bluesharper
82 posts
Aug 14, 2010
9:13 AM
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So i know this has been done before but peoples opinions can change over time so I was wondering what is your current favourite stock harp(s).
Btw I dont want and messages like dont get stock harps because they play like shit. The thread is about your FAVOURITE stock harp NOT what do you think of stock harps in General.
Last Edited by on Aug 14, 2010 9:13 AM
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llama
6 posts
Aug 14, 2010
9:24 AM
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I think the blues masters are best closely followed by GM's
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nineveh_harp
53 posts
Aug 14, 2010
9:31 AM
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Seydel 1847 classic with the Suzuki Manji following closely behind
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Andrew
1115 posts
Aug 14, 2010
9:34 AM
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Marine Band, closely followed by Marine Band Deluxe.
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Andrew,
gentleman of leisure,
noodler extraordinaire.
Last Edited by on Aug 14, 2010 10:26 AM
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bluesharper
83 posts
Aug 14, 2010
9:39 AM
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Gonna put my opinion in.
big river OOTB with blues harp ms close behind. Both from Ms series
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Ms series rule!!
Life is one hole at a time
Last Edited by on Aug 14, 2010 9:43 AM
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Chinaski
119 posts
Aug 14, 2010
9:39 AM
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The Crossover has been very good OOTB for me, with the exception of one I had to exchange. Certainly my favourite stock at the moment.
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harp honkin
67 posts
Aug 14, 2010
9:45 AM
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I have to say Seydel 1847..but it's very pricey. I also like the Bushman Delta Frost...........
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bluesharper
84 posts
Aug 14, 2010
9:49 AM
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@ Harp honkin
I got the Solist pro from seydel. Great sound great overblowing. Could over 4 5 and 6 OOTB. But one day BAM! played it and noticed the 4 hole blow was out of tune by near a half step!
So i prefer more robust harps like Special 20's and Big Rivers etc..
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Ms series rules!!
Life is one hole at a time
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earlounge
133 posts
Aug 14, 2010
10:16 AM
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Crossover in G... my GM in Bb is a close 2nd.
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LIP RIPPER
273 posts
Aug 14, 2010
11:04 AM
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1. 1927 Marine Band Mouse ear in G
2. A tie between Manji & Seydel 1847 Silver
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HarveyHarp
99 posts
Aug 14, 2010
11:10 AM
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Does B Radical count? It is stock. Not that I have one or anything.
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groyster1
322 posts
Aug 14, 2010
11:25 AM
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for me its still special 20 I have tried manjis and they are great but 12.00 more than sp20-I have 1 crossover that is a great harp but could have got 2 sp20s for price of 1 crossover-so value wise and durability also its sp20s
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hvyj
527 posts
Aug 14, 2010
11:32 AM
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Suzuki Hammonds.
They may cost more than some other harps, but what does a guitar player pay for a good guitar? What does a sax player pay for a good sax?
Last Edited by on Aug 14, 2010 11:37 AM
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bluesharper
85 posts
Aug 14, 2010
11:54 AM
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Is B radical stock? Wow you learn something new everday. If it is stock then its probably the most expensive stock (diatonic) out there!
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nacoran
2498 posts
Aug 14, 2010
12:12 PM
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In the economy range I like Lee Oskars. I love my Seydel Blues Favorite best though.
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Nate
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harpdude61
304 posts
Aug 14, 2010
1:06 PM
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I've tried...but I just can't find anything I like better than Golden Melodys. I like the long rounded ends. GMs are tuned more for single note playing than chordal, which is ideal for a lip purser like myself. I think the chords sound fine if you can use light tension. I just seem to have better control of the note with this harp. Some of these harps overbend well out of the box. 15 minutes of gapping and I can usually get pretty good tone on all the overbends.
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boris_plotnikov
206 posts
Aug 14, 2010
1:29 PM
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From what I tried the best was MB Crossover in C, 1847 Silver in C. My manji was given to me already gapped.
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Oisin
636 posts
Aug 14, 2010
1:31 PM
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A pre MS Pro Harp in Db...plays beautiful and I've had it for years. I also have an old Pre war Super Vamper in C that is lovely to play but I try not to play it too often.
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Oisin
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RyanMortos
749 posts
Aug 14, 2010
1:46 PM
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Out of the ones I've tried my favorite is Hohner Golden Melody
Other hohners I've tried: marine band (orig), m.s. bluesharp, special 20
Some non-hohners I've tried include: Seydel blues soloist pro, suzuki bluesmaster, lee oskar (maj tuning). I prefer the seydel between those three.
