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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
For those of you who own a full set of harps.
For those of you who own a full set of harps.
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Dog Face
125 posts
Jul 02, 2011
10:49 PM
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As I'm overwhelmed by the amount of choices of different makes and models of harmonicas out there, I can't help but wonder what makes someone acquire a whole set of one particular harp?
There are so many variables. What made you collect a full set? Did you try a bunch over the years and just get hooked on a certain one? Did any of you pick up a set before you tried many others?
What are your thoughts on owning a set of a certain model?
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Brad
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nacoran
4283 posts
Jul 02, 2011
11:48 PM
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I don't have a full set of one type of harp, but now that I've got all the keys there are just a couple more I want to try before I start trying to get a set of my favorites.
I've tried several harps. In general I think I prefer plastic combs, although if I had the money for customs I might be tempted to get more fully sealed wood combs. They do look nice. In general I prefer recessed reed plates because they are easier on my lips, although again, I've played a better quality harp (a Seydel Blues Favorite from Elk River) where the reed plate was as smooth as a babies bottom. I've heard the theory though that the closer your lips are to the reeds the more control you have over them. I don't have a large enough sample size to judge that.
I can't decide on a tuning either. When I'm playing melodies I love my Lee Oskars or my Golden Melody. When I'm playing more cords I like my Marine Band or SP 20's (although actually, I have one song I play just melody on that I use a MB on that I just love the MB for.)
I don't overblow, despite periodically getting some squeaks out of my Marine Band, so the LO's relative weakness there for me isn't a big deal. I think if I had my druthers (and still had a budget) I'd have a complete set of LO's.
I still want to try some Suzuki's and a Seydel 1847 before I really start filling out my selection, probably with Blues Favorite covers on them. So, what I've tried...
Hohner Blues Harps- I like the tone, they are affordable, but they rip up my lips and the corners jab me in my palms. I keep meaning to take them apart (I have 3) and sand down the corners of the reed plates and the edges of the combs but I never seem to get around to it.) Decent price.
Lee Oskars- They are REALLY durable and are nice for playing melodies. The little squares on the cover catch my mustache hairs if I haven't trimmed for a while, but that's okay because I've been told that when it's to long it gets all goofy looking when I'm playing, sticking out in all directions, so I now think of LO's as an early warning system that tells me I need to trim up. They aren't reputed to be good for OB's. Decent price.
Hohner SP20's- I have 2 or 3. They have really nice bluesy tone. They are easy on the lips and pretty mustache friendly. The only harp I ever get OB's out of is my B SP20. They don't seem to be as durable as LO's, but not bad.
Hohner Marine Band- I have two. They have a beautiful tone, but it's probably the most uncomfortable harp to play out of the bunch for me. The one I have with a custom comb is much more comfortable, although I still need to work on the protruding reed plate a bit. Decent price, although it's a little annoying how quickly the price jumps up for the Deluxe and Crossover.
Seydel Blues Favorite- I got this from Elk River and it's the most comfortable harp I own. I've got two combs for it, the aluminum comb it came with and one of Dave's custom combs. Both are awesome combs. The only other comb I have that's in the same league is the custom MB I got from Chris Reynolds. It's hard to compare the sound to my other harps since it's a Low Low F. It has beautiful chords and being so low it can do some tricks that higher harps can't. It's also super airtight. The only knock on the Blues Favorite I'd mention is the cover supports in the back of the harp aren't very sturdy and they are hard to seat properly when you are putting the harp together. It was pricey.
Hohner Golden Melody- Another great harp for melodies. It's jellybean shape makes it really comfortable in the hands, but the protruding lip plate still slices my lip. Decent price.
And of course I have a few Chinese Hohnners. The Piedmonts taste awful and are quiet but once the taste goes away they are actually really comfortable on the lips. Blues Bands/Pocket Pals et al are sharp and a hazard to your lips but for the price if you want to take a harmonica apart to see how it works and your afraid you will break they are a good start. I have a couple that don't sound terrible and still have a couple Piedmonts for keys I don't use much (regular F and a surprisingly spry little D which I do like.)
