SmokeJS
115 posts
Jun 29, 2013
4:34 AM
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Pro Harmonica Secrets Made Simple is the title of a 3 DVD instruction set put out by Michael Peloquin. I'm not familiar with him as an artist but he looks solid on both harp and sax. Wondering if anyone has any familiarity with this material? It looks as if the set was very recently released. http://www.harmonicamadesimple.com/main-peloquin.php
Last Edited by SmokeJS on Jun 29, 2013 6:55 AM
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rpavich
44 posts
Jun 29, 2013
6:43 AM
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He certainly is the master of the hyperbole :) I'm sure that the truth is buried in their somewhere. :)
I've surfed a bit to see what other's are saying, and it was hard to find anyone who's actually gotten it.
On the other hand, I didn't see anything negative like people saying that he took their money and wouldn't refund...that's a good sign.
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Greg Heumann
2225 posts
Jun 29, 2013
7:32 AM
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I haven't seen the material but I can vouch for Michael - he is a "musician's musician" - monster sax player, arranger, and plays a mean harp - he play chrom and diatonic, can overblow, etc - he is a really competent guy!
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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Todd Parrott
1130 posts
Jun 29, 2013
10:18 AM
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I would recommend anything by Michael Peloquin. As Greg says, he is a monster musician all the way around.
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robbert
210 posts
Jun 29, 2013
4:09 PM
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Pro musician, great player, good guy...the material should be very good, but haven't personally seen it, only the ad for it.
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KingoBad
1335 posts
Jun 29, 2013
7:07 PM
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I would vouch for Michael too. He's a great teacher, and as Greg says "a musician's musician." I got to spend a few days with him here in Indianapolis. He's extremely talented and a very nice guy.
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Danny
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WinslowYerxa
364 posts
Jun 29, 2013
7:19 PM
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Michael is a longtime colleague and is both a badass player and very knowledgeable. I haven't yet seen the product, but if the material comes from Michael, I'm confident that it will be good.
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Winslow
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rpavich
48 posts
Jun 30, 2013
3:00 AM
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My observation of it is that you see Adam's videos and they are clearly about helping people play better...no fuss, no wild claims, just solid instruction for free, or close to it...and then when you compare the overblown website for this harp course...it feels weird, sort of "QVC'ish"...long story short, well....I couldn't resist...I bought it just to see what it was like. It SAYS it comes with a 100% no questions asked 1 year guarantee....for any reason, give it back for a refund.
Hopefully that's true.
Last Edited by rpavich on Jun 30, 2013 3:03 AM
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6SN7
329 posts
Jun 30, 2013
8:07 AM
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A little off topic.... My daughter mentioned she wanted to learn to play basic blues harp as part of an independent project in high school that was to last a few weeks. I recommended the Annie Raines blues harmonica course. It's a pretty basic course taught in bit size digestible lessons that helps one build technique. Annie teaches and delivers the goods without being so talky. It was very reasonabley price, way under 20$ for the downable course. Highly recommended!
I took a look at the website for Peloquin's lessons and this is what it said " You'll be able to play with other people...Become the hit of the party...Get gigs...Maybe go on tour or get a recording contract.."
ok, sure....I hate maketing bs like that...
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Frank
2530 posts
Jun 30, 2013
9:20 AM
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The Iceman
967 posts
Jun 30, 2013
9:29 AM
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I like Mike, but the marketing bothers me a bit, too.
Am not a fan for blowing up one's street cred's by dissing others.
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The Iceman
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1847
884 posts
Jun 30, 2013
9:47 AM
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michael is a great guy, and a fine player
the advertisement is straight out of the book
"the lazy man's way to riches" by joe karbo
which is a great book..which if you follow what it says
like michael did AND have something of value to offer
like MR peloquin does... you can do really well for yourself
how much is the course? i,d bet it is a terrific value
you could spend half your life figuring this stuff out
or take a few short cuts.
i would recommend the course...and the book
the lazy mans way to riches.
side note.. i spent the day yesterday at mother's tavern
in sunset beach, that is where joe karbo is from
he was a legend there
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third times a charm!
