Chamsya
13 posts
Jul 15, 2013
3:28 AM
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My question is about what you get with a more expensive harp.
I'm advanced-intermediate on Adam Gussow's scale. I've played cheaper-end harps (e.g. SP20, harpmaster, blues harp) and have found that the high-keyed harps are more touchy particularly around the 3-draw bends. I'm comfortable with basic reed-gap adjustements, and my bending technique and intonation is OK.
People talk about the better response of a more expensive harp - specifically, do they typically give better control of the 3-draw? One of the problems with harmonica is that you can't really try before you buy, or borrow one.
Just to be clear, I'm interested in that 3-draw, not all the other benefits you might get! And if the answer is 'get used to it, it's technique not equipment' - that would be the best outcome.
To put it another way, I'm happy with the feel, sound and intonation of my G, A and Bb Harpmasters, and would like to have the same feel on a D or E. Will buying a more expensive instrument get that? I hope the answer is no.
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tookatooka
3384 posts
Jul 15, 2013
3:37 AM
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My take is that Adam gets the sound I'm looking for with a "Bog-standard" Marine band so if it's good enough for him then that will do for me too. The only problem I have is I prefer to use a harp with a plastic comb so the nearest I can get is a Special 20.
It's just my technique I need to work on.
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arzajac
1104 posts
Jul 15, 2013
4:30 AM
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No matter how much you pay for a harp, the fact about out-of-the-box harps is that they are inconsistent.
There are two things you need for the three-hole half-step bends to be bright and easy:
-Airtightness
-Fine adjustment
No out of the box harp will be as airtight as it can be, no matter how much you pay. Granted, the cheaper the harp, the less potential it has to be airtight.
Out-of-the-box harps are only grossly adjusted when you get them. Even the higher priced harps get very little fine adjustment at the factory.
It's hard to make generalisations about harp brands versus quality. Out of ten harps of the same brand and same key, maybe 1 will be outstanding and 1 will be horrible. The others will probably hover between 5 and 7 out-of-ten?
I guess what I am saying is that there is no magic around the 3 hole. It just requires more attention, no matter what the brand.
If you can make your harp more airtight, you will notice more control - especially the three hole. Once you get there, adjust the gaps of the three hole. Make the blow as tight as you can without sticking under hard pressure and you will notice more control on the draw bends. If you have a persistent problem with a particular harp, I would suggest that one of the two reeds in the channel needs its shape improved. If the tip of the reed enters the slot before the rest of the reed when you push it down, the hole will never play properly.
EDIT:
If you have a harp that isn't working as you feel it should, I can service it and make sure it's airtight and properly adjusted so that all the bends are available and play as they should. That way, you would be guaranteed to have a well-working harp. Buying an expensive off-the-shelf harp can't guarantee that.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
Last Edited by arzajac on Jul 15, 2013 5:23 AM
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The Iceman
1007 posts
Jul 15, 2013
5:10 AM
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This question comes up frequently.
Rather than try to find the answer through other's experiences, why not just buy one and see for yourself.
Perhaps buy one in a key in which you are having some type of struggle with a technique.
You don't have to buy the most expensive one, either. Many customizers out there to choose from at all different pricing levels.
I have a few (including a B-Rad). Each has its own unique characteristics. However, most of what I play are ones that I've tweaked myself.
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The Iceman
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Chamsya
14 posts
Jul 15, 2013
5:55 AM
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arzajac - that's helpful thank you. I like the idea that you can take a stock harp and make it good. I'll look at your website, the only thing is I'm in the UK.
I do tweak the gaps, and this helps, but have not changed the reed shape. Do you have some quick advice about the effect of different profiles?
tookatooka - yes, the fact that quality players use OOTB instruments is interesting. I don't think you would see that with other kinds of instruments.
Iceman - To answer your question: money. I've learnt here that I'd be better off spending money on customising, or learning how to do it.
Many thanks for the help.
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harp-er
418 posts
Jul 15, 2013
6:19 AM
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A little farther down the list there is a thread called Harmonica Customizers. I haven't looked at it in a while, but I wouldn't be surprised if there might be a name or two in the UK.
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arzajac
1105 posts
Jul 15, 2013
6:22 AM
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Chamsya: How about Google Talk?
EDIT (Sorry - I got interrupted...): We can cover some of the fundamentals such as airtightness and reed shape. If you already tweak your harps, I think we can cover that in 30 minutes.
I already have some materials prepared. I can email you documents. I can show you various misshapen reeds and how to correct them on the spot.
I'd charge you $25 for a 30 minute lesson.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
Last Edited by arzajac on Jul 15, 2013 6:49 AM
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Chamsya
15 posts
Jul 15, 2013
7:38 AM
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arzajac - Sounds good, I'll contact you on your website.
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