I'm absolutely sold on long body covers. They are really comfortable to hold, even if the supports in back could use some improvement. I'm torn on open back or closed back. Closed backs sound warmer to me, but they don't project as well. I suppose protruding reeds are okay as long as they've been smooth. I've been slowly adding LO's to my kit. For my money I think eventually I'll have a complete set of LO's eventually, including several minor tuned harps. If money wasn't an issue I'd would certainly look more at the Seydels. I haven't tried steel reeds but they are next on my list.
If I already had all the LO's I needed I might add more SP20's so I could pick between equal and just tuning for recording but I'd probably only carry the LO's to a show. I'd also do more key to key comparisons of models.
The only key I have two harps in, excluding cheap Chinese Hohners, is A- unfortunately my two wonkiest harps, a SP20 with a reed I screwed up and a Blues Harp with a sticky reed that no matter how many times I take apart and fix always gets stuck again... now that I think about it maybe I should see if maybe the rivet is the issue. The last time I took it apart I must have been half asleep. I picked it up to play today and it kept playing notes that sounded busted, but in several holes. In fact, in just about all of them. How I managed to reassemble it with the plates switched I don't know but they are swapped back. The reed still sticks though.
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Nate
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Miles Dewar
995 posts
Jul 03, 2011
12:23 AM
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I'm not sure I would Ever buy an entire set all at once.
I go for Marine Band 1896's. If The Music Center doesn't have the key I need in a Marine Band, I get a Special 20. If there is no Special 20, I get a Lee Oskar.
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Ant138
1007 posts
Jul 03, 2011
1:11 AM
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I'm building a full set of Seydel 1847's and Solist Pro's.
I've tried almost every hohner there is and most of them have let me down. I love Suzuki, i think they make great harps but i'm not keen on the spacings of the holes.
when i discovered Seydel harps, i knew i had found my harp of choice. Really comfortable to play, easy to bend, everything i was personally looking for in a harp.
There is one thing for sure when looking for your harp of choice. You got to kiss alot of frogs before you find the right make/model for you.
Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money finding out!:o)
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Andrew
1360 posts
Jul 03, 2011
1:58 AM
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I tried MBs, MBDs, a Seydel Solist Pro, a Lee Oskar, a couple of Herings, and I just preferred the MBs.
DVDs are the main reason I've got a full set - their pitch is raised a semitone. But sometimes it's just a favourite piece of music I want to play along with, hence I got a Db for Captain Beefheart's I Love You, You Big Dummy. And somewhere I read that DeFord Bailey liked a B because it's less edgy than a C, so I got a B.
Partly it's compulsive buying syndrome: when you spend a lot of money finding out, sometimes there's nothing to find out except that you can't be happy. It's a fear that you aren't good enough, e.g. HiFi addiction: you spend 1,000 and fear that you missed out on something great by not spending 2,000, then you are afraid you should have spent 3,000 and so on. In the case of harps, I can picture someone going through 20 different brands always afraid that perfection is round the corner and he's continually missing it.
One of Adam's books on Buddhism is probably better for you than a change of harp!
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Andrew.
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Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup.
Last Edited by on Jul 03, 2011 3:40 AM
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harpdude61
883 posts
Jul 03, 2011
2:37 AM
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It is trial and error to find what you like best.
I settled on Golden Melodys. I love the feel, shape, and tone.
I like having a full set just to be able to jam along with anything in any position (jamming with SRV I use Ab, Db, and B, a lot).
GM just goes one octave so I added a low F Suzuki Promaster, a high G Bushman, and a low D Marine Band.
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eharp
1352 posts
Jul 03, 2011
4:14 AM
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i have a full set of delta frosts. i got them because they have proven to be well made, dont break and havent raised their price.
