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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Customized Manjis
Customized Manjis
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HarveyHarp
124 posts
Sep 23, 2010
7:42 AM
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I received 3 new Manjis a couple of days ago from Jeff Silverman of Harmonica 411's Harp Mart, and after I set the gaps on two of them to suit my playing style, I think they are the best Out of the Box harps I have ever bought, but not as good as the customs that I build. They have what to me is an unusual sound, that I sort of like.
So, my question for anyone who has customized a Manji is this. Does a good customized Manji play any better or worse than a good Customized Marine Band? I am trying to figure out whether I want to do one or not.
Thanks in advance, Budda, or Joe or anyone else.
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Last Edited by on Sep 23, 2010 7:43 AM
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Buddha
2490 posts
Sep 23, 2010
7:54 AM
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my custom manjis are as good as any marine band I make.
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"I am a great believer in understanding, not copying."
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HarpNinja
644 posts
Sep 23, 2010
8:27 AM
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I played a custom Manji from Buddha that used all stock parts and it was awesome. He isn't exaggerating. I also played one set up for Howard. It was also fantastic.
I set up one Manji in Bb and tuned it to the Crossover tuning. It is a great harp now. All the bends and overbends are super easy to play. I'd say that a custom MB probably has more bite and a loser feel with how the reeds swing. I may not be describing it right, but the Manji seems tighter in response. I am not saying it hesitates or is slow to respond. It is just that it feels different.
When I play a MB, the vision in my head as I hit the notes is wider and dirtier with harder edges. The Manji is more focused, cleaner, and the edges seem rounder.
In other words, the Manji in Bb looks earth in my mind - lots of tan and brown. The MB in Bb seems cooler and crisper - blues and greens.
They essentially have the same level of reedwork, which is less than my Buddha harps and the other harps I've set up. So I guess it is a reasonable comparison instead of talking stock vs custom, etc.
Another way of looking at is the Manji, even retuned, feels more like a compromise between a Golden Melody and MB.
Personally, I have a stash of MBs and combs to work on, but if I buy an new harps, they will be Manjis or customs. Working on stock MB's is too much work for me right now.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Amp for Harp Blog
Last Edited by on Sep 23, 2010 8:29 AM
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HarveyHarp
125 posts
Sep 23, 2010
8:51 AM
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Ok guys. Thanks for the info. Ninja, I like the way you described the Marine Band. I agree with that. I too am tired of dealing with Marine Band combs, though they turn out really pretty when you round them and such. I have grown really fond of customizing Special 20s. I expecially like special 20s with Marine Band cover plates.
I guess I will do a Manji and see for myself.
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toddlgreene
1820 posts
Sep 23, 2010
8:54 AM
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Build me an F Manji, Harvey! I'll be your guinea pig. I wanna chance to play it stock first, though.
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Crescent City Harmonica Club
Todd L Greene, Co-Founder
Last Edited by on Sep 23, 2010 8:56 AM
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