mr_so&so
1057 posts
Nov 10, 2016
9:52 AM
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I know that there are a bunch of Special 20 fans here, and the Rocket has been described as "a SP20 on steroids". So who's tried the Rocket now that it's been out for a couple of years, and what are your thoughts?
I recently took the plunge on the Rocket when I noticed that amazon.ca was selling a key of E Rocket for under CAN$30. I am impressed. It's an air tight, responsive, quality instrument with a very bright and brassy sound. It was gapped high, but was easily adjusted in a few minutes to overblow.
So after playing the E for a few weeks, I wanted an A. No deals on Amazon (around CAN$100). So I went to searching and found the best price (CAN$65, with free shipping) on harmonicaland.com. The SP20 there is CAN$59, so I think that is pretty good value for the feature upgrades provided by the Rocket. I've been playing the A now for a week or so, and after some quick gapping it is now the most responsive and in-tune harp I own and 4,5,6OBs are easily set up. I'm going to buy a set over time, and maybe a Rocket Low or two....
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Reever Sorio
11 posts
Nov 10, 2016
10:04 AM
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I too like the Rocket, I own several including a couple lows. I had Rockin' Ron send one to Richard Sleigh to take advantage of Richard's set-up offer.
I think they are gapped high aimed at what Hohner perceives as a "rock" market, (hence the name?)I dunno, but they do take work very well
Regards,
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Killa_Hertz
1887 posts
Nov 10, 2016
11:58 AM
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I too like the rocket.
I started on special 20's but after getting used to some of the other harps out there ( lee oskar, Seydel session steel, etc.) I started to feel like the special 20 was a bit cramped. Even though they have the same hole size and spacing as the Marine Band and the MB doesnt really bother me. Anyhow I got one in E aswell, I didnt have an E and wanted to learn Creeper Returns. Rons happened to have a Rocket in E on sale. Seemed like a no brainer.
Since then I have replaced all my Special 20 combs with rocket ones. Ron sells them for around $10. So if you already have special 20's and you like the Rocket its an easy and cheap upgrade.
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Fil
214 posts
Nov 10, 2016
12:26 PM
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Killa, I'm a generally satisfied SP20 guy, but have added a couple of Crossovers and like them. Are you familiar with how Crossover and Rocket compare? I like the idea of a $10 comb exchange. Thanks.
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Phil Pennington
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groyster1
2883 posts
Nov 10, 2016
6:20 PM
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rockets are louder than sp20 because of more vents.....other than that.........no better
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SuperBee
4261 posts
Nov 10, 2016
6:53 PM
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I like them a lot but I don't own any. I've worked on a couple or 3 and I can tell I'd be very happy to play them. But I am not planning to replace my marine bands/sp20s
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Glass Harp Full
154 posts
Nov 11, 2016
12:27 AM
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I've got a Rocket Amp (the ones with the green comb) in A. I like it. My usual favourite harp is the Suzuki Bluesmaster because of the rounded corners and bigger holes but I like the Hohner tone and tuning better, so the Rocket is a good combination of features I like.
My only complaint is that it had a sticky 4 draw reed when I first got it but that was easily fixed. I'd like to switch to Rockets but at approximately double the cost of a Bluesmaster it's not on the cards at the moment.
I notice Hohner recently brought out a series of Rocket Low harps, has anyone tried them?
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Popculture Chameleon
182 posts
Nov 11, 2016
8:11 AM
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I have six rockets and love them all. I am actually learning how to play with these.I will eventually get custom combs from blue moon harmonica when I get the money for them. I want some hogan combs. I may even twerk one or two of them myself to 7 limit to see how i like them. I love the old school sound of harps. As far as trying other harps I will sooner or later start messing around with thunderbirds. I have thought about crossovers but I'm just not sure about them
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Whitelight
9 posts
Nov 11, 2016
9:04 AM
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I really like the Rocket, and play one everyday...Very comfortable, and very little breath to make them play...I just ordered a C and G Crossover, from Rockin Ron. I like the smaller feel of the Marine Bands...I hope they play as easy as the Rockets.
Last Edited by Whitelight on Nov 11, 2016 9:07 AM
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Steve Harvell
214 posts
Nov 14, 2016
3:53 PM
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I LOVE the Hohner Rocket...they are my favorite brand in the Low Keys, they are so smooth..the regular keys are fantastic too..Hohner did well with these :)
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