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hvyj
1466 posts
Jul 03, 2011
4:28 AM
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I don't OB but I do play multiple positions and I consider my instrument to be my performing set of 12 harps. I don't use minor or other non-Richter tunings. I don't use tenor (low) tunings and i only play ET harps. Used to carry a High G sometimes, though, but i no longer do since i've started playing customs. All 12 harps in my performing set are always the same make/model. My spare set may be a different make/model, but they are all the same different make/model. (Currently, my performing set are custom GMs and my spare/backup set are Suzuki Hammonds).
I also have a set of Firebreaths that used to be my spare set when my Hammonds were my performing set, and a couple of sets of Hohner MS Pro Harps i don't use any more which were my performing and backup sets before i got disgusted with them and switched to Suzukis and made the decision to use ET harps exclusively. I also have a set of Suzuki Promaster Harps I use for practice when my GMs and Hammonds are in the trunk of my car with my gigging equipment, but i find them too bright to use for performance. I have a full set of Lee Oskars around which i used for a while when they first came out in the 80s but I don't like their tone and no longer use them. LOs are good harps, though.
I've been playing a long time (over 30 years) and over those years i have developed definite preferences for certain harps based on my style of playing. Like Ant says, I've kissed a lot of frogs during that time, but I've ALWAYS used sets of the SAME harp for performance. So, I put together complete sets of the harps i like. Each make/model plays and sounds a little different and i want uniformity for performance. I mean, one has to adjust attack for different keys anyway, but otherwise, I want to use the same harp with same general response characteristics on each tune when i perform. i don't like to mix and match. If i jam a reed and need to pull out a harp from my spare set, I'll deal with that until I'm on a break and can clear the jam or until after the gig is over if if can't clear the jam at the gig. But i appreciate the uniformity of having all one make/model in my performing set and since i am a relatively experienced player, i have developed definite preferences and know what harps i like and what harps i don't like. I tend to prefer harps with full length unvented covers and these days I will only play harps that are ET.
I see a lot of harp players carrying around a big case with all different kinds of harps. i carry my 12 harp performing set and a set of spares in the 8 most used keys and I'm covered.
Last Edited by on Jul 03, 2011 9:48 AM
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jbone
561 posts
Jul 03, 2011
4:37 AM
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my case has always been a mixed bag of harps. what's affordable, what's handy. what's cutting edge. i've had everything from a $4 cracker barrel harp to a $97 suzuki pure harp in the case at the same time.
past a point, we either learn to adapt to what we have available or we get hung up in brands and spacings and how the harp feels.
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Andrew
1361 posts
Jul 03, 2011
5:23 AM
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If you perform regularly, of course it's a whole different ballgame. A professional classical musician might spend anything up to $10 000 on instruments.
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Andrew.
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Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup.
Last Edited by on Jul 03, 2011 5:24 AM
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Shredder
283 posts
Jul 03, 2011
5:49 AM
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I have a full set of G/M's with back ups except for the F#. If it crap's out I got to move to another position. I gig so I need more than the usual player.
I also have 1/2 set of S/P 20's with all the low tunings to.
Certain songs require the S/P tuning and others sound better with the equal tuning of the G/M's. I like the feel and playability of the G/M's but I like the tone of the S/P 20's also. They each have their place. Now S/P tuning in a G/M body would be the topp's for me and no I'm not about to retune a bunch of G/M's!
Mike
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Greg Heumann
1165 posts
Jul 03, 2011
8:05 AM
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My gig case has a full set of 12, plus LOW Eb, LOW F, LOW D, LOW C. All are Seydel 1847's except the Db, Ab, B and F# - which are SP20's. I carry spares in all the keys used in my performances as well.
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/Greg
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Gnarly
51 posts
Jul 03, 2011
8:35 AM
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My performance set is all Special 20s with TurboLids--I can't seems to stop using them (even tho I am repairing Suzukis and like a lot of their models, especially the Hammond ProMaster), due to their virtues--easy access to reeds, color coded for keys, low end is bigger so low reeds don't rattle and (this is big) you never play the harp upside down (who among us has never done this).
I use several different tunings and so don't have room for all 12 keys, but also play chromatic and so that's not a problem. As is I have two dozen harps in the case!