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Frank
2531 posts
Jun 30, 2013
10:17 AM
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I would presume that Michael has a lot to offer (teaching-wise) to students...And if I was a new player to the "game" of harmonica enlightenment - I would probably succumb to the shtick!
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The Iceman
968 posts
Jun 30, 2013
10:18 AM
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@1847 "i would recommend the course.."
Have you checked the course out first hand or are you just offering a recommendation based on your emotions?
Personally, I don't recommend anything unless I have first hand knowledge of the product.
Example....everyone was gaga over the old Homespun Tapes series Paul Butterfield teaches blues harmonica based on Paul's reputation.
I got ahold of this cassette tape and found it to be awful as far as teaching harmonica goes.
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The Iceman
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1847
886 posts
Jun 30, 2013
10:29 AM
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i have not seen the course.
i have two copies of his record house of cards
this first one did not play, so he sent me another copy
my opinion is based on the fact the guy is a top notch player, no question about that.
and the fact he has integrity.
he offered a guarantee i,d take his word for it.
how much is the coarse? i doubt it is too much
pretty low risk bet in my book.
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third times a charm!
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Moon Cat
279 posts
Jun 30, 2013
10:41 AM
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Michael was a teacher at the last Harmonica Collective and we pray the next.. He was one of the first teachers selected. I have known Michael for 12 plus years. He is an exceptional teacher, player and person. He is always enthusiastic, funny, and very patient and nurturing. I have recorded with him, gigged with, taught with him and spent hours and hours hanging out with him. I'm sure this DVD is exceptional. 1847 has it right.
Jason Ricci
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The Iceman
969 posts
Jun 30, 2013
10:57 AM
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No need to jump on the mutual admiration bandwagon.
BSUB
(buddies sticking up for buddies)
I've known Michael for 20 years, experienced his talent first hand and like him.
The simple point I am making is that perhaps it is best to recommend a DVD course once one has actually previewed it.
1847 summed it up nicely by saying "pretty low risk bet", perhaps a more accurate "blind" recommendation.
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The Iceman
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1847
887 posts
Jun 30, 2013
11:33 AM
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life is fraught with risk
we have an expression out here
"you pays your money...and you takes your chances"
iceman you teach harmonica?
how much do you charge?
how do i know i would get my moneys worth?
i would not hesitate to take a lesson from you
but based on what? an intuitive sense
you have most likely forgot more about music than i will ever know but haw would i know that unless i took a chance.
the paul butterfield lesson was bad... it could not of been any worse the the jr wells lesson lol
did you lose any sleep over the purshase?
i think i rented it, for like 3 bucks.
i have never ever regretted any book ..coarse
.. purchase re: any harmonica relate education
some were better then others, but i always learned something of value.
can someone tell me how much is the coarse?
is it really that much money.
if it hurts that much to spend a dime on something you love.. buy it make a copy send it back
tell him you can not afford it and that you made a copy
i am willing to bet he would be hAPPY THAT HE GOT A CHANCE TO HELP SOMEONE OUT. oh hell there is another bet... life is a gamble... live it like it is your last day. in the e mortal words of les brown
you can sit in the bleachers and watch the game
or get out on the field and play
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third times a charm!
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Frank
2532 posts
Jun 30, 2013
11:59 AM
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Are there any sample vids to be viewed of the course?
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kudzurunner
4139 posts
Jun 30, 2013
1:10 PM
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@Iceman: There is such a thing as earned professional respect. If a fellow professional has seen you at work for many years, shared bandstands with you, and hired (and paid) you to do your thing because he knows, likes, and respects what you're about, that's a great thing, isn't it? I'd be leery of trivializing that with an acronym like BSUB, as you have done.
Some people have earned the right, through their talents and character, to receiving the benefit of our doubt when they embark on a new--or newish--venture. Michael, well known to many here, strikes me as one of those people. But no worries: I'm sure reviews of his new product will surface soon enough around here, and I urge folks who have actually purchased and viewed the thing to share their thoughts in good time.
