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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Where are the cool combs gone?
Where are the cool combs gone?
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Henry Harmonica
1 post
Mar 18, 2013
8:02 PM
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I've noticed changes in the availability of some of the cool color combs. Where can I now get some of that evanwood? That is the coolest comb I've seen in 20 years. Help!
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nacoran
6583 posts
Mar 18, 2013
8:30 PM
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I'm not sure on all the options available from all the custom guys, but here are some places to look.
http://www.bluemoonharmonicas.com/
http://www.builderofstuff.com/
http://www.genesisharmonicas.net/
http://www.bluexlab.com/WP/?page_id=346
http://www.harpcase.com/harmonicacombs.html
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Nate
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Rubes
675 posts
Mar 20, 2013
9:18 PM
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Hey henry I have an Evanwood MB comb and it's the best of all my 15 or so different custom combs!
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One of Rubes's bands, DadsinSpace-MySpace
Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
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Rubes
676 posts
Mar 20, 2013
9:18 PM
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Hey henry I have an Evanwood MB comb and it's the best of all my 15 or so different custom combs!
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One of Rubes's bands, DadsinSpace-MySpace
Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
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HarpNinja
3261 posts
Mar 21, 2013
8:37 AM
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I was asked to share this on behalf of Matthew Smart:
"I have long waited to speak on this subject but could not because my income depended on harmonica and I could not risk offending anyone. Now that I am largely out of the business. I can.
The reason that evanwood, and other fancy combs are no longer available is because harmonica players, by in large, sans the few wonderful clients we had, are not willing to pay for quality. When we started making combs, we priced them way too low. This devalued the industry and while we sold a lot initially, we made very little profit. This devaluing is something I really regret not just for ourselves, but because it hurt other comb makers that came before us like Reynolds, Sandoval, Lavoie, Earl the Pearl, and others.
When we did our first customer survey, most people were critical of our comb line, despite them being so cheap and readily available in color variety and delivery time. So we listened. We raised quality 10 fold and invested in exclusive products like Evanwood. However, what did not accompany the rise in quality was profit. In fact, this went down.
The person that made the raw evanwood material for us first started selling it in custom pens. He told me that people jumped at the chance to buy one for 50 bucks. It was our most expensive raw material, but the best comb we ever produced in IMHO. When we introduced it, it was 30 dollars with free shipping. We sold some, but I was largely disappointed by the sales numbers and I often heard people complaining about the price. This is for a comb, that I could not produce more than 2 an hour because of the intense labor to make it perfectly flat and have that super shiny finish that a few of you were able to enjoy. If you follow profitability guidelines for CNC shops or any other company in manufacturing, those combs needed to be sold for $50 each.
I did the business for 6 years part-time, one year full time. In that last year I lost my home and nearly became homeless trying to bring you the best. I still owe the IRS for that brief period of pursuing a dream. That is why I left. That is why I stopped making combs. That is why materials like evanwood will likely never be available again.
I recently purchased a custom case from Slim (that I am looking forward to receiving) and he charged me $270 for it. Now to many of you, you may think that’s way to spendy. But I’m guessing he spends 7-10 hours making it from scratch. If you figure in the hourly rate there, plus material costs, taxes, paypal fees, etc. that is NOT a very good living. I thought that price was a bargain and yet I read about people complaining about his prices. I think this cheapness, is a serious problem for the custom industry. If you are not willing to pay for quality, it goes away. Just like it did in our case, it will for others. I hope you will join me in supporting the remaining custom harmonica professionals that are left. I assure you that most are highly underpaid for what they do. If you do not, they will disappear over time and you will be left without quality and without choice."
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Mantra Customized Harmonicas
My Website
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Henry Harmonica
2 posts
Mar 21, 2013
8:40 AM
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I keep hearing that they are the best, why can't we find the combs? Does anybody know who makes the material? I want one! I may have to make my own comb if I can find the material. I was just up in Maryland and met a guy at a jazz bar Frank somebody from California he has a evanwood combed MB and he plays it all the time. He says the tone is the best and after hearing it He is so right. Come on folks let's shake these combs/maker out of hiding so we can all get one! And you custom guys if you have the material make it available to all the comb makers
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arzajac
1008 posts
Mar 21, 2013
8:57 AM
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Custom combs are really cool and nice pieces of art.
Why can't you find high-end combs?
Because in terms of playability and tone, it's flatness that matters. At the end of the day, when you can get a stock comb perfectly flat and there isn't anything to gain from a third-party comb, other than looks, that's going to keep prices low. And you get what you pay for.
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florida-trader
271 posts
Mar 21, 2013
9:36 AM
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Henry. Please contact me via private email. I think I can help you.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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HarpNinja
3262 posts
Mar 21, 2013
10:08 AM
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Henry,
Did you read the posts above? I am sorry, but know one really owes you anything in regards to this. arzajac is correct in that the benefits of aftermarket combs are greater in areas other than tone.