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walterharp
639 posts
Jul 03, 2011
8:53 AM
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Started with marine bands and blues harps in the 1970's and once I played golden melodies, they were so much better I played nothing else, for years.. then got tired of blowing out reeds (back when played too hard still) and went over to lee oscar because the plates were cheaper than new harps and they were tight, plus some interesting tunings. from there to mostly bushmans because they had cheap draw plates and sounded good. got better breath control around there and rarely blow out harps any more, so have lots of bushmans in my gig bag.. strangely went back to one that i set up before learning over blows with some embossing and gapping, and it turns out to be a very good overblow harp too.
have suzuki promaster, seydel 1847, herring and some other odd harps around.
now there are so many great harps out there, it would be hard for me to stick with one. for example, i am convinced the manji's are the best low harps for some reason, with a little set up they just kill for the upper register. and filling in with some customs is nice, but it is hard to justify that kind of money for a full set and again, so many things to try
what a fun journey!
Last Edited by on Jul 03, 2011 8:58 AM
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LittleBubba
68 posts
Jul 03, 2011
9:05 AM
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I own a full set of OOB sp20s, mainly 'cuz I'm a traditional blues player- less diverse and capable than many of you, and I love the feel of the 20s. However, I keep many other models in my case because of the different tunings, tones, etc; I may turn to a 1847 for the bell-like tones, or a LO for some single note lead playin' etc.
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Gnarly
52 posts
Jul 03, 2011
9:12 AM
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@walterharp Yes, I am recommending to all that they try the Manji in low F--this is an example of how certain harps are better in certain keys. Low F can be loggy, but this one is crisp!
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AirMojo
167 posts
Jul 03, 2011
12:04 PM
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My collection of harps started 33 years ago, so I naturally have a wide range of harps and keys.
When I started I mainly bought Special 20's, preferred them over the wood Marine Bands, and didn't take too long to make sure I had all the available keys.
When Lee Oskars came out in the early 80's, I bought a couple to try, and they were way better than the Special 20's back then... so I eventually accumulated a set of those... some still play very well to this day.
I also added a complete set of Lee Oskar Natural Minors and some harmonica minors, and the available Melody Makers. Not all at once, but over several years.
I bought my harps from a local music store that gave a 20% discount if you were a member of the local harmonica club, which I was. You only a few places where you could buy harps... not like today with the internet.
Almost too many choices today too !
My current favorites are the Seydel 1847's and I added keys as they became available... and now we have more and more low keys that are great too !
The harp you like today, may not be the harp you like tomorrow, although today the quality control is probably better since the completetion keeps getting bigger.
I still like trying a new harp when they come out, but usually only buy them at a harp festival where they are readily available.
I think its a natural process to get all the keys, and some low keys too... you don't have to do it all at once or even at all, if you pretty much just play a certain number of keys.
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JimmyFamous
36 posts
Jul 03, 2011
12:11 PM
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Please be advised that I am not a pro, but.
After trying Marine Band, Golden Melody, Special 20, Lee Oscar, Suzuki Fire Breath and Manji, I ended up buying a full set of Manji's.
I am very happy with them and only wish they made a low F# as I needed one and ended up buying a Special 20 which was more inexpensive than the other options available.
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Fingers
58 posts
Jul 03, 2011
1:00 PM
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I played Honers for years!!! i recently discovered Seydel soloist pro and 1847! i wish i had years ago! i will never go back! as Ant said they have it all.....
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Dog Face
127 posts
Jul 03, 2011
2:47 PM
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I appreciate all of the input. I think I'm still young in my harp journey compared to many of you so I've got a bit more to testing to do. Thanks alot!
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Brad
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Sarge
54 posts
Jul 03, 2011
6:12 PM
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It seems like I very seldom use any harps beyond the CDAGBb and Low F
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Wisdom does not always come with old age. Sometimes old age arrives alone.
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Gnarly
53 posts
Jul 04, 2011
12:26 AM
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@JimmyFamous I can retune a Manji to low F# for you--give me a call.
