Short answer, No. The only exception I recall was for me was Pat Ramsey. This video of Muddy shows Jerry Portnoy handing off one of his harps (at 39:50). What about you?
Absolutely not. I did once a looong time ago with a drummer friend of mine who wanted to show me a lick. I was reluctant but he's a good guy so I did. I was a little wigged out when he handed it back to me. And I am not even close to being a germaphobe, but I vowed never again and tried to rehearse in my mind what I'd say if anyone asked. So far, no one has. I think I'd reply "Dude, the instrument's kinda personal ya know?" and just walk away.
Last Edited by Honkin On Bobo on Jul 19, 2017 11:54 AM
I only share my harps with Living Gods like Sharpharp, if im lucky, their saliva might transfer their godly skills on the harp to me. though sharpharp hasnt played wet since he bent time on a bflat Blues Harp MS
Last Edited by ejakon on Jul 19, 2017 2:22 PM
Usually a big NO, but there are always extenuating circumstances.
One time in the 90's, Mark Hummel was playing at a bar-b-que club in Royal Oak, MI, down the street from where I was living. He had a problem with one harmonica and during the break asked if he could borrow one of mine for the last set. I said ok. Now, Mark uses much more force than I and actually stressed it out pretty badly to the point that I had to retune it later. I figured it went with the territory of helping a friend out at a gig. I wouldn't have let him borrow a custom harmonica, but one of my stock ones - no problem. ---------- The Iceman
I was busking one day when Christelle happened by and I lent her one of mine because she didn't have one on her. Neither of us suffered ill effects to my knowledge. BronzeWailer's YouTube
At SPAH (and other harmonica workshop gatherings) it is very common to try harps that are not yours. First, there are the demo harps at all the major manufcturers. Hohner, Seydel and Suzuki have always had demo harps you can play and the new kids on the block - the two Chinese companies that were at SPAH last year had demo harps too. There is always an abundance of alcohol wipes and/or antibacterial spray available with which to clean them prior to and after using them.
At the Blue Moon Booth, you are welcome to take any of my harps for a test drive. Some people politely decline but most dive right in. It is likely the one place where you can try before you buy. You can't do that at Sam Ash or Guitar Center or if you buy online.
Lastly, there are lots of guys who tweak/customize their harps and they are eager to show off their work. It might be a "Hey, look at me" type of thing or it could be in the interest of getting constructive feedback. Either way it amounts to the same thing - letting other people play your harps.
But I'm not sure if this qualifies as "Sharing harps" Maybe I'm splitting hairs but there is a difference between playing a harp for a minute or two and borrowing a harp(s) for a gig. ---------- Tom Halchak www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Jul 19, 2017 8:04 PM
Let´s say under the right circumstances a strange but seriously interesting woman has caught your interest, and you have hers. The a bit later on in the evening, do you say, "Sorry honey, I don´t kiss -- unless you thoroughly disinfect your oral cavities first"? How utterly romantic.
Like TMF714 above,I certainly have with james cotton. Somebody like that asks to use your harp,you say "yes."
I did almost die once from it. An important Philadelphia harmonica player,who is no longer with us ,shared my harp. I got tonsillitis . Then,the antibiotic I went on first didn't work and my throats closed up so much so,that I couldn't breathe. However,after that,I went on penicillin and it cleared up.
I still do share harps with some women though. Pretty much,if I would make out with her,she can use my harp . :) ---------- www.shakeylee.com