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Mantra Customized Harmonicas
My Website
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Moon Cat
188 posts
Mar 21, 2013
11:06 AM
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Matthew Smart: That was a very honest and informative letter, thank you sir and Mike for posting it.
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Tweedaddict
1 post
Mar 21, 2013
1:11 PM
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Hi Folks,
Well, first off... I read all these boards/posts regularly and enjoy most all of what I read, thanks to the guys that make such info available.
I own an 'optimized' crossover with an evanwood comb, It was made by Mr Smart some time back.
I also own a bunch of regular crossovers (yes, I love the crossover harps).
The evanwood comb is in my humble opinion simply beautiful. It also has been incredibly polished and worked. The feel when I play it is just a fantastic thing. To my ears it also sounds bloody great, perhaps I'm hearing the optimized harp more than the comb... I don't know, but I would gladly pay $50 for such combs purely based on the look and incredible feel when playing them.
I simply cannot see how anyone cane make any money if they are hand working/polishing/flattening harmonica combs and selling them for around the $20-30 mark.. I also do not have the patience, eyesight or skill level to sit there and try and perfect one myself.
I guess I'm kinda trying to say that I sure like cheap steak when I'm hungry, But I'll gladly pay for a good Ribeye or NY-Strip steak when I want a great meal!
Cheers!
MikeG
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SuperBee
1024 posts
Mar 21, 2013
1:42 PM
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There is clearly no point going into business without a feasible price/turnover/production equation. Some folks are tempted to turn their hobby into a business, and for a while it may seem to be working out, but over time it often turns sour.
I see this over and over in my work. And I've seen family members go down the same road. Fact is you have to get a fair return on your labour, if you need to make a living. I expect the harmonica game has a few professionals and a lot of tinkering hobbyists. Both in the workshop and in performance.
I expect custom combs will continue to be available but material choices may be limited. I personally don't care about colours, always have preferred the wooden comb look, find the crossover bamboo and current marine band combs perfectly serviceable. Custom combs are for me a completely aesthetic consideration and I'm afraid other things compete for my dollar, which are much more important or fun than a pretty comb in my harmonica.
Anyway, ebb and flow. Sorry to hear about Matthew's business failure. It's fair to urge people to support the small harmonica community and I applaud that. But everyone spends according to their capacity and I wouldn't really expect such an appeal to have any impact. A good business model will likely succeed, the rest is wishful thinking.
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Last Edited by SuperBee on Mar 21, 2013 1:43 PM
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MP
2680 posts
Mar 21, 2013
2:13 PM
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Hi Matt! LOVE your combs! v. sorry things went south.
v. v. sorry. best deal in town.
what i do is worth far more than i charge. but you could by a new harp for that much.
i'm a hobbyist and don't bother to advertize much. good thing too. i'd be deluged with orders and my psychic balance a bloody mess.
have a good day Matt, Mark
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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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Thievin' Heathen
168 posts
Mar 21, 2013
4:26 PM
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I bought myself one of Scott Hetrick's bamboo combs for Xmas and he actually followed up with a phone call to see how I liked it. I am sorry to say, I missed the call, but I will say I was astounded by that level of courtesy for such a small purchase. I am very sorry to hear that he was not getting rich because he deserves to. If & when his line of products finds it's way back into the market place, I recommend buying lots of it.
Yes, I am very happy with the comb.
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cliffy
40 posts
Mar 22, 2013
7:42 AM
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@ Henry:
There is a color of Mystera solid surface countertop called I think "Cafe" that resembles the Evanwood combs.
They have other colors called "Cocobolo" and "Espresso" that resemble the Evanwood style as well.
Maybe if you were willing to buy the stock materials, one of the comb maker would be willing to machine them and polish them for you? I imagine it would be fairly expensive. I don't know is manufacturers would let you send your own materials.
Good luck,
Bill
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florida-trader
272 posts
Mar 22, 2013
9:25 AM
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Guys, I don’t want to open a can of worms but I think it would be helpful if I addressed a couple of the questions that have been raised on this thread.
First of all, I can get all the Evanwood you want. It is a proprietary product that is made by a gentleman who makes materials for the knife industry. It so happens that the knife handle and pistol grip industry deal in products that are very compatible with the harmonica comb industry – namely solid surface materials and custom screws. I am currently doing business with the gentleman who makes Evanwood and I have a couple of samples. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet (pardon the pun) on making Evanwood combs mostly because I just picked up an order of over 500 Corian, Aluminum and Fancy Acrylic combs from my CNC machine shop and now is not the time for me to add a new material. But rest assured, if the demand is there for Evanwood, I will add it to my line of offerings. So Henry – I’ve asked you to email me directly – if you want an Evanwood comb, I will be happy to hook you up.