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kudzurunner
4140 posts
Jun 30, 2013
1:25 PM
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Having taken a good long swallow of the website on which the 3 DVD set is being sold, I'm intrigued. harmonicamadesimple.com is a pretty good URL to have snagged. The sales page is laid out very professionally, alternating different fonts. Whoever wrote the copy--or tweaked the copy--for Michael is a professional. His resume is remarkable. Certainly it vaults him up there with anybody else offering a blues harmonica instructional DVD set. (Let's just say that David Harp should be worried. Heck, I should be worried.) If I were a beginner, I would certainly be intrigued.
However: the one-page website is a long, long, LONG mfing page, with a hell of a lot of copy. If I were advising MP and the Guitarcontrol.com folks who seem to be behind his new venture, I'd tell them to scale back slightly on the sheer volume of information they put on that one page. Right now, it threatens to overwhelm all who enter its precincts. I would make the sale page half as long as it is and create three sub-directory pages on which the contents of the three DVDs are discussed in dept. Or perhaps give us all of the first DVD, then offer the purchaser links to sub-pages where the second and third DVD disc are discussed.
I'm also surprised that the prospective purchaser isn't offered at least a brief sample of MP's teaching style--a brief excerpt from one of the DVDs. This strikes me as a calculated gamble. The gamble is that the sales page will conjure up such a powerful sense of what he MUST be like as a teacher that the would-be student will take the plunge and trust in what follows, without actually having any evidence that MP can play and teach. Some prospectives, however, will want a taste. That taste can either seal the deal--and it surely would in most cases--or make the charged-up prospective go Hmmmmm and end up not taking the plunge.
I'm kibbitzing here, but I'm impressed. I certainly want to check it out for myself and, if a means exists, offer it for sale here through an affiliate program that will get me my 6% on each purchase. Somebody please let Michael know that!
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Jun 30, 2013 1:30 PM
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RyanMortos
1461 posts
Jun 30, 2013
1:37 PM
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While I agree Michael P. is a badass harmonica player and would be excited to sit in with him at a SPAH teach-in again, I agree with The Iceman. One really shouldn't recommend products, services, etc. they haven't tried themselves. It could cause others to question your integrity when they find said product unsatisfactory.
It could be possible this DVD series is great and perhaps the best 3-6hours of harmonica education out there. But there are some wild claims made about the product that don't ring as true. You don't have to play an instrument very long to realize it takes many hours of practice, patience, trial and error, multiple sources of knowledge & education, lots of time spent with other musicians, etc to be on the road to greatness.
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~Ryan
See My Profile for contact info, etc.
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rpavich
50 posts
Jun 30, 2013
2:00 PM
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Since I bought it, I'll report how it is as soon as it arrives.
My trepidation isn't with Michael, but with the 3rd party website which is with whom the actual transaction takes place: www.guitarcontrol.com.
They have some negative reviews on ripoff report.com of people who couldn't get ahold of them for their "100% guarantee" when it was time.
Last Edited by rpavich on Jun 30, 2013 2:01 PM
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Greg Heumann
2228 posts
Jun 30, 2013
2:12 PM
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Adam - I had EXACTLY the same reaction. Very impressive, too long, how about a taste?
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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Reed Triller
89 posts
Jun 30, 2013
3:04 PM
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I see a lot of talk about the marketing of Mikes lesson DVDs.
Speaking as a graphic designer and someone who has been involved in that world and marketing since the late 90s, the person who makes the product, Mike for instance, has very little to do with the actual marketing, slogans and promises made. Lots of that is written by copy writers pushing computer keys in a marketing/design firm.
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Bend it like Ricci - Me
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Frank
2536 posts
Jun 30, 2013
4:12 PM
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One born every second? Eddie Van Halen would probably beat his head against a wall once he realized the facts about what it takes to aquire PRO facilities on a humble harp :)
Last Edited by Frank on Jun 30, 2013 4:19 PM
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The Iceman
970 posts
Jun 30, 2013
4:20 PM
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@kudzu
The all too human reaction of buddies sticking up for buddies is emotionally driven, and emotion really has no place in a professional discussion such as this.
I apologize to you if you feel that my mode of communication was trivializing something.
Now, rpavich has actually ordered the product, so I would be most interested in his comments.
I like the summation by RyanMortos, a neutral third party, who said "One really shouldn't recommend products, services, etc. they haven't tried themselves. It could cause others to question your integrity when they find said product unsatisfactory."