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Stephen Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Contact:
My youtube account
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Blues13
52 posts
Aug 14, 2010
1:57 PM
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I didn't try alot of harp. My first was a Big River in C, i liked everything about it except the playability. After I baught 2 Suzuki Bluesmaster C and A, realy nice harp but I don't like their sound probably because of the coverplate and they choke easily. After that a Seydel Solist pro in C, I really love these harp. I had to get used to the bigger holes, my 4 draw whent flat after 2-3 months of playing I know I have to use less breath force. 2 weeks ago i got a Manji in A from Ron, I can't put it down.
I'd like to try a MB but I'm affraid because I play exclusively OOTB harp. the only time I tried gapping a harp I made it unplayable.
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nacoran
2500 posts
Aug 14, 2010
2:01 PM
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"Is B radical stock? Wow you learn something new everday. If it is stock then its probably the most expensive stock (diatonic) out there!" Bluesharper
I'm not sure if this is stock, but it doesn't say otherwise. (I know I've posted the pic before, but it's just so beautiful.)
Harpdude, have you tried other non-sandwich harps? I actually found my Seydel Blues Favorite, with it's long covers, is more comfortable in my hands than a GM, and it can be factory tuned equal, just or compromise. It's a little more expensive, but not too bad.
edit: 2500 posts! Woohoo! I have no life.
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Nate
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Last Edited by on Aug 14, 2010 2:37 PM
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Ant138
531 posts
Aug 14, 2010
2:23 PM
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Seydel 1847 with the Solist pro coming a close 2nd.
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Joe_L
537 posts
Aug 14, 2010
6:03 PM
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I'm a firm believer in the importance and enjoyment of playing. Therefore, I will select whatever harmonica that I am playing as my favorite. Some are easier to play than others, but I find enjoyment in playing.
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jbone
373 posts
Aug 14, 2010
6:13 PM
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suzuki manji and followed by delta frost. suzuki bluesmaster with df covers is third.
this may change when i get a couple of custom mb's and definitely when the b rad comes in.
i've never had a harp i could hammer down on like the manji. of course no harp will stand too much abuse, but the manji has been doing all i ask it to. delta frost, they sometimes have needed some reed tweaking to get good results.
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AV8R
36 posts
Aug 14, 2010
6:35 PM
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My Bflat MS Blues Harp. Have played it hard for almost a year now, and it still plays strong and has stayed in tune.
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snakes
563 posts
Aug 14, 2010
7:53 PM
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My gig harps are the Suzuki Firebreath and my back ups are going to be Suzuki Manji's eventually (I only have a couple right now). I just love the Fire Breath tone and playability.
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lumpy wafflesquirt
231 posts
Aug 15, 2010
12:41 AM
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Of ther ones I've tried, I prefer the Delta Frost (although it now has Suzuki reeds in it) and the Bluesmaster.
At what point does a harp cease to be the model that you bought. ie I have a DF with Suzuki reeds, is it still a DF.
It I put some different cover plates on it is it still a DF?
If I use the DF reeds and covers but change the comb is it a DF?
What if I change two (or all three) components? Is it still a DF
a bit like the guy who owned Washington's axe - it had only had two new heads and three new handles over the years.
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"Come on Brackett let's get changed"
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jim
296 posts
Aug 15, 2010
1:02 AM
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I think all stock harps suck equally bad. Especially Hohners.
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www.truechromatic.com
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Kingley
1360 posts
Aug 15, 2010
3:11 AM
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Marine Band 1896.
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Paul "Kingley" Routledge
My YouTube Page
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bluesharper
87 posts
Aug 15, 2010
4:42 AM
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@ jim
Okay but thats not the point of the topic. If you dont have a favourite stock harp then dont give your opinion.
@ Nacron what make of harp is that in the picture?
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Rubes
96 posts
Aug 15, 2010
4:51 AM
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Hmmm, I've got a small mixed bag of harps,(Hohner,L.Oskar,Suzuki,Seydel)and two weeks ago it would've been the 1847-until I blew the 9blow reed only eight months old!
Now I'm playing more, older units are also falling over and due to tight funds, I've gone a couple of MB 1896 and delved into the art of customization. Basically, at the moment, it seems to be working on them the best!
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bubberbeefalo
13 posts
Aug 15, 2010
4:53 AM
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SP20 most consistent. Tried manji, seydel 1847, delta frost, firebreath, bluesharp,MB,GM. Always come back to sp20.
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MrVerylongusername
1171 posts
Aug 15, 2010
5:02 AM
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For me value for money and longevity are the most important. I don't have the spare cash to be replacing harps regularly or buying every new model under the sun, in search of the perfect harp.
Hohner stopped making my favourite harp, the handmade pro harp, in th 90s. For longevity, holding their tuning and comfort when playing, I like Lee oskars. For ease of overblowing I like golden melodies.
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jim
300 posts
Aug 15, 2010
5:56 AM
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then out of stock - I would say the 1847 has the most features. Consistent intonation, good reed life and quality in general.
