Stickman
561 posts
Dec 08, 2010
5:47 PM
|
Sounds like Hohner has a new harp coming out soon! Here is a write up I found online about it:
Named after the landmark blues instrumental “Blue Midnight” by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member “Little Walter” Jacobs, which exhibited mastery of tonal possibilities, powerful dynamics and evocative note bending, this new model, value-priced between the Big River and the Blues Harp, offers all the tools for the blues masters of today and tomorrow.
With a trademark blue plastic comb that offers a comfortable mouthpiece for ease of playing and a durable material that will never swell, the Blue Midnight offers high performance and lasting value. Stainless steel cover plates with wide open back ends and closed side vents similar to the heralded Blues Harp covers allow for maximum volume and a tone that can alternate between sweet and ornery. Assembled with two single screws, the cover plates are easily removable for customization of reed gapping and set up.
Setting this harp apart is a custom “Chicago style” tuning from Hohner’s vaults. Offering strong chords that vintage blues requires as well as melodic single notes, this singular tuning will ring true for the blues faithful and allow for free expression for the more modern boundary pusher.
Available January 31, 2011, the Blue Midnight comes in seven keys (A, Bb, C, D, E, F, and G) and will be priced at $37.00 MSRP with a MAP of $27.99.
It appears to have a blue plastic comb and "Chicago Style" tuning.
What the heck is "Chicago Style" tuning?
I know what MSRP is but what is MAP?
----------
|
BigBlindRay
26 posts
Dec 08, 2010
6:01 PM
|
Hey Stickman!
"What the heck is "Chicago Style" tuning?"
Technically it is a type of tuning....that is done in a style which is very "Chicago-ey"?
Im pretty stoked that the plastic blue comb wont swell! As i have that problem with many Plastic combed harps *sarcasm*
But the blue colour will be awesome coz as well all know, the blu-er the comb, the more bluesey you can play right? *sarcasm*
----------
Big Blind Ray's YouTube Channel
Mavis and her China Pigs
|
nacoran
3374 posts
Dec 08, 2010
10:43 PM
|
Eh, might be easier to grab the right key in the dark.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
tolga7t
125 posts
Dec 09, 2010
3:51 PM
|
To me, this sounds really unnecessary. Why not put the effort in improving what they already have?
|
jim
508 posts
Dec 09, 2010
4:01 PM
|
Because:
"and the kids will eat it up if it's packaged properly"
(Kurt Cobain, "Aero Zeppelin")
----------
www.truechromatic.com
|
Todd Parrott
208 posts
Dec 09, 2010
5:17 PM
|
@ tolga7t There are working to improve what they already have, but this harp is more of a marketing strategy, not something designed to excite serious harp players. I am told that 2011 will bring more changes and perhaps new models.
The MS series harps not only don't work well for me, but the larger size of them makes them uncomfortable to play, even if they were better harps. The same is true of the Seydel 1847, which is basically the same size as the Big River, with the same shaped covers.
I must say that I do like the blue comb though. :)
|
garry
14 posts
Dec 09, 2010
6:16 PM
|
i heard somewhere that blue combs sound better.
|
Stickman
562 posts
Dec 09, 2010
6:37 PM
|
@Todd is the Blue Midnight an MS series? do you know this?
----------
|
Todd Parrott
210 posts
Dec 09, 2010
9:03 PM
|
@ Stickman Yes, it is MS. I spoke with Hohner today and confirmed.
|
nacoran
3380 posts
Dec 09, 2010
10:27 PM
|
Tolga, if you walk into a store to buy a $10 harmonica, but there is a model that looks nicer for $12 you may buy it. You might not shell out $30 though. Of course, if there is also a $14 model and it's a little nicer than the $12, you'd be a fool to waste $12 on a harp when for $2 more you could have a nicer one, and it's only $2 more. Oh wait, there is a $16 and an $18 model. Well, that changes everything! You deserve the $18 one. Or maybe instead you could buy 2 of the $10 ones for just $2 more! Or should you get 2 of the $12 ones? It's all about having the choice to spend more money. :)
Of course, there are other reasons too. If you have a harp that some people really like, like for instance the Big River, but you get complaints about it from other people you could change the Big River to make it better but then all the Big River fans will complain that you are messing with their harp. It's easier just to come out with another harp for the people who don't like the selection out there.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
chromaticblues
378 posts
Dec 10, 2010
7:12 AM
|
Nacoran You nailed it! It is smart busness. Hohner is trying to be the leading seller at every level! As harmonica players it our responsiblity to buy harmonicas that suit us. It may seem like it is more difficult now becuase of so many options, but the fact that there are so many options means the chance of finding something to suits you is better!
Again win win!
Chicago tuing is just Just intonation or something close to it. Its probably very similiar to whow I tune harps. Its no secret. Tune a harp to JI and raise the 5 and 9 draw to about 7 cents flat.
Wabam Chicago tuned!
|
isaacullah
1290 posts
Dec 10, 2010
7:29 AM
|
On the subject of MS harps, I've been wondering lately why Hohner has not (yet) decided to make them ACTUALLY modular. Meaning why not make a nifty online "MS configurator" similar to that of Seydel? Then you could actually pseudo-customize your MS harp to your specific liking (not in any way comparable to a TRUE custom harp, for sure).
