bluzharper
39 posts
Dec 26, 2012
12:21 AM
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First off, I had to do some thinking before dropping $60 plus for a harp. This is the most I've ever paid for a diatonic. I started with a key of F, because I sing mostly in C, and this harp would get a lot of use. The first thing I noticed was the back of the cover plates were folded completely down, something I do to all my harps.
This opens up the sound chamber and really makes a difference. As for over all quality, I give it a 10.
This is a well made harp. Next up no sharp edges. I love the feel of this harp while playing it, very smooth. Sound wise, one would have a very hard time telling it from an old school MB. The Bamboo Comb is every bit as good as the
promo says it is. Bottom line, I love this harp and will be getting more. It's a great value for the money, and why not own the best?
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SuperBee
761 posts
Dec 26, 2012
2:52 AM
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No argument from me. I got em in G A C D. Wisht I'd bought a standard F too.
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JD Hoskins
348 posts
Dec 26, 2012
3:14 AM
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Very happy with mine as well.
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"Technical, schmechnical---put some heart in it, dammit!" ~ Paul deLay
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GamblersHand
408 posts
Dec 26, 2012
3:41 AM
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Great harps, especially for C or lower. Less impressed with the higher keys - like many harps the double stops can be harsh sounding, and the tone can be very "metallic" (can't think of a better description right now).
While I'll agree some of this is my technique, does anyone recommend any simple adjustments to make higher pitch/ short slot Crossover harps more smooth-sounding? Or can recommend an alternative brand and model that is generally better?
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SuperBee
762 posts
Dec 26, 2012
5:00 AM
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Mm, dunno GH. The best High range harp I have is my standard F MB1896. I've tried blues harp, solist pro, can't recall what else. Picked up this clearance sale price harp from RR a while back and it's a cracker. I think I didn't even gap it. And I love playing it. Sure, it a high key and especially the top octave is a little hard to hear for some. For now its near enough to perfect for me, I could wish it was easier to service.
I reckon there's a chance the MB2005 (Deluxe, MBD) may be the go.
In their own way they are as cool as the crossovers I think. With a slightly different tuning scheme.
Maybe though, I like the brash character of high harps which bugs you. Which is why I opened with "mm, dunno"
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6SN7
227 posts
Dec 26, 2012
4:51 AM
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I would love to hear the opinion of a a harp customizer on this product.
Best OOTB harp I have ever played.
I have bought custom harps from three vendors and I can honestly say the Crossover plays better than you of them, and as well as another. It should be noted, these were "base level" custom harps, no OB's.
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jiceblues
145 posts
Dec 26, 2012
6:30 AM
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@ GAMBLERSHAND : try to fit SP20 covers on your CROSSOVER or...try a SP20 .
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Rick Davis
1056 posts
Dec 26, 2012
6:34 AM
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Yep, best stock harp out there. I have several, and have never blown one out.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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TetonJohn
31 posts
Dec 26, 2012
7:24 AM
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GH asked: "...does anyone recommend any simple adjustments to make higher pitch/ short slot Crossover harps more smooth-sounding? Or can recommend an alternative brand and model that is generally better?"
Personally, I like the sound of higher key Delta Frosts -- don't know if it's the phosper bronze or what (or my imagination!). I haven't tried to purchase any recently -- I know there were issues -- have been trying out a bit higher end harps recently.
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MJ
536 posts
Dec 26, 2012
10:14 AM
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I bought a Crossover D last week and love it. Its response for minor key songs is really perfect for me. I have ordered a G and an A. I will get a C when my finances warrant. A real nice sounding and easy playing harp. The price is also within reason.
Last Edited by on Dec 26, 2012 10:15 AM
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MP
2612 posts
Dec 26, 2012
10:38 AM
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in my opinion it is not only the finest MB type Hohner ever produced, it is the finest no bells and whistles harp ANY company has ever produced.
oh, i did get a used B-rad for Christmas ( Freakin' awesome harp.) but B-Rads are defunct so out of the running. i will build a Marine Band 1896 w/ Hetrick bamboo comb for the B-rad gifter. i was floored. great X-mas gift.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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harpwrench
631 posts
Dec 26, 2012
11:08 AM
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@6SN7
I think they're pretty good when they're good, but like any OOTB harp they aren't all the same. Better odds with them because they're gapped and tuned more than once at the factory. As far as customs go, sorry about your experiences. Anyone can go through the motions and sell "customs" but they aren't all the same either. Many builders out there, some pretty arrogant. It's like the kids fresh out of school that think they know everything, when the reality is that a lot more comes with time and experience. If you aren't satisfied, please consider letting them know there's a problem. That's how the ones that really care get better, I've been there myself and don't think I've hit my peak as far as that goes. If you have one of my older harps and it's not so hot, send it. I always apply that experience when given the chance.
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Custom Harmonicas
Last Edited by on Dec 26, 2012 11:25 AM
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Rick Davis
1059 posts
Dec 26, 2012
12:58 PM
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The Xover is the best stock harp I've played, but it is not equal to the Stage 1 SP20 from harpwrench. At $125 from Rockin' Ron's it is the best value I've seen in a blues harp. It is a rare stock Xover that comes close.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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MJ
537 posts
Dec 26, 2012
1:11 PM
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That is most likely true Rick. However I got my Crossover for $55. That is half the price, and a truly good deal.
