ron.
I only have a few hours in it, but ..... Anyhow, initial thoughts. I dig the Rocket. 8^)
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SuperBee
3875 posts
Jun 21, 2016
6:08 AM
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If you put 20 covers on it I reckon it will sound quieter to you, like a 20
I really like the rockets. I'm not buying them, but I think they're great.
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Todd Parrott
1370 posts
Jun 21, 2016
9:04 AM
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I like opened covers on all Rocket/SP20 harps, vented on lower keys, non-vented on higher keys. For recording, an opened back, non-vented F Special 20 sounds better than anything to me.
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WinslowYerxa
1171 posts
Jun 21, 2016
9:25 AM
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Hole spacing is the same on all Hohner 10-holes.
It's the hole size that's different - bigger on the Rocket.
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Winslow
Check out my blog and other goodies at winslowyerxa.com
Harmonica For Dummies, Second Edition with tons of new stuff
Join us in 2016 for SPAH on the San Antonio River Walk!
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isaacullah
3212 posts
Jun 21, 2016
11:56 AM
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Todd: do you fold the backs open, or do you dremel off the metal? I've seen spec 20's opened up both ways, and am just curious how you do yours... I tried my hand a folding one back a few years ago, but fairly butchered it. I used linesman pliers though, so it was to be expected. I've opened up marine band backs using a small hobby hammer and anvil. Turned out better, but marine bands are easier to open the covers up on. It's the corners of the special 20 backs that are the hard part, IMO. But I definitely agree that they sound a lot better when opened up like that.
Interesting that you like the vents on the lower keys. Personally , time fairly certain I'm anti-vent across the board, lol! ??
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Last Edited by isaacullah on Jun 21, 2016 11:57 AM
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Killa_Hertz
1616 posts
Jun 21, 2016
4:48 PM
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Yes .. i like open backs, but i prefer non vents. On some harps its a non issue, but on the rocket it seems to clip my bottom lip and you just can't Cup it as well. To get that good mute i mean.
The more i play this Rocket the more i like it.
Isaac
I either use two pieces of ripped plywood (about 3x8 strips) and a bench vise.
Or ive used Toms way of using a Sheet Metal Seamer.
Search for the thread "opening up a sp20" or something like that. He has pictures of a modified pair for sp20s
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groyster1
2862 posts
Jun 21, 2016
5:41 PM
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the rocket is like a louder sp20 but a bit too bright
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Piro39
116 posts
Jun 21, 2016
5:54 PM
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Isaacullah.. Take a demmel tool with a small rotary blade and make two short vertical cuts on the back of the cover plates starting where the end tabs begin up to the beginning of the top of the cover plates. Now you can use a seamer or use a small hammer to flatten this piece to the inside top of the cover plates. You will be left with two end tabs that will act as support. I hope this is clear and be very careful when making these two cut.
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Killa_Hertz
1620 posts
Jun 21, 2016
6:13 PM
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It is bright. I think the unvented covers would help. I just really like the comb.
Most of my sp20s are open anyways. But i just am not a fan of the sp20 comb. I think the next step is to order a few Rocket combs for my 20z
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Todd Parrott
1371 posts
Jun 21, 2016
7:32 PM
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isaacullah:
I just use a regular ol' hammer and hammer them open slowly. Looks like this when I'm done:
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isaacullah
3213 posts
Jun 21, 2016
9:10 PM
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Thanks, everyone, for the great tips! I'll have to give this a go again after I get settled in San Diego. Have my harps with me (of course!), but all my tools are in the moving van they took away this morning, lol!
Todd, those look really fantastic! The they look like they were originally made that way!
Piro, I believe I follow what you are suggesting, and I think it might be a good compromise between the method of using the dremel to file away all the metal in the back, vs. the effort to try to achieve a good fold right to the ends of the covers... just make those two slots, and then bend between! And I assume file off the sharp corners that are left?
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YouTube! Soundcloud!
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YouTube! Soundcloud!
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arnenym
394 posts
Jun 22, 2016
4:50 AM
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Todd Parrott:
They look great. The comb is very shiny! Do you polish it?
And the screws holding the cover plates isn't original. What screws do you use?
Last Edited by arnenym on Jun 22, 2016 2:56 PM
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Killa_Hertz
1623 posts
Jun 22, 2016
5:30 AM
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Tom Halchak
Had posted his nice lil modified seamers for the Special 20 covers
Isaac i tried to find that thread where Tom had posted the pic of it, but no luck.
Maybe he will see this and repost it for you. It was a great idea. Id like to Make a set. It would actually be nice to make removable plates to fit the width of various model covers. But anyhow i know you would get a kick out of it. It was really cool.
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Dragonbreath
92 posts
Jun 22, 2016
7:41 AM
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In case you missed it there's also the rocket amp that has non vented covers and opened back. Green comb :)
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arzajac
1775 posts
Jun 22, 2016
8:14 AM
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Rockin Ron will have a bunch of my semi-custom Rockets available early next week. They are a pleasure to work on!
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica Combs and Tools.