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Tommy the Hat
72 posts
Jul 04, 2011
9:00 AM
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After reading through this thread I have a question related to the subject.
As a new player, wouldn't it be a good idea to get a complete set in just one brand, at least to start with?
Until you develop more of a sound for yourself and technique wouldn't it be a bit much to keep switching harps and having different brands for different keys? Example: A Hohner in C and a delta Frost in D, a Manji in A and E, etc. I would think that you should really get a feel for something, start developing your tone and technique and then later on try something else and compare/test and so on.
I have SP 20's at the moment but I do have one Delta frost that I really like. I can't say I like it better, just different and really a nice harp. But, I have nothing to compare it to honestly since I don't have anything else in that key. Maybe a SP20 in that key would be better....or worse.
No? yes?
Tommy
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Bronx Mojo
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Greg Heumann
1168 posts
Jul 04, 2011
9:10 AM
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Tommy I think you're right- each brand of harp plays a little different, and is a different shape in the mouth. Some are close to each other - I play a mic of Seydel 1847's and Special 20's and find switching between them pretty easy. But there's no way I could switch from those to a Lee Oskar, which is considerably thicker, or to a B-Radical, which plays with so much less effort - and switch back again... smoothly. If you find multiple brands you like and can switch between them easily I don't see a problem building your set with those brands - that will give you better long term experience with which, if either, you want to invest more in.
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/Greg
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Dog Face
128 posts
Jul 04, 2011
9:25 AM
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Tommy,
I can definitely see what you're saying and it does make perfectly logical sense. I can also see the other side of the fence- arguments like someone having a budget to allow only a couple SP20s of different keys over a couple of years years. By then, depending on the person, they should at least be close to figuring out their sound. I guess you could spin it in any direction. Maybe I will pick up that Buddhism book Andrew.
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Brad
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KingoBad
788 posts
Jul 04, 2011
9:42 AM
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There is the other side of the coin... Perhaps you shouldn't get used to only one style of harp. Perhaps your Bb goes out and the only thing you can pick up on the way to the gig is a different model.
Remember, this is a long haul, and you will probably blow out a few on your first set, and like something else later. I found that I would find a favorite new harp every six months or so in the beginning. I would start gravitating my purchasing towards them, but find that a certain key might be better in a different harp.
They sure look pretty all lined up as the same brand and style though.
Your style and sound will develop no matter what harp brand you purchase (barring the really bad harps - but I guess that is a style too). If you are adventurous, try something new. If not, don't. You really won't go wrong either way.
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Danny
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toddlgreene
3097 posts
Jul 04, 2011
9:45 AM
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I own much more than a complete keyset, and they're a mixed bag-but all harps I like. That's what's important. Unless you absolutely love the harps you already have, and have already experimented to come to that conclusion, don't buy a keyset in one brand.
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Todd L. Greene
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nacoran
4287 posts
Jul 04, 2011
10:36 AM
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I have to agree with Todd (it's in our contract). The adjustments you make from one model to another are small but I actually think they are helpful. You should absolutely try both an equal tuned and a just tuned harp for comparison. I think switching between different models actually helps you develop both your embouchure and your ear by making you more aware of the differences you can get.
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Nate
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walterharp
641 posts
Jul 04, 2011
10:44 AM
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i don't think anybody really has done the test, all major brands of harps in all keys, and comparison of each harp with all brands per single key, and then each harp in each key of each brand can vary out of the box (adam has talked about finding that fantastic ootb marine band every once and a while).. so you would need multiple harps of each type. then individual preferences still vary so you never would really know which is the best except for anybody but you
and the quality control changes over time, as we know for marine bands...
so take it with a grain of salt if anybody ever says one harp is the best.
