HarpNinja
3839 posts
Mar 31, 2014
6:51 AM
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After several weeks, I am finding I like the SP20 more still. I A/B'ed a stock SP20 in A with an A with open SP20 covers with a Rocket in A and Rocket covers...you get the idea.
What I found was the SP20 with open covers gave a good balance of compression/warmth without sounding too muted or bright. The wide chambers have pros and cons, IMO. I really like how the high end plays on the long slot Rockets, even stock. However, after tweaking, the SP20 is easier for me to overbend.
I did buy an off the shelf A this weekend, which is crazy, I know, but I needed one fast. OOTB, it was gapped tight enough that holes 4-7 would overbend. It was a joy to play...whereas I felt the gaps were overall too wide on all the Rockets...a VERY easy fix, which I did, but I think I like the SP20 comb more.
FWIW, the Rockets I have that I gapped play extremely well and I would gig with them in an instant. I ordered some in short slot keys, but they are on backorder yet.
I guess my .02 is if you tweak, get the SP20. If you want something you can quick gap and play, the Rocket's increased cost is reasonable.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
Rock Harmonica Lessons
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Littoral
1060 posts
Mar 31, 2014
7:27 AM
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Much appreciated.
I've just started trying to resurect old 20's in my heap. I found some that were riveted like the old GM's.
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HarpNinja
3840 posts
Mar 31, 2014
7:41 AM
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Nothing compares to the new stock Hohner's, IMO. I like some of the Prewar MB's too, but the current lot of Hohner's are terrific (if they come in the boxes).
Actually, the GM's I've come across lately aren't anything amazing...but the SP20's and 1896's are terrific.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
Rock Harmonica Lessons
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Littoral
1061 posts
Mar 31, 2014
7:54 AM
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Harps are MUCH better these days.
I should have added that I have no use for the old GM's and SP20's that were riveted -excepting the old and odd ones like my LowF GM.
Last Edited by Littoral on Mar 31, 2014 7:54 AM
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Slimharp
296 posts
Mar 31, 2014
8:11 AM
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jiceblues - Yeah I think that has something to do with it although I dont see that they are that much bigger ( chambers ) than a 20. I find it interesting Hohner changed the mounting holes so you can not interchange 20 plates into a Rocket comb even though they are the same plates. They aint stupid. Oh well no big. At least I satisfied my curiosity.
Now that hind sight is 20/20, if I were gonna spend that price range for a harp I would go for a MBD or a Crossover. Both very fine harps, though I think the MBD holds up a little better and is just as fast as the Crossover once broken in a little.
Thanks MP for your condolences.
For the money nothin beats a good 20.
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MP
3142 posts
Mar 31, 2014
10:48 AM
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Yeah,
I prefer MBDs and Crossovers and pre-wars for MB types.
I use my souped up SP/20s every gig too.
Rockets are cool but I'm finding that I, like Mike, just prefer the 20s.
as Slimharp says-
"For the money nothin' beats a good 20"
OT-If I had a choice between a new stock 1896 and a new stock 20 I'd take the 20. much more tweak friendly. I hate drilling holes. must say that the end result of a custom 1896 can't be beat. I come close with my 20s but the 1896s just make better customs. I had to build a lot of them to be convinced.
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Last Edited by MP on Mar 31, 2014 10:58 AM
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Slimharp
300 posts
Apr 01, 2014
8:00 AM
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One of my students came in with 2 new Rockets, A & D. They played much better than the one I got. A little louder than a 20 but not much. The pressure on draws less. They were pretty good harps but not as responsive as a mildly tweaked 20. As stated before, apparently I got a bad one. MBD or Crossover if Im going into the $ 60's range.
For the money give me a 20
Last Edited by Slimharp on Apr 01, 2014 8:02 AM
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jiceblues
392 posts
Feb 14, 2015
5:00 AM
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is the Rocket bigger than the SP20 ?
Is it the MS size ?
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ted burke
86 posts
Feb 14, 2015
6:41 AM
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I have a Rocket, key of D, and it's a fine harmonica. It's loud and clear, responsive, although it has a country tuning, it seems, similar to the Melody Maker. Still, it wails and growls nicely on blues and is a good vehicle for my style, which is fast and articulate (much of the time). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, although it is pricey.
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Ted Burke
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HarpNinja
4032 posts
Feb 14, 2015
7:23 AM
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It feels a little bigger in the mouth because the face of the comb, but the actual size of the whole harp is the same.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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jiceblues
393 posts
Feb 14, 2015
8:27 AM
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Thank's Mike , so i won't buy it .
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HarpNinja
4034 posts
Feb 14, 2015
10:36 AM
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I just checkd with callipers and they are about as identical as you can get. The wider chambers maybe make if feel like it is large to me.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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harpwrench
993 posts
Feb 14, 2015
12:58 PM
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Stand the two on end next to each other, the rocket comb is actually tapered. It's only slightly longer in front than a SP20, but along the rear it's more longer (yeah I know, not proper grammar) in order to provide rounded surface area contact in the hands.
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mlefree
252 posts
Feb 17, 2015
10:17 AM
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Mike, is it the Classic or the Progressive Special 20s to which you refer?
Thanks,
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
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nacoran
8277 posts
Feb 17, 2015
10:32 AM
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Harpwrench, what you just did to the English language is about what I do to reedwork! lol. :)
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Nate
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HarpNinja
4036 posts
Feb 17, 2015
10:46 AM
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At the time of my video, the SP20 hadn't been altered. I've had little experience with the Progressive SP20 as I have a full set of SP20's, and haven't been doing much custom work...so I haven't been buying them.
I have been working a lot with Seydels again recently, and they have been spectacular.
I still have a brand new G Rocket that is unopened for $50. As previously mentioned, I only am selling it as it is a duplicate key for me.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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