Zhin
565 posts
Dec 19, 2010
4:44 PM
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A call to all who have trained under Chris Michalek's wing.
There is talk about what should happen to his guarded secrets and I have a suggestion for those of us who have them.
Let me say first that for those of you who don't know I actually have trained with Chris in his workshop for a week. I in fact even helped him out with the easier non-reed related work for his own custom harps. I slept in his house and hung out with his wife and dogs as well. Even got to meet one of his closest friends who is a pro horse trainer.
For 5 days I was watching over his shoulder and he was watching over mine. Outside of his workshop we've spent a lot of hours doing the Skype webcam audio/video thing. We used to leave the cam on for each other while we work in our own workshops to keep each other company. He has insisted to me that he has taught me everything.
I think that before we even try putting it all out in public we must consider a few things.
First of all knowing Chris he always has more than 1 way to do a lot of things. And quite often he teaches us what he feels works best for us. I have a VERY funny feeling that he may have taught each of us a few things differently. I also think that he does have an opinion on which method worked best for him.
Because of this, it would be pretty messy if everyone of us came out publicly with all his methods. I think Chris would hate to be represented with the "wrong" method. I think the first step which is a good compromise about sharing and keeping his secrets is to just share it between his students first. We can then compile a document with everything that he has ever taught and then decide what to do with it. I have no intention of selling this data. I just think all of us who took the trouble to learn from him would feel better knowing that all this precious information is documented properly.
The other factor as well is that we should think about are other hardworking customizers who are struggling to make a living. Some who were good friends of Chris. I am not speaking for myself because I am not a customizer for hire. I do custom work as an art and mainly for myself because I can't afford to buy a full set of Buddha harps. Every once in a while I do take requests but that's a very rare thing. I do like giving my custom harps as gifts to friends that mean a lot to me. Anyways, I think it would be quite crude to spoil the market and hurt other customizers businesses.
I am willing to do most of the work involved to organize this information. I already have a lot of written notes digitally and in my moleskin notebooks.
Also, please do not ask me to build custom harps I just don't have the time.
Once the information is collected I strongly believe it is the right of ONLY those who learned from him to vote and decide what to do with the data.
For now, I would request that those who take pride in being his students to just protect the info first. Personally, it just feels wrong to put it out in the open like that even if he's dead.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
Last Edited by on Dec 20, 2010 9:18 PM
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hermonica
15 posts
Dec 19, 2010
4:58 PM
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I read in ur other thread u said to ricci that you know michalek [almost] as weel as him and that is based on u spending 5 days with him n chatting on skype like most others? U r using his death to give urself some kind of importance and it's making me a little sick.
What Chris teaches is up on his tube and what his students want to share is up to them.
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Zhin
567 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:07 PM
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It angers me thinking about how unfair it is that some great people have to die and poor excuses for human beings like you can live on without contributing or making yourself useful for anything.
I don't need to make myself sound any more important. What I describe is meant for those who can relate with me and have gone through similiar experiences with Chris.
It is a good method to verify who really knew him and who didn't. I am making a bold proposition here for sure and what I say is meant for nothing else but assurance.
I have spent time with him at SPAH 09 too. We hung out a lot together alone. And even by then I already knew him really well. When he took me under his wing as his student I spoke with him EVERY DAY. We kept in contact very frequently up till the day he died.
I am not claiming to be better or above any of his students. I am just taking the first step to protect and preserve what is precious to me which is Chris's legacy.
Can someone ban hermonica please?
I am not "using" his death. This is the natural process of things. Measures must be taken to preserve and protect. And if I don't start the ball rolling, someone else will for sure.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
Last Edited by on Dec 20, 2010 2:25 AM
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oldwailer
1441 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:15 PM
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Well, I'm pretty much of the same persuasion as Buddha himself was--the information is secret as hell unless somebody is willing to pay for it.
That probably sounds crass as hell--but the info I got from my week of the "boot camp of the monkeys fist" was hard won and came with a price tag. I'm not really inclined to give away any information that I swore an oath to Buddha to keep secret.
Besides, unless Buddha gave somebody else different lessons than I got--he didn't really give me anything you couldn't get off the net--he simply showed me a way to do it better--and he was the consummate artist at it--just because Rembrandt showed somebody how to paint don't mean the guy could actually do it.
I have made a good harp or two with the information I got from Buddha--but I still would have to admit that the two I have that he made are better than most of my own efforts.
We'll have to talk this over, brother Zhin--I would be interested in some collaborations with the order of the monkeys fist--it might be fun and informative. I am interested in building harps for others, but I'm not really in business yet. . .
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Zhin
568 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:18 PM
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Yes, oldwailer thank you.
I was thinking of calling ourselves the Order of The Purple Harp but I like Order of the Monkey Fist better. :)
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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jonlaing
155 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:18 PM
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All I see here is an effort to ethically preserve the wisdom of a man who, from what little I knew of him, loved to teach and share knowledge. Sounds noble enough to me.