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The Iceman
Last Edited by The Iceman on Jun 30, 2013 6:26 PM
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Frank
2537 posts
Jun 30, 2013
4:47 PM
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He'd probably get drunk more often?
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tmf714
1827 posts
Jun 30, 2013
6:21 PM
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Eddie has been sober 5 years as far as I know-
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Frank
2541 posts
Jul 01, 2013
4:08 AM
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I should substitute possibly for probably :) I hope he doesn't take up the harp - it could be a catalyst to fall off the wagon...
Last Edited by Frank on Jul 01, 2013 4:37 AM
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rpavich
77 posts
Jul 06, 2013
5:43 PM
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Well...update...
I emailed the site a few days ago (guitarcontrol.com) and got no response.
I haven't heard anything beyond the first auto generated form email saying that they've charged my card.
I hope this isn't a bad sign.
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capnj
113 posts
Jul 06, 2013
8:21 PM
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I have found time on the water,makes you a more experienced fisherman able to adapt to conditions,and quickly adjust for success.Time on the Harp,Woodshedding like crazy gets you so far,but you got to get your cred playing with other musicians,and your timing better be spot on.
Their are the select few that are naturals,and learn fast,these type of courses give them some moxy.I took it slow,and like adams way of teaching,of course ronnie's too,and most others on the board.Awaiting Rpavich Report,seems like a guy who's going in hard at it.
I started to think I was getting alot better than average,till I started to listen and play along with some heavyweights,playing instrumentals(Kim,Both Walters)no matter what this guy is puttin out He can't teach you to hit bends like that,only TOH gets you close.69 ain't that bad,maybe worth it.
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rpavich
81 posts
Jul 25, 2013
5:26 AM
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Ok..this is my beginner's perspective on the DVD set.
They are no better or worse than anything else, and decidedly less fun than Adam's videos. I would say that they are ok as a bargain, but you can learn just as much from the internet, and some downloadable videos.
The bad part of this story is that the company that is distributing them (Guitarcontrol.com) is totally screwed up...I mean big time.
Unresponsive to emails, no way other than that to contact them, one or two weeks between responses...
I emailed them to take advantage of the 100% money back guarantee refund, it took them a week or two just to get back to me and I mailed the DVD's off to them via USPS Priority and I haven't received my refund yet nor an email confirming that they've processed it yet...and they JUST emailed me just now to answer a question that they've already answered 3 times via email.
I would say do not deal with them if possible.
Just an FYI, the video set by JP Allen are about the same, less quality visually but good information. As a contrast, I got a refund from JP Allen who was quick, courteous and honest about the whole thing.
So..there you go....my impressions of the DVD pro video series.
Last Edited by rpavich on Jul 25, 2013 5:27 AM
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SmokeJS
135 posts
Jul 25, 2013
3:16 PM
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Having started this thread I'll try to conclude if at my end by noting the reviewer seems to be saying there's some good information here but if I buy I shouldn't count on being another Mooncat by the end of the year. There's always a certain freedom allowed for marketing but it's really good to have a group like this to help sort out solid claims from what's just hype.
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Buzadero
1101 posts
Jul 26, 2013
5:14 AM
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Mikey got onboard with a marketing site. The website doesn't match with the personality of the guy I know. I can't fault him the site.
Like LunaGato, I've know Mikey P for a while (close to 12 years). He's a good dude. He has a teacher's ability to convey and articulate.
I have nothing but good wishes for him, website tone notwithstanding.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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rpavich
83 posts
Jul 26, 2013
5:17 AM
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Buzadero,
I want to be clear about this; you are right. HIS DVD's were fine...it's the marketing and support that was horrible.
In my estimation, he'd be better of just selling them himself from his site.
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Honkin On Bobo
1135 posts
Jul 26, 2013
6:01 AM
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Coupla general thoughts.
1. Anyone thinking that there's some magic site/materials for any instrument that's going to get them playing on the same level as their favorite pro in just a year is fooling themselves, and therefore probably dererves what they get. It seems like it should go without saying, but there's some hard earned chops that only comes with time woodshedding and playing. That time may be highly variable, but it's based on varying degrees of natural ability not some magical teaching method. These sites with outrageous claims are playing on the emotions of the student, who want it all right away. Ain't gonna happen.