Cliffy, with regard to finding a specific color of Corian or other Solid Surface material, I think your suggestion is a good one. I get my Solid Surface material (including Corian) from a counter top manufacturer who has gobs of product on hand. I buy remnants from them. It’s a win-win. They get to dispose of some of their unused material and make a few dollars and I get variety. I’m not just stuck with one color like I would be if I had to buy a 4’ X 8’ piece of material. Regardless of where you live, there are probably a few counter top makers who would be happy to sell you scrap. What you would do with that piece once you get it is another story. I’m not really set up to do onesy twosy on combs but my relationship with my machine shop is such that I could drop off a piece of Corian and they would cut a comb for me. Maybe Chris Reynolds is a better option with something like this. My understanding is that he is more geared toward making one of a kind combs. But I would be happy to help any member of this forum any way I can. All you have to do is ask.
As far as Matt Smart and Hetrick Harmonica. I have seen their work. It is first class – easily among the best anybody has ever made. It is unfortunate that Matt was forced to pursue another way to earn a livelihood. I think it is a loss to the harmonica community and I wish him the best. It serves as an illustration of how challenging it can be to make a full time living in the harmonica industry – whether as a customizer, a musician, a teacher or an after-market parts guy. I think that the majority of the guys who hang out on this forum and who happen to derive some income from the harmonica do it as a sideline and are driven more by their passion for the instrument than by pure financial rewards. Unfortunately, passion doesn’t pay the electric bill.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Mar 22, 2013 9:26 AM
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JInx
421 posts
Mar 22, 2013
10:02 AM
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I dig the custom comb. My next build I hope to be a shamrock green, custom corian paddy richter crossover with white press on lettering. And beer, golden beer.
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
Last Edited by JInx on Mar 22, 2013 11:04 AM
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MP
2681 posts
Mar 22, 2013
12:56 PM
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my fav Hetrick combs are the Dymonwood. i've got maple, mahogany, ebony, yellow heart, something rainbow colored, brown and blond bamboo and others.
the cherry Dymonwood is gorgeous on GMs. the ebony too.
when you swap out stock combs on SP/20s and GMs you lose the support thingy between the teeth. this is very helpful because your tools aren't blocked access. i can stick a piece of chopstick in them for reed support when tuning the upper reed plate with my rotary tool.
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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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nacoran
6597 posts
Mar 22, 2013
1:34 PM
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The thing to remember with a custom comb is that if you treat it right it will last. When you blow out reeds on a harp you can just move the comb over to a new one. A lot of it is bling factor, but it's also really useful for telling your harps apart quickly. Lee Oskars are have pretty good labels on the harp that don't wear off, but Hohners area real pain to tell apart in the dark.
Slightly off topic, but I just got my first Turbolid. I like it. It slides across the lips very nicely and seems to amplify the tone well. I didn't have a spare good harp to put in it, so I just threw a Piedmont in- the change of volume is huge (although Piedmonts are way at the other end of the volume scale. I could have probably put sound baffling on it and made it louder). It's comfortable to hold. It makes the harp look a little bit like a dog bone because of the shape, and it doesn't fit with my slender custom combs, but it works really nice with the standard plastic Hohner combs. The next time I'm at the music store I'm going to pick up a Sp20 to put in it- or maybe order one- any of the online retail places sell alternate tunings on Sp20's?
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Nate
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Rubes
677 posts
Mar 23, 2013
3:39 AM
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So sorry Matt...I woulda paid more for evanwood. If anybody wants to hit Tom up for a bulk order...? ( I think all you guys should be rich!)
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One of Rubes's bands, DadsinSpace-MySpace
Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
Last Edited by Rubes on Mar 23, 2013 3:39 AM
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cliffy
41 posts
Mar 23, 2013
5:37 AM
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Nacoran is right in that buying a custom comb has lasting value; when you blow a reed out on your harp, you can simply transfer the comb to another harp. I've done this a few times. So the value of the comb is that you always have it ready to use, regardless of the status of the reeds. If you're like me, you have a bucket or box with ten blown out harps waiting to be repaired. So the ones you do have in service can always have nice combs.
I disagree -slightly- with Arzajac, though. I have currently eight custom combs, some are evanwood, some corian, and some acrylic. I'm expecting some more combs in a day or so from Tom, actually. In every case, I noticed a tremendous difference in the ease of playability in the harp with the custom comb. Each time, the harmonica took less breath force to play and was more responsive, which in turn allows me to play with more nuance instead of brute force. So I think there is a difference beyond the aesthetic.
In agreeable with Arzajac, though, I do love the way that the harps look as well. I think my tone is about the same, as well. So there are benefits to enjoying the way your harmonicas look, but I don't know that tone is one of them.
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