I'm saying that comparing to stock hohners, lee oskars, and herings. Can't say anything about Suzukis since I have had only two of them, which is not enough to come to any conclusions imho.
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www.truechromatic.com
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harpdude61
305 posts
Aug 15, 2010
6:02 AM
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nacoran...I have never tried a Seydel harp. I'll check them out. Thanks!
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groyster1
326 posts
Aug 15, 2010
6:04 AM
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@JoeL
that was a very positive posting by you-would like to see more of that as opposed to all stock harps suck
Last Edited by on Aug 15, 2010 6:55 AM
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bluesharper
91 posts
Aug 15, 2010
8:16 AM
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@ Groyster
I agree with you and JoeL. I really dont like reading all stock harps suck and what not.
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jim
302 posts
Aug 15, 2010
8:21 AM
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I mean - don't expect a miracle when you buy a new model. Don't expect anything at all.
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www.truechromatic.com
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bluesharper
92 posts
Aug 15, 2010
8:25 AM
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@ Jim
But going to buy a stock harp and expecting it to "suck" is expecting something. Just in a negative way.
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jim
303 posts
Aug 15, 2010
8:32 AM
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yeah, you've got me here :)
Now I just buy them to make something unique.
In any case, I would recommend everyone to get different models and types - that way you'll get the idea what difference different construction makes, and what you like the most out of it. Say, a sp-20 type plastic comb, a wooden "sandwich" comb, a plastic "sandwich" comb, metal comb. And once you like one of those more - get different brands/models with that comb.
Seriously, I don't like those youtube reviews when someone buys a harp (be it 1847, Manji, or anything), and based on that sole instrument says, if that model plays good or not.
It's like as if clothing were sold in unknown sizes - so you get one, but before you unpack it, you don't know if it's S, L, or 20XL. Pure luck if you get something right for you.
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www.truechromatic.com
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groyster1
331 posts
Aug 15, 2010
8:48 AM
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to me custom harps should be superior to stock harps because they are handcrafted by experts as to say hohners assembly line which mass produces harps-it only stands to reason that custom harps are going to be superior-that being said I still enjoy my sp20s and the 3 manjis I have bought
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bluesharper
93 posts
Aug 15, 2010
8:48 AM
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@ Jim
Lol, except you can return the clothes! ;)
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nacoran
2512 posts
Aug 15, 2010
11:58 AM
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Harpdude, my Seydel rocks, but for comfort the important lesson I learned was about the full length covers. I think all the brands have at least one full length cover harp. For Hohner it's the very pricey Meisterklasse, I know Suzuki's got 'em too. Mine's a blues favorite. It's got a metal comb too.
Bluesharper, that is a Bends Croma Garlira.
Croma Garlira (Translated)
The translation isn't perfect, but I think it's got real silver on the cover. It's priced in Brazilian currency. When I saw the price I thought it must be one of those currencies like the Mexican peso were you moved the decimal place a couple spaces. Nope. You could get a full set of Harrison Harmonicas for about the same price! Other Bends harps seem to be more competitively priced, but they do seem to be trying to position themselves as a higher end harp. They're site now supports English (there is a language toggle in the upper right corner) although they haven't translated this page yet. I used Google to translate it in the link though.
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Nate
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jim
308 posts
Aug 15, 2010
12:48 PM
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There's one case by the way when a "stock" harp is better than custom-made. Extreme tunings. If you compare a diminished made "at home" with a diminished made at seydel configurator (i.e. all reeds placed at the factory) - home production sucks.
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www.truechromatic.com
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barbequebob
1131 posts
Aug 15, 2010
12:58 PM
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I've got a Bends Juke, which is a pretty decent OOTB harp that has a thicker reed plate ad is tuned to 19LJI and it is named after Little Walter's instrumental classic "Juke."
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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eharp
749 posts
Aug 15, 2010
1:04 PM
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i hope you aint buying harps because of their names, bob.
though "juke" is a good one.
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barbequebob
1133 posts
Aug 15, 2010
1:06 PM
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I just wanted to check it out. I've heard some good things from Pat Missin on their chromatics, especially when it comes to the mouthpiece/slide assembly. They're the only harp manufacturer I know that has as a stock instrument a 64 Chromatic (16 holer) available in Bb as well as in C.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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bluesharper
96 posts
Aug 15, 2010
1:21 PM
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@ Nacron
Beautiful harp!!
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Jim Harris
42 posts
Aug 15, 2010
10:47 PM
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My top favorites in descending order:
Suzuki Manji
Suzuki Pro-master Valved
Suzuki Hammond
Suzuki Bluesmaster
Hohner Special 20
Hohner Golden Melody
Hohner 365
Hohner 364
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wheezer
167 posts
Aug 16, 2010
12:38 AM
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pre MS Pro Harp
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