2. Regarding the discrepancy between the actual artist and the marketing materials/ distribution process...at the end of the day, it's the artists name that's on that product. They may be great people, but if the customer is not getting treated right, it's up to them to hire the right people to correct that.
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1847
936 posts
Jul 26, 2013
6:16 PM
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You’ all don’t even know how good you have it. I remember an instruction book, it said something like, duct tape all the holes but one, go to your room take off all your clothes, and turn off the light. That’s how you learn to play harmonica. lol
Where the hell did I put that receipt.
I want my money back.
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master po
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hooktool
57 posts
Jul 26, 2013
10:27 PM
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Why do you return DVD's if they are "fine"? JP Allen's, too? I must be missing something.
John
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rpavich
84 posts
Jul 27, 2013
6:42 AM
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Hooktool,
By "fine" I meant they seemed of good quality, but the content was available for free elsewhere (or a nominal fee), for example, from Adam...so I didn't want to pay and extra $200.00 for something that I can learn or have learned from Adam or the internet in general.
Last Edited by rpavich on Jul 27, 2013 6:42 AM
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ReedSqueal
459 posts
Jul 27, 2013
9:37 AM
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Sounds to me like the marketing hyperbole is better than the content. If I were Michael Peloquin, I'd be pretty upset if my name was being tarnished due to a misguided marketing venture.
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Go ahead and play the blues if it'll make you happy.
-Dan Castellaneta
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The Iceman
1054 posts
Jul 28, 2013
6:18 AM
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All in all, here is the perfect example of why not to endorse a product (from a buddy) before actually giving it a personal road test.
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The Iceman
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1847
938 posts
Jul 28, 2013
7:53 AM
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Ice…. You’re not a little jealous of Michael peloquin are you?
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master po
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The Iceman
1056 posts
Jul 28, 2013
8:57 AM
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1847..
I am not jealous of Michael.
I like him and his musicianship.
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The Iceman
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MP
2867 posts
Jul 28, 2013
2:20 PM
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Well, if someone claims that if you learn to adjust your harps it will make you a better player, it may or may not happen.
If someone claims that if you buy a custom harp it'll make you a better player, it may or may not happen.
Just built a custom for my neighbor down the street a few blocks. He has Richard Sleighs book and tools. He has given up on customizing so i do his work for him.
He has every method for teaching available via internet and hasn't gotten very far. Yesterday afternoon we worked on all the bends. Even OBs and ODs.
i can and have learned from books. Mostly i learned from listening and practicing what i heard. But absolutely nothing can replace one on one instruction and doing your homework. Skype is a great idea.
PS- OT-He owns not one but TWO Suzuki 12 hole G 48s. they are designed to the specs of a French player by the name of Gregorie Maret. They are hefty in weight and have gorgeous dark electric blue cover plates. At $600 when he bought then in Japan i think the USD price hits $1,000 to $1,200. I was/am impressed beyond my limits. just rambling here on coffee buzz, don't mind me.
Edit. saw them for 559.99 english pounds
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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
Last Edited by MP on Jul 28, 2013 2:44 PM
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Buzadero
1104 posts
Aug 05, 2013
4:36 PM
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I was just contacted by a friend of mine. I advised him to order Michael's DVD's. He siad that now after more than two months, they have not arrived. Did anyone get a declared delay known at time of ordering?
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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groyster1
2325 posts
Aug 05, 2013
5:29 PM
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mine took about 6 weeks to arrive....it is helpful,but not on par with adams youtube lessons and more expensive than the DVD....and his youtube lessons were free
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Buzadero
1105 posts
Aug 05, 2013
5:37 PM
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Thanks.
I'll let him know. I advised him to order purely based on knowing Mikey and without any knowledge of content or reviews. This dude is absolutely "entry level", so the risk of dis-satisfaction is low. I figured I'd dump Winslow's book and Portnoy's discs on him if he still exhibited interest after the basics. I was more or less hoping Peloquin's set would take care of those basics.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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