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florida-trader
938 posts
Jun 23, 2016
7:29 AM
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Here's the photo that Killa mentioned. It is a modofied sheet metal seaming tool. Seamers are great tools for opening the backs of covers. Standard seamers are the perfect size for Marine Bands. Because of the curve in Special 20 covers, I had to modify a set to fit. If you click on the picutes below, you can see a series of photos that provide more information.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Jun 23, 2016 7:31 AM
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Killa_Hertz
1627 posts
Jun 23, 2016
9:27 AM
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Thanks Tom I couldn't find that picture. That's genius. I need to make me a set. I've got a few pairs of seamers around.
Does anyone know for certain if the Special 20 plates will fit the Rocket comb?
They are the same plates, are they not?
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SuperBee
3886 posts
Jun 23, 2016
3:53 PM
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Yes
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1847
3479 posts
Jun 23, 2016
6:10 PM
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this is a cool tool to open the backs of a marine band
it accentuates the lows and the highs while confining the mids.
it does not work that well on a special 20. but it was only 99 cents
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Killa_Hertz
1633 posts
Jun 23, 2016
6:41 PM
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That's very cool. You can actually tell the difference in sound?
Either way it looks totally cool.
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1847
3481 posts
Jun 24, 2016
9:20 AM
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no it does not make any difference to the sound.
but it does look cool.
there is only one thing that will make a harp sound better.
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Killa_Hertz
1634 posts
Jun 25, 2016
4:56 AM
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I didnt think so.
But opening the back fully does make it louder and a bit sharper/clearer.
And Walter Horton used to do that thing with his fingers where he would use his finger tips to block the draw notes (back of the bottom cover)
But ultimately. ... yea there's only one thing going to give you a major difference.
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1847
3484 posts
Jun 25, 2016
7:37 AM
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opening the back makes it louder?
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Slimharp
425 posts
Jun 26, 2016
10:32 AM
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Not bad harps but to dam expensive. I dont think they play as well as a good playing Sp.20 and they have longer channels in the comb which I my opinion make it a little sluggish. Save your money a get a 20. I do customizing and opening the covers helps a little in getting a louder tone, especially on the lower keys. Do you have too. No. There is a difference but it is not huge.
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Slimharp
426 posts
Jun 26, 2016
10:55 AM
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PS - What is interesting is each harp plays differently - same model, same key, can play way differntly than one exactly like it bought at the same time from the same store. Same reed plates in MB, MBD, XO, Sp.20, Rocket. NOT the same brass. That depends on what Hohner ( KHS )buys in the way of brass. Not so recent Hohners have different brass in them for sure.
It's the BRASS that makes the difference, and the tech at Hohner who is slapping them together, getting a general gap and tuning, and they do it fast.Screws vs nails can make a big difference. Cover plates a little difference. Last thing you gotta consider. How many temperature and humidity changes has that harp gone through by the time it gets to your mouth.
Last Edited by Slimharp on Jun 26, 2016 10:57 AM
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1847
3491 posts
Jun 26, 2016
12:00 PM
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slim whats going on?..i swear one day i am going to bring some harps to you to bring back from the dead.
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Slimharp
428 posts
Jun 26, 2016
1:21 PM
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I dont have any Seydel reeds, so I cant do reed re-placements on those. Minor repairs are cool. Im getting so busy, Im starting to want to do only new or lightly played harps, but, I will check yours out Bro.
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1847
3494 posts
Jun 26, 2016
2:05 PM
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i have crossovers....and bends juke that need attention.
Last Edited by 1847 on Jun 26, 2016 2:06 PM
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SuperBee
3897 posts
Jun 26, 2016
3:50 PM
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Id say its got sfa to do with brass and 100% to do with assembly and set up. Older harps were sloppier due to worn plant. Reeds are milled differently now too, compared to the old yellow brass reeds.
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MP
3364 posts
Jun 26, 2016
5:34 PM
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Like Todd Parrott, I open SP/20 covers with a hammer.
It is really important to place the cover plate on a 2"/4" or porch railing- something soft enough so you don't scratch the plates. I use glancing blows to the edge and follow the crease I've started. you have to make sure your strikes are accurate by not going too far length-wise or too deep as you can easily make unwanted lumps in the plates. Just some suggestions on what I consider a good idea from Todd.
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Have good day. M.A.P.
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Last Edited by MP on Jun 26, 2016 5:39 PM
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Slimharp
429 posts
Jun 26, 2016
8:43 PM
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47 - OK. In the process of doing 6 XO's now. The Juke is a decent harp.
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Killa_Hertz
1654 posts
Jun 28, 2016
2:35 PM
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I like the bigger comb openings. Like the seydels. I think i can play them much better. The special 20 just seems crowded to me and harder to play.
The rocket is pricey. The only reason i bought mine was that it was a great deal. But Rons has Rocket combs for about $10. So it will only cost me $10 extra for a rocket Amp vs Special 20. To turn my sp20s into rockets that is. So that's worth the nicer comb to me. Because now i dont really play them at all. So...
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arnenym
396 posts
Jun 29, 2016
5:27 AM
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I bought 2 Rocket combs and put on SP 20 reedplates and opened SP 20 covers.
It become 2 great harps. They're my loudest harps. They're very comfortable to play and i believe they gonna be my favourite harps.
I gonna order some more of them.
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