KC69
294 posts
Mar 04, 2013
6:34 PM
|
I recently bought a few used Golden MELODY hARPS in different keys and have enjoyed playing and getting used to them. Yesterday my wife, while hitting the Rummage Sales, purchased another Golden Melody for me. First of all don't make my mistake and tell here she paid too much for the harmonica. Just except it with a thank you. The evening will go a lot better that way. Now my question. Her harp came in a nice white case shaped like the Golden Melody, looked aged and had red lettering and the number 542. The only difference of this harp and the other used ones I purchased was that on this one the "C" stamped on the cover plate was larger than on the other harps. Is it possible that her harp is an earlier year production ? Any other info welcomed.
----------
And I Thank You !!
KCz
Backwoodz
Bluz
|
arzajac
1001 posts
Mar 04, 2013
6:41 PM
|
Yes, it is from an earlier period. And if the case is the original case, you will see that the harp is put together with nails/pins and not screws. How does it play?
----------
|
KC69
296 posts
Mar 04, 2013
7:14 PM
|
Thanks arzajac: Yes I forgot to add that the harp is put together with nails/pins not screws. Plays great, looks great. Actually better shape than my others. Case is in great shape, just gives that aged impression.
Do you know when this harp was made approx. and or what year hohner started making the Golden Melody ?
----------
And I Thank You !!
KCz
Backwoodz
Bluz
Last Edited by KC69 on Mar 04, 2013 7:47 PM
|
The Iceman
774 posts
Mar 04, 2013
8:04 PM
|
KC
Your wife found you a great harmonica.
I prefer the older models - have some with nails pins and also some from the first years that they switched to screws - about 20 years old. My full set comes from that era. Since I don't use force when playing, they all are doing quite well after 20 years of playing. Occasionally I have to tweak the tuning, but I love how they play and sound.
Some of the most recent GM I've tried also seem to be pretty good.
----------
The Iceman
|
KC69
297 posts
Mar 05, 2013
11:00 AM
|
Thanks Iceman for the info: Wondering when GMs were first in production ? I have several "C" harps. Should I play this one or set it aside to age ?
----------
And I Thank You !!
KCz
Backwoodz
Bluz
|
florida-trader
259 posts
Mar 05, 2013
11:19 AM
|
KC. The GM's came out in the early 70's. My guess '73 or '74. I started playing in '73. I'm pretty sure the first harp I ever bought was a Marine Band. I'm real sure the second harp I bought was a Golden Melody and that was all I played for 35 years until I started hanging out on forums like this one and was inspired to try some other models & brands.
If it plays good - play it. There is little or no historical value in a 70's Golden Melody. I have 4 or 5 sets of reed plates right now with pins instead of nails. It is a very easy retrofit by the way. 1.6 mm stainless steel screws will self-tap right through the existing holes. So if it isn't playing great and you want to disassemble the harp to work on the reed plates, it's no big deal. The pins pop right out with one rap on the pin. I use a 10 penny nail with the tip flattened on a grinding wheel. Piece of cake.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
|
barbequebob
2214 posts
Mar 06, 2013
8:16 AM
|
The Golden Melody came out the same year as the Special 20 in 1974. The GM was the very first Hohner diatonic, other than the solo tuned (tuned like a chromatic in note layout) that was tuned to equal temperament tuning.
Like the original GM's, the Sp20's were originally nailed to the combs, first with aluminum nails, later escutcheon pins, but if they weren't nailed flush flat to the combs, they were some the leakiest harps ever made, and you had to be REALLY careful about tapping the nails down or risk cracking or breaking the plastic combs. At least with screws, you can periodically check the screws and retighten as need (and this is something that you should do, but remember NOT to overtighten the screws or the screws will get stripped and cause some serious air leakage because the plate won't be flush flat on the comb anymore)>
----------
Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
|
KC69
299 posts
Mar 08, 2013
9:27 AM
|
Thanks for the updates: Alex: Tom is right about Tampa.
Dave's Aqua Lounge on St Pete side of Gandy Blvd. The Green Aquana on South West Shore just off Gandy on the Tampa side. Have Fun !!
----------
And I Thank You !!
KCz
Backwoodz
Bluz
|
florida-trader
265 posts
Mar 08, 2013
10:51 AM
|
KC - Sadly, Dave's Aqua lounge on Gandy is no more. Shut down about 2 months ago. Dave retired.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Mar 08, 2013 10:53 AM
|
