beta-harps
1 post
Sep 27, 2013
3:44 AM
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Hi all
In my search for better tools I now can say that I'm very happy with the tools I'm using when I work on my beta-harps ( Seydel 1847 + Session Steel).
The result: my work has improved and I can deliver very quick. Even my X-treme model ( full overblow/overdraw set-up) can be shipped 3 days after ordering!!
Here are some comments that I got recently...
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Just recieved my second Beta Harp from Ben. It's fantastic. The price
is right and it plays like a dream. I purchased my first one several
years ago and it still plays like when I first got it. If you like
Seydels, you will love what Ben does to them. No afilliation, just a
very satisfied customer.
Bullfrog
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Hi Ben. Harps arrived safe and sound this morning, and once again are superb. The evenness and immediacy of the response is awesome. Once again many thanks for all your hard work on my behalf.
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Thanks for the case Ben :) I have to tell you as I am sure you know that your work is the BEST harmonica customizing work in the world. I have harps from ......., ......., and ...... and your work is better than all of them. It is incredible. The overblows are amazing, the harmonicas look beautiful, and the corian combs are the perfect for these. The 8-10 blow bends is the highest quality work I have ever seen. I have never written back to a customizer as I have expected good quality but your harmonicas are, my god, INCREDIBLE. Well worth the wait!
Andrew
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Hi Ben !!!!!
Just a quick note to tell you that I am EXTREMELY PLEASED/IMPRESSED with my 1847 Extreme w the nylon comb. It opens up many new avenues to my playing.( I am in overblow heaven now)
After I adjust my playing a little better it will be spectacular and the standard against which I will measure all other harps ( including the ones of my own modification - strictly for personal use.)
So thank you again Ben . I´ll be back w more specifics rewviews and questions.( I know you will be interested)
I´m so glad I ordered the nylon comb. Love it !
All the best!
Cambio y corta (over & out)
Reguerdos
//Kjell
.......................................
Also worth to mention:
I offer unlimited warranty and service on my harps !!
Ben Bouman
www.customharmonicashop.com ( for EU .nl )
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SteamrollinStan
54 posts
Sep 27, 2013
3:53 AM
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Sometimes i'm sceptical with comments which may be 'made up', not to say a negative comment here, but overall...sheesh!!
Last Edited by SteamrollinStan on Sep 27, 2013 3:54 AM
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FreeWilly
348 posts
Sep 27, 2013
4:01 AM
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This guy wouldn't make stuff up. The dutch harmonica forum is full of fans of his work. He can be seen in the bluesemoose vid interviewing Jason Ricci waaaay back. I exchanged a few emails with him, and he's a good guy. Never bought a harp (don't like seydel), but there are too many people raving about his work for it not to be splendid.
Post should be moved to the for-sale thread though :)
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Gipsy
28 posts
Sep 27, 2013
4:09 AM
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One of those comments is mine. I was referring to an F and a low F harp. They are superb. I've been collecting some of Ben's harps for over a year and currently have 18. I stand by what I said. The immediacy and evenness of respons is amazing.
Here is Europe his prices are super competitive. I'm not sure how that translates to US prices.
BTW the guarantee is solid. He replaced a 3 draw reed for me without quibble.
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hooktool
89 posts
Sep 27, 2013
2:06 PM
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Gipsy, which harps are you buying from him? You obviously like them, do you like one more than the other?
Thanks,
John
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Gipsy
29 posts
Sep 28, 2013
1:12 AM
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@hooktool. Hi. I prefer plastic combs, so I've got a mixture of 1847 silvers and session steels. The 1847's are all stage 2 so are very overblow friendly. The session steels are mostly stage 1's, and travel most anywhere with me. The session steels all give really easy access to all draw and blow bends. The 1847's allow acces to overblows, but I don't make much use of them.
The session steels are as tough as old boots. By and large it doesn't matter what I've done to them they come back for more.
I would however say that overall I find the 1847's slightly easier to play, perhaps just a little more airtight hence needing slightly less breath to play them.
I have no connection with Ben, other than being a satisfied customer.
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Harpaholic
378 posts
Sep 28, 2013
11:12 AM
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Gipsy, do you have a connection with Joe Spiers, because stage 1 and stage 2 refer's to Joe's custom harps, not Ben's.
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hooktool
92 posts
Sep 28, 2013
11:59 AM
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Thanks, Gipsy. I have an 1847 from Greg, but its a spiral tuned and I have not gotten far with it-high draw bends are still a bit weird to me, but the harp feels nice and is loud and easy to play. I also have one Session Steel in Low C, and I like it. I would like to try a couple of 1847's in the middle keys.
Thanks,
John
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Gipsy
30 posts
Sep 28, 2013
12:38 PM
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@harpaholic. No such luck. If you look at Ben's web site he offers 3 levels of customisation. The basic, the extra and the extreme. For simplicitly and no other reason I used the terms level 1, level 2 and level 3. I had absolutely no intention of trying to draw parallels with other peoples work, and please accept my apologies for any confusion I may have caused.
Last Edited by Gipsy on Sep 28, 2013 12:39 PM
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