Fingers
24 posts
Apr 06, 2011
12:15 PM
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I have just bought a Manji in C i find it plays well out of the box! well 2 draw bend is a bit rough but it my well just need breaking in a bit, i think on first impressions i was expecting more, i have recently took 4 Marine band ms,s which must be around 15 years old and sealed the combs and gapped them and in my opinion they play way louder smoother and easier! i like the MS chunky size (i have big hands)hence the nickname lol! i also seem to hit the single notes cleaner on them,but then after 20 years on MB i must just be used to them! i realise the Manji may just need breaking in but i was expecting more.
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chromaticblues
762 posts
Apr 06, 2011
12:30 PM
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I find the Manji to be in need of percise gapping to get it to play right. More so than some others. Once you get it they do play well.
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RT123
137 posts
Apr 06, 2011
12:39 PM
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you find single notes easier on Hohner MS series than Manjis? Wow, thats the first time I ever heard anyone say that. If you said chord play was better on the Hohner I might be able to see your point because of the tuning. I respect your opinion but I couldnt disagree with you more.
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Joch230
456 posts
Apr 06, 2011
12:45 PM
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You know I had 5 Manji harps and was really happy with them and then I got a A Manji where the 10 blow was way way flat. I went to fix that and then realized that a bunch of the other reeds were out of tune too. And the 5 and 6 OB squealed. Got it all tuned up now. Needs some minor gapping adjustments but it's great to play a freshly tuned harp.
-John
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Fingers
25 posts
Apr 06, 2011
12:54 PM
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@RT123! lol i thought this may be...controversial it may be i have got used to the size of the posts between holes on the MS,s over the years also the Manji is new so i may (subconsciously) be going easy on it! but i can honestly say the MB,s play better for me! maybe i was lucky with the sealing/gaping etc.
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Joe_L
1189 posts
Apr 06, 2011
1:35 PM
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@Fingers - I am a long time Hohner MS Harp player. Recently, I picked up a Manji. I had to make an adjustment playing it. The size of those two harps is different. The Manji isn't as stiff as the Hohner.
I like the Manji, but I'm still not completely certain that I like it enough to warrant spending the money on a complete set.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
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Fingers
26 posts
Apr 06, 2011
1:54 PM
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@Joe L- i agree at £55 a piece i will need to be sure before i buy any more! but as MB ms are not made anymore i will need to find a good alternative one day! i love the size of the ms for sure.
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RT123
138 posts
Apr 06, 2011
1:56 PM
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@fingers I thought you meant responsiveness. If you mean the size of the hole and tines, then you do have a valid argument. Many prefer one or the other.
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Fingers
27 posts
Apr 06, 2011
2:03 PM
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@ RT123 i know it is unusual mate but these sealed and gapped MS,s are so responsive and loud i play them better than the Manji they have been gigged for years so i know them inside out......it could just be me!! LOL
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RT123
139 posts
Apr 06, 2011
2:12 PM
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Hey, whatever works for you. Nobody can tell you what to like or not like. I don't mind the ms series I just really like suzukis.
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Joe_L
1190 posts
Apr 06, 2011
3:54 PM
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@Fingers - When the combs get funky, swap in wooden combs from the MS Blues Harp. If the covers get smashed, swap them out with MS Big River covers. I swap out bad reed plates with the MS replacements.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
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Rift
75 posts
Apr 06, 2011
4:25 PM
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Fingers - if you are looking to get rid of the manji for a blues harp see my post.
http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/1207419.htm
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Fingers
28 posts
Apr 07, 2011
11:07 AM
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@ Joe l!! thanks great advice i like the idea Frankenstein harps!!
@ Rift! thanks for the offer mate but i have tweaked the Manji and it is playing sweet so i will hang onto it!!
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toddlgreene
2863 posts
Apr 07, 2011
11:42 AM
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I own two that are my go-to harps in their respective keys(D and F). The D was more stubborn on the 1 draw gap than anything I'd ever seen before, but once I got it right, it's a great harp.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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toddlgreene
2864 posts
Apr 07, 2011
11:43 AM
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I own two that are my go-to harps in their respective keys(D and F). The D was more stubborn on the 1 draw gap than anything I'd ever seen before, but once I got it right, it's a great harp.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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Fingers
29 posts
Apr 07, 2011
11:57 AM
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@ toddlgreen! i had to gap the 2 draw took a few attempts but once there it sings sweet! still give the edge to my MBs ms though (after they were sealed and gapped) lol
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groyster1
985 posts
Apr 08, 2011
1:59 PM
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how difficult is it to retune manjis to make them sound more like mb1896 and sp20s I understand they are compromised tuned but closer to equal tuning
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Xpun3414
189 posts
Apr 09, 2011
7:48 AM
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I am a BIG fan of Hohner Marine Band 1896/20 Classic's. I have 6 of them. I also have a Hohner GLH (Great Little Harp) & a Hohner Big River Harp. Ive used these harps for some time now and like them. But.. I just brought a Manji in Bb this past Monday. I have to say after playing it for just a few minutes I was sold. I think it sounds just like my MB's and is way more responsive & works great OOTB. No messin with this thing. Take it out & play it. That simple. Had i got a manji first.. thats the way I would have gone from the start. I love my Manji. Oh and.. it bends a bit easier as well :)
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