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the_happy_honker
148 posts
Dec 26, 2012
4:18 PM
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Could someone enlighten me as to why they like the Crossover over the Deluxe?
The Deluxe is the better deal. Same in every way to a Crossover, except for the comb (never had one swell on me)and cheaper.
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6SN7
229 posts
Dec 26, 2012
6:45 PM
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@harpwrench- You are right on a number of levels and the subject would be interesting as its own topic. The last one I bought for $125 was not like one of yours, frankly it is a bit underwhelming for the money. I have wondered how many others feel like I do.
Last Edited by on Dec 26, 2012 6:53 PM
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Jehosaphat
398 posts
Dec 26, 2012
9:05 PM
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Best hohner i've ever owned.
I've put Bamboo combs on my L/Os and they are now the best L/Os i've ever owned.
Bamboo rules!
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capnj
76 posts
Dec 26, 2012
9:29 PM
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If I could justify earnings to output,I would have all custom harps.Being a hard blower,with bad habits,middle price harps work well.
Xovers A-Bb-C rule for me,got some wonderful manji D and F,Session Steel G is killer,A and C are fun,but I inhale reeds.Never give up on sp20s,best sounding harp for the price MP will keep them alive with RR.
Last Edited by on Dec 26, 2012 9:41 PM
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Rgsccr
129 posts
Dec 27, 2012
12:37 AM
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I have been playing SP20s for a while, and really like them. I do flat sand the draw reeds, put in a custom wood comb, and open the backs. My question is - how different would a crossover be to my SP20s? The cost would not be that different (after I add a custom comb).
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SuperBee
766 posts
Dec 27, 2012
2:49 AM
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it would sound different due to the vented covers, if nothing else. Beyond that I don't know
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Rick Davis
1063 posts
Dec 27, 2012
6:03 AM
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Honker, to my ear the MBD sounds a bit brassier than the Crossover. And, I've blown out a couple of MBD harps, even while treating them gently (a relative term in my case). I've had better luck with the Crossover harps.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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KCBLUES
52 posts
Dec 27, 2012
9:07 AM
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@RickDavis
I agree that the MBD is brassier but that is actually what I like about them... To my ears and mouth, the crossover is a little "mushy" and slower to respond to certain attacks... That being said, they play beautifully out of the box... Just a personal preference like so many things harmonica!
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MN
217 posts
Dec 27, 2012
9:33 AM
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I had completely and adamantly given up on all Hohner products. I became a dyed-in-the-wool Suzuki Manji and Seydel Session Steel guy.
Then I needed a Bb in a hurry and the music store on my way to my gig only had Hohners in Bb. I decided to take a plunge and get the Crossover. I have to say, it's a GREAT harp.
With the availability of Manjis, Session Steels, Crossovers -- and my (admittedly limited) skill in setting up the action on my own harps -- this is a very very good time to be a harp player. :-)
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MP
2616 posts
Dec 27, 2012
10:23 AM
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from 6SN7,
"I have bought custom harps from three vendors and I can honestly say the Crossover plays better"
bummer! yah know, after a certain point you can't do much to improve on a harp. unless the player is really really fantastic; and can sit w/ you, and show and tell you EXACTLY what he/she wants- a Crossover or Manji or whatever will be just fine.
for the record.
i do not offer custom harmonicas so it wasn't me. i'll rebuild a piece-a-junk:)
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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MP
2617 posts
Dec 27, 2012
10:42 AM
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honker,
my MBDs were early models so i had to seal the combs- not because i'm a wet player but just as insurance.
i understand the new MBDs are sealed. (i don't buy new harps, waste of money w/ all the parts around here)
i like them every bit as much as the Crossover.
the Crossover has it's own tuning, but you probably know this, and probably know the MBDs are tuned like MBs.
Maybe i just really like the way the comb looks:)
i use both in my gig kit along w/ 1896s and SP/20s.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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barbequebob
2152 posts
Dec 27, 2012
10:49 AM
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The early MBD's were made as a response to the Hering 1923 Vintage Harp, which were the first OOTB diatonic to have a sealed wooden comb. However, like the Hering, these were only partially sealed, and sealed just on the outer edges, but prior to these two models, no wood combed diatonic OOTB were ever sealed, fully or partially.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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MP
2618 posts
Dec 27, 2012
10:57 AM
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Hey Rick D.!
why don't you be a smart shopper and let me fix your MBDs? cost yah less than two imported beers at happy hour. and...they'll sing out nicely. just a thought...
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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A440
51 posts
Dec 27, 2012
6:16 PM
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A couple years ago I bought 4 MB Deluxes and 2 Crossovers to compare. Initially I preferred the MBDs because the tuning sounded better to my ears and they were just as playable as the Crossovers, for less money. Pretty close in terms of volume and expression.
But one by one the MBDs got sticky reeds, out-of-tune reeds, or blew out completely. This is not with excessively hard use. So I have been replacing them with Crossovers which have proven to be more durable. I still like the tone of the MBDs, but they just don't seem to hold up as long as the Crossovers - which I guess are worth the extra money due to the build quality.
Last Edited by on Dec 27, 2012 6:18 PM
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