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MakaInOz
40 posts
Jul 05, 2011
10:35 PM
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I started out on a Lee Oskar, and tried a few other brands but didn’t find anything I liked better. The family were keen to get me ‘harmonica stuff’ as gifts for Christmas, Father’s Day, birthdays, so I posted a list of keys I didn’t have on the fridge. Over the years I’ve accumulated 13 keys of LOs (including a LowF) with duplicates in C, A and G. The family finds it easy to buy “orange” LOs - there are so many different sorts of Hohners – and as it appears that it will be some time before the harmonica is the limiting factor in my playing, LOs will do me for a while yet. Given their reputation for longevity, they might outlast me.
Cheers
Maka
Last Edited by on Jul 05, 2011 10:35 PM
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Bluzmanze
3 posts
Aug 21, 2011
7:32 PM
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I currently have 7 harps,but most of my multi harp experience has been with MB's SP-20's and LO's The marine bands I gave up on because of inconsistency, I like the sp-20's tuning,and the way they sound through a PA or an amp,very warm to my ears,but I have not liked the playability/response of the low keys,G and A, but I love the response on the two higher keys D and f.The lo's for me have been a good workhorse harp and good quality ootb,and have been very consistent playability wise across the board key wise,from low f to b,but I prefer JT for what I do.I don't have trouble going from the LO to the SP.I then tried a suzuki bluesmaster,and while I thought it was the easiest bending A harp I have ever used,I found I was sloppier with single notes,maybe because the holes look bigger and the comb and reed plates feel a lot different than the LO or SP to me.It also seemed a little brighter than the others.So for me until I get to play enough different harps I would not use the same brand for even the 7 keys I use as it stands now.
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DreadySlim
9 posts
Aug 22, 2011
3:12 AM
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Im just starting out so I'm just working with what I can get cheap off ebay.
So far its got me a special 20, a marine band and an echo vamper. All of which I like after a little cleaning up and adjusting.
They all have their own characters. I don't think I would ever go out and specifically buy a whole set of a single harp though. I like the way fate plays its hand to decide which harp I get for which key.
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HarpNinja
1599 posts
Aug 22, 2011
6:22 AM
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I have a full set of Crossovers/MB Deluxes/MB's and a full set of Golden Melodies. What I did was buy as many C and A harps as I could in different brands/models until I found one I liked best.
Honestly, I didn't like any Suzuki harps other than the Manji, which I thought was pretty good. I don't like Seydel brass harps, and Lee Oskar's plain old suck, IMO, nowadays.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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hvyj
1700 posts
Aug 22, 2011
8:03 AM
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No accounting for personal preference. Harp Ninja is a terrific player and a Hohner endorsee. Personally, I don't think there's a Hohner made that comes close to a high end Suzuki in terms of compression and response OOB.
BUT Suzukis and Hohners do have different tonal characteristics. i think Suzukis in general have a more focused tone and Hohners in general have a more open tone. Which is better? Depends on what you like.
BUT, personally, I don't like the Suzuki Manji since i think it's a lot like a Marine Band and i don't like MBs. But Harp Ninja likes MBs which is probably why he likes Manjis. So, there are certain characteristics that appeal to Harp Ninja and he chooses his harps accordingly which is an intelligent way to do it. Me? I think MBs are the crappiest harmonica on the planet. But, to be fair, I've never tried an MB Deluxe or crossover--nor am i tempted to.
Another point: HarpNinja is an OB player. I'm not. I'm told that the shorter, fatter reeds that most Suzukis have are not good for OBs. Since i don't OB, that makes no difference to me, but it would for an OB player like Harp Ninja. Manjis have long reeds like Hohners do and presumably OB better than most other Suzuki models.
My point? A competent player has reasons for choosing particular harmonicas depending on personal preference and playing style. But until a player has developed a particular style it doesn't hurt to try different instruments.
Last Edited by on Aug 22, 2011 8:06 AM
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HawkeyeKane
23 posts
Aug 22, 2011
8:31 AM
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I have a full set of Blues Harps and a full set of Jambones. Even though they're not great, I'm kinda glad I have the set of Jambones since, to my knowledge, theyre not being made anymore.
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I entertain
By bringing a tone to your brain
Just like a west bound train
You wanna know my name?