For example, if you like Big River coverplates, but want a Blues Harp comb, and want the thicker reedplates, you could just configure that, and not have to buy two whole harps and a set of extra reedplates to make it. You could also pick your tuning (perhaps), and then you'd have something you really wanted instead of something that is *almost* like what you really wanted.
Seems like it would be dead easy for Hohner to get that setup and going, and probably they could (would) sell these "configured" harps at a markup over a standard MS. People would pay it because it's a savings compared to buying all the harps individually and frankenstiening the parts.
Now, I'm with Todd and BBQ when it comes MS playability. IMO, they are not very good for what I do, compared with the handmades. But still, if OPTIONS is what it's all about, a configurable MS would be a pretty bitchin' option!
----------
--------------------------------------
 View my videos on YouTube!"
Last Edited by on Dec 10, 2010 7:31 AM
|
MP
1103 posts
Dec 10, 2010
5:16 PM
|
garry is right. blue combs just sound better. if you spray blue paint on an MS comb then, viola! you have a Blue Midnight! that gives it the pure chicago tuning.
----------
MP
hibachi cook for the yakuza
doctor of semiotics
superhero emeritus
|
nacoran
3384 posts
Dec 10, 2010
9:21 PM
|
Isaac, yeah, that would be nice. It's not an option on the site, but I emailed Seydel and they said it would be no problems to configure a 1847 with long covers. The next time I have some cash I think that's just what I'm going to do.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
Stickman
563 posts
Dec 11, 2010
4:42 AM
|
I have wondered that also Isaac. Why not sell alternate covers and combs as well. Make colors and styles that are only available as after market. I think they could rake it in with very little effort.
I like my MS harps. They play fine for what I do. I use Blues Harp combs with Big river covers that I have opened in the back. If I need replacement reed plates I just by a new big river and throw the plates on an old harp.
If the Blue Midnight is MS I will certainly try one out.
----------
Last Edited by on Dec 11, 2010 4:45 AM
|
deeWfolknblues
1 post
May 29, 2011
9:26 AM
|
In the 1st position I can bend the seventh note on the 7th hole and flatten it a little, and that's a big improvement over my Special 20. The Bushman Delta Frost won't aspirate at all that way. So, the reeds are more bendable on the Midnight Blue and that has to count for something.
|
Greg Heumann
1137 posts
May 29, 2011
9:35 AM
|
So this is a Special 20 with a blue comb, right?
----------
/Greg
|
chromaticblues
872 posts
May 29, 2011
10:03 AM
|
Greg I think its is more like a Blues harp, but with a blue plastic comb. Because ite a MS series harp it will not have the SP 20 reedplates, but the MS reedplates.
|
Todd Parrott
507 posts
May 29, 2011
10:27 AM
|
Yeah, it's an MS harp... basically a Blues Harp as chromaticblues said.
I must say it looks a lot better in person than it does on the web site. The comb is not as bright as it looks in the pictures.
|
colman
50 posts
May 29, 2011
12:39 PM
|
the more the better,give me any harp and i`ll make
it sing.i usually buy MB`s but i will try this just for the blue comb.
|
Joe_L
1270 posts
May 29, 2011
4:03 PM
|
It's not as bright? That's good bad. I really like the color blue.
----------
The Blues Photo Gallery
|
Rubes
332 posts
May 29, 2011
4:18 PM
|
Looks like one in Deakharps hands at Roosters??
|
derwood.blues
1 post
Jun 29, 2011
1:28 PM
|
Just saw this harp and had a few questions to those who have one.
Is the comb a solid comb or an injection molded one with the hollow sections?
Is the tuning really different than the other MS series?
Why is a Big River cheaper than replacement reedplates?
Derwood
|
groyster1
1166 posts
Jun 29, 2011
1:52 PM
|
@derwood
I also noticed that you can buy a big river cheaper than the replacement reedplates-why in hell would buy replacement reedplates for it???
as far as the blue midnight rockinron offers it in key of C for 27.75 free shipping
Last Edited by on Jun 29, 2011 2:03 PM
|
Stickman
672 posts
Jun 29, 2011
2:26 PM
|
I bought a Blue Midnight a few months ago. I was disappointed to find the comb is not solid so I switched it out with one that was. Yes It is tuned different but I have neither the skill or ear to explain or describe the difference in any technical way. I do find that the bends on the low end are deeper, richer and louder than with the standard MS reeds. As for replacement reeds I have been told by more than one person that The MS replacement reeds are thicker and of a higher quality than the standard reeds. I can't tell the difference so when I want replacements I just buy a BR.
