Jim Rumbaugh
1057 posts
Dec 04, 2014
5:29 PM
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I saw on Amazon.com 12-4-2014
Suzuki Bluesmaster $10
Suzuki Overdrive $20
search for "best deals eva harmonica", you'll see there's just a few of these available.
I wish I had ran into this a few years ago when I was looking for one. Now that I have it, I have never needed it. :)
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theharmonicaclub.com (of Huntington, WV)
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hvyj
2603 posts
Dec 04, 2014
6:34 PM
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What mystifies me is why LOW F# harps are so uncommon. I'm not a big devotee of low harps in general but I definitely prefer a low F# to a regular F#.
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jbone
1816 posts
Dec 04, 2014
6:36 PM
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I tried a regular F# some years ago and gave it away. I might consider a low version if I had need of one. But I don't!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
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hvyj
2604 posts
Dec 04, 2014
6:59 PM
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Well, to play Bb minor in 5th position you need an F# harp and that key got called at the jam I was at last night. Also, C# gets called every now and then which requires an F# harp in second position. Personally, I think it is disrespectful to the other musicians if I show up to play without whatever harp I need to use for whatever key gets called.
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Goldbrick
790 posts
Dec 04, 2014
7:30 PM
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If its just a jam - why would you feel the need to play on every number ?
The only common jam song I can think of would be Born Under a Bad Sign in Db. But usually guys transpose it to a more friendly guitar key
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nacoran
8145 posts
Dec 04, 2014
7:37 PM
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I'm in the same boat with F#. I've got one, and it doesn't get played enough to get worn out.
What I really want is a harp in the key of H, just to start conversations.
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Nate
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Little roger
39 posts
Dec 04, 2014
7:44 PM
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I've never owned a harp in F#. I only play in pos 1,2 and 3 and, as I always end up as the vocalist I get to call the keys :-) Still
I would never call Db or even Gb at your run-of-the-mill jam - the chance of someone slipping into a more usual key is ever-present. Someone said on this forum recently that the musician who insists on a certain key is either an average amateur or a very demanding pro. True!
Plus, I usually play with a pianist so have learnt which keys are good for which type of song from a piano perspective. Not all fingering is good in all keys for certain styles. Also, there are some keys that pianists rarely play in so I avoid them. Don't do a funk in B, do it in A or Bb or C. You can play Telephone Blues in A or Bb. Any so on ... It's important if you're out front to know how to lead a band and a knowledge of what the musicians and the instruments can do best really helps.
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dougharps
782 posts
Dec 04, 2014
8:13 PM
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I much prefer a Low F# to the regular F#. I have a Low F# MBD bought on Amazon when the price was reduced and at SPAH last August I bought a Low F# Big River for backup. I really like the MBD, but except for Thunderbirds, Hohner has discontinued low keys.
Since I first got my Low F# MBD I have not liked the regular squeaky F#.
Usually the key of Db is called when guitarists are tuned down a half step, so the guitar fingering would be for key of D when I would usually use a G harp to play the song.
If you sit in a lot or do studio work, you need the less often used keys. If you gig much, you need backup harps. When guitarists and singers ask if I have a harp to play a song in certain key I take pleasure in saying, "any key you want."
I gradually built up my sets of harps bargain shopping with gig money, and did not just go buy full sets of harps all at once.
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Doug S.
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hvyj
2606 posts
Dec 04, 2014
8:19 PM
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@Goldbrick: I don't feel compelled to play on every tune, but if I m called up to play or if I am in the house band I want to be able to hang with whatever tunes get called while I'm up there unless the changes are too complex. There are a fair number of jazz performance majors who show up at some of the jams I hit and those guys might play Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Miles Davis and Eddie Harris material all in the same set. So, if they are comfortable letting me play with them, if I have to lay out it's not going to be because I don't have the right harp. They also call some weird keys from time to time.
Btw, if you've got a gigging band these jazz performance major types make a great source for subs when you need someone to fill in because a lot of those guys can play stylistically correct in multiple idioms, including blues.
