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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! > new East Top diatonic Harp
new East Top diatonic Harp
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indigo
378 posts
Jun 06, 2017
9:49 PM
Just browsing Rockin Rons site and see this new(to me anyway) 10 hole East Top.
Called the Silver Blues .
"Chrome plated brass comb
Silicone gasket for airtightness
1.19mm chrome plated brass reed plates
Phosphor bronze reeds"
Price 117$
Given the general agreement on the quality on their low cost harps what is this going to be like i wonder?
Silicone gasket? i thought that idea died out years ago.
nacoran
9483 posts
Jun 07, 2017
11:01 AM
I'd noticed that they had more expensive harps. I'm interested in seeing some reviews, maybe a teardown vs. one of their lower cost ones.

Out of my price range for the moment.

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florida-trader
1144 posts
Jun 07, 2017
1:09 PM
At SPAH last year New Harmonica had an East Top display case that showed one of these harps disassembled. It looks ot me like East Top has been paying attention to what the customizers are doing and any other idea that seemed to have merit. The reed plated are chrome plated and thicker than standard - like the Hohner Meisterklasse or CrossHarp. The comb looked to be a solid composite comb - like the Manji. There were about 10 screws that fastened the reed plates to the comb - like a Suzuki or a Seydel. The reeds were welded to the reed plate - like a high end Suzuki. And they use a gasket. I did not get a chance ot play it but as a harp tech gear head nerd, I was very impressed by the construction. It stands to reason that it would cost more and with that much thought and effort going into it, it ought to play well.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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Todd Parrott
1397 posts
Jun 07, 2017
9:33 PM
I wouldn't spend that kind of money on any stock harp, regardless of the brand. At that price you could spend a few more dollars and get a custom harp. But I have nothing against East Top. I think their best harp is the one with the white covers. Danny G had them at the VA Harmonicafest for $25 and they play great - not overblow friendly, but great value for what they are.
grahamonica
217 posts
Jun 08, 2017
4:54 AM
Ok... curiosities got the better of me and I,ve ordered one in A.....only £40 delivered from China to UK.
Watch this space!
grahamonica
220 posts
Jun 26, 2017
11:53 AM
Ok...I got my silver blues on Friday.The first thing that strikes you straight away is the pure weight of the thing! It weighs 165 grms(chrome plated brass comb) compared to a suzuki promaster(Alum comb) which weighs 80 grms.The holes are substantially bigger too.The cover plates are only slightly open at the back and its just as loud as the suzuki manji.Its a fantastic looking harp and it plays beautifully through the full range.Bends are no problem,and although i,m no overblow player,5 and 6 overblows were easy.
The reedplates are secured with 9 screws and a silicone gasket lies underneath,making it very air tight.I had a look at the reedplates using a backlight and the tolerances are very consistent. For £40($50) its a superb harp and no doubt I,ll buy others if the price stays much the same,but I cant see myself parting with £100 for one.Like Todd says,for a few extra pounds you could get a custom.
Oh...and theres none of that horrible metallic taste you often get with metal combs when you tongue block.

Last Edited by grahamonica on Jun 26, 2017 1:05 PM
jbone
2306 posts
Jun 26, 2017
3:49 PM
I was given one of these last year as a gift. A friend wanted me to try it out and give him an idea how standup it was, along with an 008s Eastop. It was good sounding and felt right in the hand and lips, but I did manage to actually break a reed off ultimately. I'm not a rough player these days. I use Manjis a lot and replace plates maybe every year to 15 months.
The Eastop 008 harp I was given is going strong and I bought another for my gig case which is also going strong.

A few years ago Bushman tried a similar harp design, with a steel comb, aptly named the Steelie. It sold poorly and I got one for pretty cheep. It's a thin sounding instrument unlike the Silver Blues.

Very rarely have I actually broke a reed off, it's been a long time since I did that to a SP20 or two. I'm thinking the reeds were just not that well made on this harp. A shame since I liked it pretty well. Good response and resonance.
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grahamonica
221 posts
Jun 27, 2017
2:22 PM
Holy shit jbone...that should never have happened for sure.I,ll be real pissed off if mine doesn,t hold up.Think i,ll put off buying another key for at least a couple of months....very pleased with it so far though.
Adam Pritchard
123 posts
Jun 28, 2017
3:58 PM
@grahamonica who did you order from? I fancy trying one out.
grahamonica
222 posts
Jun 29, 2017
4:23 AM
@Adam....I ordered from Ali express...search for easttop t006 and you should get 3 or 4 sellers.You have to ask for a different key unless you want c.
groyster1
2966 posts
Jun 29, 2017
10:51 AM
$13 free shipping for my first one.....bought 2 more at same price......a harp made in china that plays very well


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