I got a Hohner Crossover in keys of A & D today. Wasn't impressed AT ALL. So i made a video of 2 good harps to make me feel better for wasting $$ i didn't really have to waste, the Special 20 and the Suzuki Harpmaster. I put a small dab of orthodontist wax on the Draw Reed of the six hole of the Suzuki. See what you think of the overblows. No squeal.
Anyways, don't bother with the Hohner Crossover. Stick in the $30-40 range or either buy a custom. Or just get a special 20 or harpmaster and i think you'll be happy. ---------- $Daddy Rich$ "The Blues is Ok!"
Last Edited by on Jun 17, 2010 7:51 PM
I'm not a Crossover player either, but the Crossover T-Shirt looks cool. :-)
What did you not like about the Crossovers? Do you think you could make some adjustments to them to make them play better? It's a shame to spend that kind of money on harps and be disappointed - I know the feeling. Or, I guess you could always send them back to Hohner.
Howdy Mr. Ace, I have enjoyed your videos while on my Harmonica Quest. Well, i've tried "ALMOST" every make and model out there and i was expecting a bit more from all the hype. (and yeah, the T-shirt does look cool ha)
First thing i noticed, my A harp only had 3 coverplate screws instead of the 4 it should have. I was like, eh, whatever. But on a $60 harp, that's not cool.
I'm sure i could make a good bit of adjustments and make it play better, but i guess the same question we all are asking is WHY on a $60 harp can't the gapping be at least HALF decent?
Most special 20s i get are pretty playable OOTB and also are the HarpMasters. I do own 1 Suzuki MANJI and it is a pretty decent harp. Much better than the CrossOver in my opinion. I don't really have a ton of extra time to tinker about with my Harps other than a quick gapping job and setting up the 6 and 7 ob od. I've got a kid, so it'd be nice if someone could make a decently set up harp at an affordable price. The HarpMaster and Special 20 are about as close as it gets as far as i can tell. I wasn't too crazy about the tone of the CrossOver compared to the 20 either. Oh well, back to the Drawing board. And for those of you worried about the HarpMaster squeal on the overblows, check out the video above. Just a little dab of wax on the draw reed rivet area does the trick. Or you CAN do without it if you aren't intending to bend and sustain the OB. peace out, -$Daddy Rich$ ---------- $Daddy Rich$ "The Blues is Ok!"
I bought a Crossover in the key of C at Guitar Center ($56+tax).
It played fine out of the box, (which is always a relief!) but to my ears it is overly bright and doesn't have the raspy, raw sound of a Marine Band. I don't know why that would be, but I would rather have gotten two MB's for just a few bucks more.
I love my crossover in G (had it a few weeks). It plays well and sounds nice. I can get a 6 OB easier than any other OOTB harp I have (I am still a beginner).
Earlounge, i'm glad you are enjoying yours. It's not a hideous harp. I'm just biased as i've had the opportunity of trying out so many other makes and models. If it was $40or$45 bucks i probably would even be bitchen. Then again, it's harder (at least for me) to judge quality on a G harp. Once you get to the C and higher the true colors tend to shine through it seems. Yeah Ace, maybe i'll mail them back to Hohner and ask them to send me a special 20. (or at least send me my missing screw) AV8R & Kingley, i agree with BOTH of you. take care, ---------- $Daddy Rich$ "The Blues is Ok!"
@clarksdale Yeah, you may be right... I was thinking of getting a D Crossover to see how the higher ones are. BTW I couldn't watch your vid until I got home. Sounding good mang!
Earlounge, if you want my D Crossover you are welcome to it. Only played once. I'll let you have it half price including shipping (to USA) $30.00 and i'll go get me a Special 20. you can email me at:
clarksdale AT daddyrich.com
If anyone else want's the A Crossover i'll do the same for you as well. thanks, ---------- $Daddy Rich$ "The Blues is Ok!"
I have only one Crossover- in C. Worked / works fine OOTB. Also have a Solist Pro in C that I really like AND about was 20 bucks cheaper. I have heard that the solist pro has "longevity" issues however. We'll have to see. ----------
Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art. - Charlie Parker
Sold, thanks guys. These harps aren't "terrible" they just aren't for me. Like i said, the pricetag is just a bit high considering the other $30-40 harps are just as good or actually better in my opinion. that's what it all is though eh, opinion. take care all, ---------- $Daddy Rich$ "The Blues is Ok!"
Here's a spinoff of a new topic i'm posting. Please sample this vid of me playing my Special 20 in Bb and tell me what level you guys think i'm at. Maybe that will help ME in deciding about my judgement on harmonica REVIEWS. thanks. BUt yeah, the CrossOver is "ok", just not for me and the price i expect a bit more quality control. here's the new video anyway:
THANKS! ---------- $Daddy Rich$ "The Blues is Ok!"
