mac1012
7 posts
May 04, 2014
2:02 PM
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just been looking at a few in depth reviews on harps and came across this make seems an awful lot of bang for the buck found it for 35 pounds in eagle music site which is only 4 pounds more than my special 20, phosphor bronze reeds etc any body got one also got a delta frost for 25 pounds with pb reeds and looks nice mmmmm decisions
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Old newbie
15 posts
May 04, 2014
5:57 PM
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I'm still learning to play, but I really like my promaster. Way better than my sp 20's.
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the_happy_honker
176 posts
May 05, 2014
12:53 AM
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Search for "Suzuki Hammond" too. Hammond is a dressed-up Promaster and most of what applies to Hammond applies to Promaster.
Promaster is equal-tempered, which means multiposition playing sounds good, while chording is a bit rough. Suzuki reed plates are very good and consistently so. I prefer Promaster to Special 20 by a long shot. Promasters have the look and feel of a quality instrument, while Special 20 adheres to Hohners philosophy of doing the bare minimum.
The only thing I regularly check for on Promasters is that the threaded holes on the draw plate are flat. The tapping process creates a slight rise around the hole, which can be sanded down with fine (500 grit) sand paper. Otherwise I just gap and profile to my preferences and it is ready to go.
Despite the anodizing on the Promaster's aluminum comb, some players experience a slight electric taste. I have never had a problem with the Hammond combs.
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SuperBee
1949 posts
May 05, 2014
2:47 AM
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Looks as though my disappearing post may have truly disappeared this time.
Anyway, I was just gonna say...the promaster is generally quite a bit more expensive than a sp20.
Personally, aluminium isn't my flavour, but it seems it does actually contribute to giving the promaster a distinctive sound. Whether you like that sound is your business.
The rest...reeds, tuning...personal taste again I suspect. I don't like the feel of Suzuki reeds generally. Probably just what I'm used to.
The main thing for me is the cover plate shape. I really don't care for that squared off profile. Seydel Session is similar, but not quite so abrupt. Again though, some folk must like it.
Oh the other main thing is those welded reeds. I'm not set up to repair those. So suzukis just aren't very practical for me.
I have a 5 promasters. Bought as a lot. From time to time I get them out and play them. Invariably I put them away. I can't even be bothered trying to work on them. I feel that whatever I do, I'll never warm to them. Too many things that irk me besides the playability. But now I feel like having another go.
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mac1012
9 posts
May 05, 2014
6:55 AM
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thanks for your replies , super bee I get what you are saying and I did wonder about the feel of a promaster I am all for looking at what people say about a harp good and bad as a beginner it would be really really helpful if you guys while at the same time telling me why you don't like a particular harp that you could tell me what you play and why you like it I haven't made my mind up about the pro master it sounds really bright I looking at other makes too but I forget their names lol before I make a choice delta frosts look interesting , in the uk the promaster is about 4 pounds more expensive than the spec 20 which on special alone is a good buy but like you say down to personal preference but good quality for the money
Last Edited by mac1012 on May 05, 2014 6:58 AM
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DukeBerryman
365 posts
May 05, 2014
7:28 AM
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I love my Promasters, but I only have a few because they are expensive. I only play single note, and with the equal tempered tuning, the notes really ring out. I get a distinctive single note sound that I like. Use them for blues and everything, and you can make them really scream.
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mac1012
10 posts
May 05, 2014
7:38 AM
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thanks duke think I am going to get one in A to satisfy my curiosity and see for myself I am curious how much you pay for them because as I said in the uk only slightly more than a special 20
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DukeBerryman
367 posts
May 05, 2014
7:47 AM
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@mac1012 I pay about $65 for a Promaster. I also play Lee Oskars which are around $40.
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LumberjackShark
40 posts
May 05, 2014
9:41 AM
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I found a Promaster key of F on sale for $25 and gave it a try. I loved it. I've purchased a Key of A and really like it too. I like the squared look of the sides and the sound of it. I also really like the weight of it. I feel like I have something in my hand. I pay $65, but found some for $58 on Rockin Ron's....
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