Arrick
69 posts
Jul 21, 2017
10:43 AM
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After trying for 7 months to get a return on my Bushman Low F harp through the manufacturer, I got a courtesy call from Sweetwater (where I bought the harp). They listened to my story, said they are getting no reply from Bushman and don't carry his harps anymore due to these types of issues. They are issuing me a full refund on a used product.
Lesson learned—I'm buying a replacement from Rockin Ron. I'm a SP20 player but don't like the regular F. Just too high for me. I'm torn between the Session Steel and Rocket Low. The Rocket Low is $20 more and seems to be more similar to my trusty SP20s. I have a Low E Session Steel and I really like it, but it feels quite a bit different.
Any feedback on the Rocket Lows? Worth the extra $20 if I'm used to the feel of a Special 20?
Last Edited by Arrick on Jul 21, 2017 1:15 PM
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jpmcbride
175 posts
Jul 21, 2017
3:55 PM
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I love the Rocket Low Keys. And yes, they feel a lot like a SP20.
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Jim McBride
Bottle 'O Blues microphones
www.bottleoblues.com
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Mirco
506 posts
Jul 21, 2017
4:14 PM
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For me, the key difference is the steel reeds. I would pay more for the Rocket, because I can tune those reeds.
Steel is more difficult for me to work with. Seydel Steels are fine instruments, though.
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Marc Graci
YouTube Channel
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John M G
152 posts
Jul 21, 2017
4:30 PM
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Have a look at the Manji Low F with the deeper covers so you don't get reed rattle. Love my Manji's
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Gnarly
2271 posts
Jul 21, 2017
11:31 PM
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I believe that the Low Manji harps are priced competitively, and don't forget that warranty.
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garry
681 posts
Jul 22, 2017
5:40 AM
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If you opt for the Rocket you might want to buy it from Sweetwater. While I'm a big fan of Ron's, they did right by you with your last purchase.
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AppalachiaBlues
34 posts
Jul 22, 2017
7:28 AM
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I have all three in Low F: Session Steel, Manji, and Rocket. All three are great harps, with no reed rattle or particular problems. All three bend well and sound great. So it's purely a personal preference. And depending on where you live/buy in the world, there may be price differences among the three, which could also influence your choice.
Personally I like the Session Steel best, due to the feel of the comb, the wider hole spacing, and the full-length covers. The Manji is my second preference. It sounds very rich and textured, but probably only I hear that, coming through the side vents (the audience would not hear it). My third preference is the Rocket, only because I do not like the stock comb - the separators between the holes are narrow (and the holes are shaped differently) and so I can't play it as accurately as the Manji or Session.
A custom comb on a Rocket would be nice - but for the same price you could also get an 1847 Low Tone. I have never played one. From the Youtube review by Ben Bouman, it seems engineered to be a much better low keyed harp. I might ask for an 1847 Low Tone in Low C for Christmas this year :-)
Last Edited by AppalachiaBlues on Jul 22, 2017 7:37 AM
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Thievin' Heathen
922 posts
Jul 22, 2017
12:45 PM
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I have a Suzuki Valved and a Lee Oskar LF. Both are fine instruments.
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Arrick
71 posts
Jul 23, 2017
12:20 PM
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Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I'm going to give the Rocket Low a shot.
I've looked seriously at the Manji, but my beard and mustache don't get along with sidevents and exposed reedplates. That's why I go for the SP20 even though I prefer the tone of a wooden comb.
Gary: Great point. They don't offer Seydel harps, but they do carry Hohner. I should clarify from my first post that I "learned my lesson" about the Bushman harps. Sweetwater certainly did me right. They're also based in my state of Indiana which is why I was shooting for Bushman to begin with.
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hvyj
3382 posts
Jul 24, 2017
4:10 PM
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FWIW, I have 1847 Noble Low F and Low F# and they are EXCELLENT. Superior to Thunderbirds which I happen to think are pretty nice harps. But I like aluminum combs anyway.
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John M G
153 posts
Jul 24, 2017
6:43 PM
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Arrick
I took the plunge and took my mustache off!
You can't get a good seal on the back of the harp with a mustache and I was getting the tug too often with all harps.
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Goldbrick
1842 posts
Jul 24, 2017
6:50 PM
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to paraphrase Groucho
I once had a good seal on the back of my harp,how he got there I dont know
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