@dougharps: Yes, I think you have more credibility with the other musicians if you are prepared to play in whatever key gets called.
Last Edited by hvyj on Dec 04, 2014 8:28 PM
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STME58
1155 posts
Dec 04, 2014
8:28 PM
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Nate,
I'll bet you could find an H harp if you look. In German the key of B is commonly notated H. I wouldn't be surprised if you could find an old German harp labeled this way.
Last Edited by STME58 on Dec 04, 2014 8:29 PM
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FreeWilly
426 posts
Dec 05, 2014
12:33 AM
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There you go Nate ;)
http://www.thomann.de/de/hohner_marine_band_deluxe_b.htm
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Mahcks
20 posts
Dec 05, 2014
7:24 AM
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I've been burned buying an F# Promaster on amazon before. Maybe it was just an isolated occurrence, or maybe there's a lot of old stock floating around.
Last month I grabbed a pure harp in F# from Best Deals Eva for $45. Not a spot of corrosion and no obvious leaks. Definitely happy with that purchase.
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Frank101
38 posts
Dec 05, 2014
8:18 AM
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Seydel has a bunch of Richter-setup harps in low F#, e.g. the Session Standard ($34.95).
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Bryan A
23 posts
Dec 05, 2014
8:49 AM
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That Best Deals Eva store re-stocks every once in while, I check it often as I was able to complete my set this way. Pure Harp Ab, Db, Eb...bluesmaster Harpmasters, and promasters in uncommon keys which are decent for like 10 -15 bucks! The Stock is pretty low at the moment. They had High G fabulous that I bought, plays smooth and fast. It's sometimes cheaper than replacing reed plates, good find
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arzajac
1525 posts
Dec 05, 2014
8:50 AM
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I'll probably take this right off topic...
First off, I've heard warnings in the past about buying harmonicas from Best Deals Eva. I've also read about some very positive experiences, too. Just sayin' I beleive they are a merchandise closeout operation which means they probably get their wares from a variety of sources. I think there was some question about whether Suzuki harps from Best Deals Eva actually come with a warranty.
About odd keys like F#, I think it's quite common for folks to not want to spend as much on less-played keys, so when a deal like this comes around, you tend to think of it differently. Would you consider spending $10 on a harp you intend to be your go-to harp? Probably not.
Here's a great way to save some money on an F# harp: Retune a G harp down one semitone. MS-system harps are especially good for this because the cover plates are taller and the low reeds don't tend to buzz as much in the lower keys. They are also easy to take apart.
If you don't want to make a commitment and permanently modify a harp, you can stick small amounts of Blu-Tak to the tips of the reeds. Just support the reed and use a small blade or screwdriver to stick 1mm bits onto the tip of the reed. Keep adding BluTak to bring the pitch down to where you want it.
About low-F# versus high F#: Isn't it great that our instrument takes on a completely different role and personality on either side of the key range?
On the low end, I think rythmic, chordal, moaning - maybe play more of a supporting role in the background. On the high end I think lead, wail, take charge in the forefront.
Anyway, it doesn't have to be one-or-the-other... Both low-F# and high-F# are wonderful keys to play. They are completely different from one another, though.
Mahcks: Do you still have that Promaster?
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
Last Edited by arzajac on Dec 05, 2014 8:53 AM
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Mahcks
21 posts
Dec 05, 2014
9:59 AM
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It's somewhere in my office probably in pieces.
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dougharps
783 posts
Dec 05, 2014
2:48 PM
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I still carry the regular high F# with my full set of Richter tuned diatonics. For fast playing it beats the Low F# in responsiveness. Seldom used,though...
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Doug S.
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A440
262 posts
Dec 06, 2014
1:38 AM
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Our band has a new song in F#. Its a Stones-like guitar rock song which opens with a hard-hitting harp riff that is a signature of the song. (its almost like a saxophone riff). I play in first position, with a Special 20, through a cupped SM57 with a touch of delay and compression - it sounds great live. Now working on the studio version for a new album. The F# harp brings a sweet intensity to song, which is becoming a real crowd-pleaser in our live sets.
