Rich
41 posts
Jun 21, 2011
1:02 PM
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I've been playing for about 18 months now and have always used Marine Bands until recently when I bought two dud ones on the bounce.
Throwing my hands up in the air, I ordered a Golden Melody and I started to look at my Mb's differently. I've just got another GM and a SP20 today (harmonicas direct - amazing service as ever!) and I love the SP20!
From now on , its GM and SP20 for me. I'll look back fondly on my Marine Bands but I'll never buy one again.
Shame really....
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toddlgreene
3057 posts
Jun 21, 2011
1:12 PM
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Don't trash those MBs-customize them, or get them customized! I always hated stock MBs-then one day I tried a custom MB(Harvey Harp), and now they're my favorite.
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Todd L. Greene
Last Edited by on Jun 21, 2011 1:18 PM
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Greyowlphotoart
591 posts
Jun 21, 2011
1:46 PM
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I've gone the other direction Rich, as I started off with GM's and Sp20's which are both very good harps and have recently started buying a few Marine Bands which I love, although out of the box you have to work a little harder with them. BTW I like the fact you can get different tone from all these harps and I tend to chop and change depending what sound I want. ( I also have a few Suzukis which are also very good.)
It is disappointing when you get a duff MB but if you don't mind tinkering with the harps and adjust the gaps on any reeds that are too wide you can make them nice and playable.
I agree with you about Harmonicas Direct, I ordered a Big River Low D yesterday and it arrived this morning!
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MP
1708 posts
Jun 21, 2011
2:05 PM
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i have two MBs i'm rebuilding for a friend. so far they are drilled and tapped for screws. next i'll sand and seal the combs. only then will they play as well as OOB SP/20s or GMs.
but...after some reed work they will be killer!
on the other hand, the typical player has no time for
this stuff.
the newer SP/20s are great OOB harps. the MB 1896 still has some issues.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
Last Edited by on Jun 21, 2011 2:07 PM
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Rich
42 posts
Jun 21, 2011
3:36 PM
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MP said it all really. Time and effort to make them as good as a SP20 or GM but at the same price.
I'm no customizer and don't have the time or donor harps to learn and I don't play at a level that justifies a pro custom job so its SP's and GM's for me now.
Also, how good does a GM feel in your hand....Why can't they all be like that??
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nacoran
4214 posts
Jun 21, 2011
9:25 PM
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Rich, what was wrong with them? MB's are a bit more of a hassle with the nails, but most problems can be fixed with a couple minutes of tinkering.
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Nate
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Rich
43 posts
Jun 22, 2011
12:52 AM
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@ nacoran.
The problem is with my G and Bb. They both leak like crazy especially on the 3 draw.
I've sanded the combs and reed plates and tried adjusting the gaps but they're still no good.
I'm sure someone who knows what they are doing could sort them out but I don't really want to have to pay twice for a harmonica if you know what I mean.
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nacoran
4217 posts
Jun 22, 2011
3:35 PM
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Fair enough... that's an odd one though. If you've adjusted the gaps for one hole to be particularly leaky is kind of odd. Maybe some embossing? If they already don't play well, what's the harm? I've broken every harp I've ever tried to emboss. :) Or maybe you could experiment with valves on 'em.
I like the feel of SP20's better anyway. MB's (and GM's) tear up my lips.
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Nate
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garry
61 posts
Jun 22, 2011
7:40 PM
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i've always found MB's to be unplayable. i'm glad other folks like them, but they're not for me. and i never quite get the argument that if you just drill them and tap them for screws to replace the nails and sand and seal them, then customize them, they're just as good to be pretty unconvincing. why not just buy a decent harp in the first place?
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harmonicanick
1232 posts
Jun 23, 2011
12:55 AM
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@Rich
If you are uk based? Then visit Henry's site and he will make your MB's, fine and responsive, at reasonable cost
www.henryslim.co.uk/harmonica
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MP
1718 posts
Jun 23, 2011
1:30 AM
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good point garry.
get something good right off the bat. i prefer the crossover but for
half the money you can get GMs and SP/20s.
manjis aren't that expensive but for the price of a manji kevin baker AKA chromaticblues can make you something better.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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