Well, it's Hawkeye Kane
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mlefree
47 posts
Aug 22, 2011
3:18 PM
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My first full set purchased all at once was a set of Vintage Hering 1923's, even though I had been playing Special 20s for some time. I got them before I really understood the impact of the different temperaments. When Barbeque Bob mentioned years ago that they had the same 7-limit JI temperament that the old Marine Bands used, I got 'em (I always listen to BBQ Bob!). Tweaked properly they are a nice set of harps. But... One day I took them to a bluegrass jam circle. Oops! That flatted 5-draw layed many an egg that day. Lesson learned.
That's when I went back to my trusty old Special 20's for anything but gutbucket blues. They are still a sweet little set. But then I met PT Gazell. He blew me away when he showed me the benefits of and how to properly half-valve a diatonic. I was going to half-valve my Sp 20's until I remembered they are in a compromise tuning too. That wouldn't have been a problem except at the time I wanted to try to play chromatically PT-style (I've since been retaken by my original love of country blues-style acoustic harp).
Anyway, I knew that my case lacked a set of equal-tuned harps so I accumulated a full set of 12 Suzuki MR350 aluminum comb harps, which I half-valved per my instruction by PT. I love those Suzukis! They are fine instruments and really "cut" with their aluminum combs. They are my go-to harps for bluegrass or any solo single-note diatonic work. They've held up perfectly and are a pleasure to play. Except... don't even try to tongue block with 'em. You get that electrolytic effect between the comb and the reed plates that is unpleasant at best.
Fast forward to when I got serious about TB'ing after seeing Joe Filisko again (one of those fateful, life altering performances). I remembered this old circa 1970's original Marine Band that I'd resurrected from a bag of ancient harps given to me by a former teacher. It sounded soo sweet, just like Joe, I thought... 8^) That's when, with the help of a lot of research and Richard Sleigh's toolkit I customized a full set of those old MB's. They play like butter, but I guard them carefully.
Most recently, with all the hubub about the Seydel 1847's, I picked one up to try. In my hands (and mouth), the SS reeds are more difficult to work with and, maybe it's my poor tweaking, but they just don't sound as sweet to my ears as those good old Hohner reeds. (Though I have a 12-hole Solist Pro that you'll have to pry from my cold dead fingers...)
So many a turn on my harmonica road has lead to several sets of harps. I wouldn't want to give any of 'em up 'cuz I love 'em all. Each has it's own sound and certain kind of playability: the Suzuki's are great for single note playing. Half-valving doubles their expressiveness even if you don't work towards chromaticity. Those customized vintage Marine Bands are soo sweet that, like a fine wine, I take them out only for special occasions like gigs or special gatherings. My SP 20's are just all around fine harps that I can count on sounding and fitting in well in almost any setting. They always get a lot of play, especially for practice. The Hering's just can't measure up to Hohner reeds, IMO (and I've got a bunch of 'em) so they have been relegated to the back-ups for the back-ups.
Sorry about being so long winded.
Michelle
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Michael Rubin
228 posts
Aug 22, 2011
5:07 PM
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Although I made a year long pilgrimage to New Orleans when I was 21, I did not buy a full set until I moved to Austin in 1993. I had been playing for 7 years and was convinced it was what I wanted to do for my living. I wanted to arrive in Austin with my act together and part of that was having a full set. It took 5 more years before the pro dream came true. Then at 33 I slipped into job life part time and then at 38 pro again, but this time supplementing with teaching which I like more than performing.
When I was 28 I was hired to play on Broadway. I bought like 3 full sets, multiple chromatics and multiple bullet mics. The post man delivered them to my downstairs meth-head neighbors who said they were my friends. Luckily Kevin's Harps (remember them?) had insured the package and I got them delivered again a few days later. Although I have around 40 harps in my case, I have 12 keys, about 6 backups, and many specialized harps like low harps, country tuned, or minors. I would love a full set of 1847s, I like them almost as much as my Special 20s. I also would love two sets of Joe Spiers harps, one set up for overblows, one not. Millionaire sponsor, anyone?
