root
6 posts
Oct 16, 2013
9:32 AM
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I play Suzuki valved promasters. I recently changed out the combs on the keys
I use most to brass ones from Blue Moon Harmonicas.It's made a big difference in the sound and playability of the harps. They add about 21/2 oz. to the weight, but I find this to be an asset, as I like some heft to my harps.They give them more volume, and a substantial, round tone, not "brassy" at all. They've ramped up the response, made the bends easier. The space between the "teeth" of the comb is narrower than the stock combs, which cuts down on the amount of air needed, and they protrude slightly beyond the reedplate, which makes octaves easier to play.The sound is much more responsive to changes in mouth shape and tongue position. I'm now closing in on getting a vibrato, something that has so far e luded me. I can get the whole- tone blow bend on the one hole of my low f ;still need to hone my technique, but it's getting there. Plus, the polished brass looks very cool against the chrome cover plates.I'll change out the other keys as finances and need dictate.I's a happy camper.-Greg
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STME58
564 posts
Oct 16, 2013
9:54 AM
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I only have one data point, a Bb Promaster, but thc comb was cut so poorly, deep saw marks were visible on the top and bottom, that it was quite leaky and a new aluminum comb (From Blue Moon) improved the harp greatly.
Suzuki generally makes good products. I don't know what happened with the Pro-master comb. My harp is a few yeas old so I suspect Suzuki has solved the comp problem by now. Has anyone bought ap Pro-master recently and looked at the comb?
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arzajac
1187 posts
Oct 16, 2013
11:11 AM
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Every aluminium Suzuki comb I have ever seen was poor. Absolutely not flat.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
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florida-trader
376 posts
Oct 16, 2013
2:45 PM
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Greg and STME58 - thanks for the love. Positive feedback from respected members of the harp community like the two of you means a lot to me.
A week ago I had 10 brass Suzuki combs in stock. Suddenly - POOF - they're gone! I've already had one inquiry about them. I'm sorry to disappoint. I'll have more in 3-4 weeks.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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tmf714
2109 posts
Oct 16, 2013
2:54 PM
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Tom-
will you be at the Harmonica Championship Sunday?
We had a good time a few years ago-you were killing me with the NOS Pre-war Marine Bands-
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florida-trader
377 posts
Oct 16, 2013
7:24 PM
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Sadly I will not be at the Florida Harmonica Championship Sunday. My daughter is coming home from school. It is her birthday Sunday and she is putting on a little concert that afternoon. She's a Vocal Performance major at FSU. She is the real musical talent in the family. Missing that would be ill advised on my part.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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hooktool
96 posts
Oct 16, 2013
8:26 PM
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Congrats on your daughter, Tom. My son is almost finished with his phd in percussion at FSU.
Don't miss the recitals. :)
John
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florida-trader
378 posts
Oct 16, 2013
8:36 PM
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Very cool John. Perhaps our paths will cross. You live in Florida?
Sorry to sidetrack your thread Greg.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Oct 16, 2013 8:37 PM
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hooktool
97 posts
Oct 16, 2013
9:32 PM
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Yes, sorry Greg. Tom makes very nice combs, I have several, but no brass. I have a 25 year old Promaster, and didn't even know it had valves until I got started again this year-only the lower holes are valved, though. The valves seem to help with volume on the blow notes, but I've not managed to get much out of the blow bends-kinda weak, but I suspect its mostly me. Why don't more people play valved harps? What's the real downside?
No Tom, I live in TN (I'm the woodturner). We'll get together one day, we come to FL quite a bit.
John
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