Last Edited by A440 on Dec 06, 2014 2:04 AM
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Gnarly
1174 posts
Dec 07, 2014
7:27 AM
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No US warranty on Suzuki harmonicas bought from Best Deals Eva.
It's like playing the lottery--sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
If you work on your own harmonicas, it's less of an issue.
Half of the customers I deal with at Suzuki don't work on their own harps, lots of folks think they void the warranty if they take the cover plates off!
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mlefree
236 posts
Dec 07, 2014
8:06 AM
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So Gary, just to clarify, are you saying that if we muck up a reed or two trying to tune them that you'll fix the harp free as long as it is legitimately warranted and still in the warranty period?
If that is so, even though I am a dyed-in-the-wool Hohner player, Manjis may soon become my best friend. :)
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
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TBird
81 posts
Dec 07, 2014
5:33 PM
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Just ordered one! I am now only one harp away from having all 12 keys in my collection. I am also aware that that is probably not particularly exciting news for most of you... :)
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Gnarly
1176 posts
Dec 07, 2014
9:14 PM
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@mlefree That's correct, warranty includes reed failure.
I wish Japan was making a low F# Manji, they made one for Jason but he's special 8)
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SuperBee
2281 posts
Dec 08, 2014
1:51 AM
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Gary, that astounds me! to think i have all these rotten mv350v harps that wouldnt play and which defeated my attempts to help them play...and they would still be covered by warranty. one of them had a slot all bunged up with valve-glue...another had a viciously-filed 2 draw reed which was seated below the slot...i just couldnt get it in good shape...i didnt even consider the possibility of warranty...but i'm in australia and i bought them from US. does that make a difference?
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Rarko
134 posts
Dec 08, 2014
5:07 AM
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I have 7 harmonicas from Best Deals Eva(Manji, bluesmaster, folkmaster, harpmaster...), great harps!
And second, Go to Rockinron's site, Deals Page... Big River LOW harmonicas are on sale, low F# is 14$,low E is 17$...
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hvyj
2607 posts
Dec 08, 2014
6:36 AM
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@SuperBee: There's some of us who don't use minor tuned harps or other special tunings. Personally, I've never owned a minor tuned harp.
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SuperBee
2285 posts
Dec 08, 2014
9:27 AM
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yes hvyj, nor have i.
nor have i owned an F#
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TBird
82 posts
Dec 08, 2014
11:06 AM
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@SuperBee
"TB...that's major keys...a significant milestone but there are further frontiers...natural minor, jazz/country tuning....you know what i'm saying"
Don't remind me... :) It has taken me so long to get close to accumulating a complete collection of major keys that now I've got some commonly used keys going out of tune on me. Here we go again...
I wish playing the harmonica was as cheap as it seem like it should be!
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Gnarly
1177 posts
Dec 08, 2014
11:27 AM
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@SuperBee I believe the procedure is to have a US contact who interfaces with Suzuki USA--we don't do out of country warranty work--and at this point, I am not authorized (at Suzuki) to do out of warranty work.
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Gnarly
1178 posts
Dec 08, 2014
11:28 AM
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I have a low F# I made from a G, works great!
I use it when playing with folks who tune down a half step.
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MP
3276 posts
Dec 08, 2014
1:47 PM
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From Gnarly-"I have a low F# I made from a G, works great!"
Yeep! so do I. It was a G SP/20.
The only time I ever use a normal F# is if someone requests John Mayals 'Room To Move'
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I'm out of the Biz for a while till I get over my burnout. You can try HarveyHarp or arzajac, or just look the page nacoran put together under Forum Search.
.
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Gnarly
1179 posts
Dec 08, 2014
1:58 PM
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Yep Mark, mine is a SP20 too.
I could do a Manji of course if I needed another.
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A440
263 posts
Dec 09, 2014
4:57 AM
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Seydel now offers Low F# as a standard key for all models: 1847, Favorite, Session Steel, Session Standard, and Solist Pro. (And the Favorite also comes in LLF# !)
Last Edited by A440 on Dec 09, 2014 7:05 AM
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