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RyanMortos
1100 posts
Aug 22, 2011
5:51 PM
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Dog Face, I'd recommend buying a few different makes/models in the main keys over a period of time that feels comfortable to you. I have tried lee oskars, seydels, suzukis, & hohners a few different models by each.
I think at one point in time I felt I liked the golden melody the best and filled out 3 or 4 missing keys with those. I also second HarpNinja's comment, "...I didn't like any Suzuki harps other than the Manji...", the only Seydel I've liked so far is the 1847, "...and Lee Oskar's..." seem to be the best harmonica for a beginners first harp to hammer the crap out of, haha. I probably would like MB crossovers or deluxes if I were better at setting up harmonicas. I continue trying different makes/models in the top 5 main keys (C, G, D, A, Bb), usually C.
I think a bunch of different variables go into what the right harmonica is for you like affordability, availability, whether or not you dabble with embossing/gapping, comfort, ease of playability, & what you're used to.
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Stephen Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Contact:
My youtube account
Last Edited by on Aug 22, 2011 5:52 PM
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sergiojl
28 posts
Aug 22, 2011
6:39 PM
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I am setting my harmonica set like you, and I find too personal the taste of the harmonica in order to advice someone.
I've tried these harmonicas:
- Special 20's. Very easy to play but with a dull sound. Someone advice me to put marine band covers on them.
- Lee Oskar. I find these harmonicas great, easy to bend, good sound if you know to tuning them. For me Lee Oskar is a undervalued sign.
- Blues harp. I don't like this model.
- Marine Band 1896. The perfect sound but not the perfect harmonica. I am changing the comb to my MB's with dyamond wood ones from Hetrick, and now I have a real good harmonica. The difference is worthy, for me the original pear wood comb is a nightmare.
- Manji's. Really nice harmonica, very responsive ootb, you have to be very smooth playing with this sucker, if not you will obtain a very crispy, harsh sound. I don't like its tuning and changed it to JI. The sound was then near to MB's but in a perfect designed harmonica. Some people complains about manji covers, but I think they are great, very smooth.
- Firebreath. Great, great, great harmonica. The best comb available from a not custom harmonica. The sound is a little bit mellow. The most comfortable harmonica i've tried.
Tomorrow I will receive a couple of crossovers.
My goal is to obtain a marine band sound in a better designed harmonica, my be the crossover is the good one.
If you don't care about marine band sound, try the firebreath, you'll be in love with that harmonica.
Last Edited by on Aug 22, 2011 6:41 PM
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shadoe42
54 posts
Aug 22, 2011
7:17 PM
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My first harps were cheapies. BluesHarps and the like. then I picked up a set of 5 LO in the basic keys. Then I got talked into trying a Harpmaster and just fell in love. I have almost a complete set of 12. I lack about 3 and I have those three in Special 20s.
Which brings me to the point raised above about different harps. The Special 20s are noticeable smaller than the Harpmasters and when I have to switch it can sometimes take a touch of adjustment to lock it in.
I will be "replacing" the special 20s with Harpmasters but I certainly will not be getting rid of the Spec20s. They have a different sound from the HM which have a different sound from the LO. Sometimes you just want a certain tone for a song.
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The Musical Blades
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sergiojl
29 posts
Aug 23, 2011
7:20 AM
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I have just received (well, two hours ago) two crossovers (Bb and C) and they are just what I expected, a bolted marine band.
Ootb they are not near as good as my manji, is by far less responsive, but I have to say that the two are gapped too wide. I can see in every one of them two points of leakage between the comb and the plates.
For me this model only represents a time saver, no drilling holes, no looking for special bolts,... I can change the comb for a predrilled one, it is only about comfort.
The crossover tuning is not as bad as I expected, it sounds good but I prefer the marine band traditional just intonation tuning.
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groyster1
1305 posts
Aug 23, 2011
11:21 AM
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@todd
"dont buy a keyset in one brand without experimentation" best advice on this thread no question
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