----------
|
groyster1
1217 posts
Jul 26, 2011
5:27 PM
|
being born with curious mind I could not resist trying one of these harps with "chicago tuning" it reminds me of the big river in size with the open covers in the back but it is much more air tight than the big river-it has good volume and the chords sound great-according to hohner the 3,4 and 7 is flatter and 6 raised to make it sound like vintage marine bands-if you dont like the MS hohner and prefer equal temperament tuning maybe this harp would not be for you
|
Big Daddy Ray
34 posts
Jul 26, 2011
5:32 PM
|
With a name like Blue Midnight I would have expected a midnight blue cover plate. Not just regular covers.
|
groyster1
1218 posts
Jul 26, 2011
5:46 PM
|
it was named for little walters instrumental blue midnight a beautiful soulful blues number that little walter performed
Last Edited by on Jul 26, 2011 5:47 PM
|
Big Daddy Ray
35 posts
Jul 26, 2011
8:58 PM
|
I got that :)
|
Big Daddy Ray
36 posts
Jul 26, 2011
8:58 PM
|
I got that :)
|
garry
79 posts
Jul 27, 2011
2:52 PM
|
i wonder if the stuff they use for gun bluing (sp?) would work on harp covers?
|
barbequebob
1703 posts
Jul 30, 2011
10:19 AM
|
Stickman, when you played gthe chords, did the chords sound unusually smooth and sweet with little or no beating/wavering at all. If this is what's happening, based on HOhner's web description of going back to the vaults, my guess is that it's a very quiet way of telling you that it is probably tuned either to 19LJI or 7LJI, which would be the first time since 1992 that they've had any harp in JI at all.
The CH reed plates as a replacement is a better and louder plate than the stock MS reed plates, but if it's in the tunings I suspect it is, I think you'll probably have to order it fdirect from HOhner at some point, which is what you have to do if you want replacements from the MS Meisterklassemplates, which are the same as the CH plates, with the difference being that the Meisterklasse plates are nickel plated, which makes them play louder and brighter as well.
----------
Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
|
whiskey&harmonicas
42 posts
May 21, 2012
3:17 PM
|
Why not just buy a resin compsite comb, throw on the reeds and coverplates of choice?
|
Goldbrick
14 posts
Jan 25, 2013
6:21 PM
|
I know this is an old thread but might mention having done gun bluing -the chemicals are extremely toxic
|
garry
348 posts
Jan 25, 2013
7:26 PM
|
@goldbrick: oops. hope nobody got hurt between my post and yours.
----------
|
Goldbrick
15 posts
Jan 25, 2013
9:07 PM
|
Probably not saying much after harping on cyanide although some of the newer bluings have replaced potasium ferrocyanide with something else equally unappetizing.
guess we have to be happy with the black coatings on the Pro Harp or Suzuki Hammond
|
Thievin' Heathen
982 posts
Mar 26, 2018
7:42 PM
|
Well, in the spirit of Easter I thought I might resurrect this thread.
I acquired several of the Blue Midnights for $5 as they were being closed out. I am thrilled. The Bb I am playing presently is as nice as a SP20.
|
nacoran
9782 posts
Mar 27, 2018
4:57 PM
|
I got a couple $5 closeouts too. They play well enough and look snazzy.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
First Post- May 8, 2009
|
agarner
12 posts
Mar 28, 2018
5:48 AM
|
I too got a handful of $5 Blue Midnights. Great for the car, beach, and work. They aren't bad and it's nice to have a good quality instrument that I don't have to worry about thrashing.
Where did you guys get yours?
I got for mine from ProAudioStar. They sold out of the $5 harps, but they do have other good prices on some Hohner Blues Harps ($15) and Suzuki Bluesmaster and Folkmasters (not sure how they play though).
http://www.proaudiostar.com/guitar-bass/folk-instruments/harmonicas.html?dir=asc&order=price
Last Edited by agarner on Mar 28, 2018 5:48 AM
|
Joe_L
2834 posts
Mar 28, 2018
10:17 AM
|
The Blues Harps will play about the same as the Blue Midnight which is also a MS harp. I picked up a few of them at $5.
|
groyster1
3132 posts
Mar 29, 2018
7:43 AM
|
but is the tuning the same?
|
barbequebob
3494 posts
Mar 29, 2018
9:49 AM
|
The tuning on the MS blues Harp is the standard compromise tuning being employed on the entire Hohner MS series EXCEPT for the Blue Midnight, which is tuned to 19LJI. They don't sell replacement reed plates using this tuning at all. The Blue Midnight is the only Hohner diatonic using just intonation at all.
----------
Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
|
tomaxe
120 posts
Mar 29, 2018
10:59 AM
|
Buy the Blue Midnight at closeout prices, and then put a custom comb on them if you like them. Flat sand the drawplate, adjust the gaps, and you'll have a sweet, airtight MS Hohner harp tuned to 19LJI for under $40. That blue plastic comb, and most of the MS combs are often a little warped and don't take kindly to taking screws in and out more than a few times. At least that's my experience.
|
ME.HarpDoc
303 posts
Mar 29, 2018
1:48 PM
|
I have a couple Blue Midnights in F and Bb I wasnt using so I tried my first Andrew Zajac combs, flat sanded the draw plates and now they’re really airtight and sweet to play.
|
Raven
133 posts
Apr 01, 2018
6:43 AM
|
@Stickman: MAP is Minimum Advertised Price.
|