I never had the pleasure to learn under Chris, and I'm very disappointed, as I had every intention as soon as I was out of school and had the money. So, I guess that means my opinion in this discussion isn't as valid as that of his friends and students, but I did want to address you concern about other customizers and potential competition that could arise from the release of Chris' techniques.
I currently make my money as a freelance web designer/developer. I am completely self taught, and everything I learned, I learned from the internet. This means that any jackhole could look up the same things I did, and do the same thing I do. The reason why people like me, and other professionals aren't completely devalued by aforementioned jackholes is that because you know how, doesn't mean you're cut out to do it professionally.
My point is that, from what I hear, customizing to the degree that Chris did is very very hard, and to do it as a professional is a whole 'nother can of worms in itself. I think the professional customizers will be safe.
Again, I never had the pleasure of being one of his students, or having ever spoken to him outside of this forum and a handful of terse, at best, emails. That could mean my opinion is completely moot, but I felt like giving it anyway. Take it FWIW.
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Zhin
569 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:23 PM
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jon, thank you for the feedback and being very reasonable.
If you get me on skype I'm willing teach you how I know how to play harp based on all the lessons Chris has taught me. No charge just because I feel like it. If you think I'm not good enough to teach you it's ok too.
Chris is irreplaceable. No one will ever be able to fill those shoes.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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hermonica
18 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:24 PM
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(hermonica you're a fucking idiot.)
U personally attack me rude and that is against forum rules.
I am just expressing my disgust at you trying to advance your image and give yourself credibility by using someone else name not more than days after his death.
No respect with this generation
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jim
585 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:29 PM
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If you send me one of his top instruments, I can reverse engineer it and describe what he did to it.
I will send it back afterwards.
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www.truechromatic.com
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Zhin
572 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:32 PM
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sorry jim but I don't need to reverse engineer anything. I know how he makes them.
What I'm more concerned about is making sure his technical knowledge doesn't fade like dust in the wind over time.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
Last Edited by on Dec 20, 2010 2:26 AM
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Leonid
118 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:33 PM
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Guys stop that. I don't think Zhin is trying to capitalise on anything and insulting him for taht is not cool. I think Chris would be happy for his music and knowledge to live on. I am saying that because I would.
Zhin I have sent you message on Skype.
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oda
380 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:39 PM
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@zhin, I can appreciate the effort to preserve chris' knowledge. How do you plan on sharing it once compiled?
I also have a Buddha harp in A, i was going to be sending Chris a video review sometime.
@hermonica, chill oot.
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I could be bound by a nutshell and still count myself a king of infinite space
OdaHUMANITY!
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Kyzer Sosa
917 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:44 PM
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Example one...see above.
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lao Tzu
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eharp
1019 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:51 PM
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it sure doesnt take long after the "we gotta learn yo get along" feeling to revert back to business as usual.
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Zhin
574 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:55 PM
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I firmly believe we should treat each other better but there are no excuses for direct attacks, insults, and messages that are designed to grief those who are already griefing.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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Kyzer Sosa
918 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:55 PM
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Zhin, sometimes people just die. I know this is a sad time for you... for me too. People pass on their wisdom and knowledge to others knowing that they have the free will to do with it what they choose. Buddha's efforts in customizing harmonicas are unto himself. No one will know the how to's and why's unless they studied under him. and most may not even pick up on it even then. If you are one of the few who had that opportunity, take my advice...stick that under your hat and keep that gem for yourself. There's nothing wrong with that. If someone is truly interested in doing what it takes to make a good custom harmonica like Chris did, they will have the drive in themselves to figure it all out as they go along...if you should decide to be one to share that info if youre asked, share it or dont. live and let live bro.
Please edit your post above to reflect dignity. Do not let the words of others set you in a category unacceptable to the creed. Youre a bigger man than that.
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lao Tzu
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Zhin
575 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:58 PM
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Oda, good question.
In no particular order the possibilities are:
- Sell it and all money goes to Laurie, his wife.
- Give it away for free.
- Keep it amongst students and mimic Chris's thing which is to teach others for a price.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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Zhin
576 posts
Dec 19, 2010
5:59 PM
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...
Ok Kyzer. Thanks...
I'm still going to take this project on though.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 6:02 PM
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gene
598 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:02 PM
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There was a little flaming going on one day and Buddha got booted. The next day, he died. The body's not even cold, yet, and here starts some more flaming. This is disgusting. This is unbelievable.
How 'bout a fresh start? Now. If someone disagrees with something, state your case and do so politely.
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Zhin
578 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:18 PM
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gene, Buddha would have expected it. The MBH forum is THAT predictable.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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Stickman
573 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:28 PM
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Although Harmonica was out of place, Zhin's response was just as disrespectful.
As for Buddha's Ides and methods. I think it would be a shame not to document them. I think Zhin has the right idea. Weather they are shared and how is a discussion for another day. I would hate to see his life's work lost. I can't think of a better way to honor him than to study his methods.
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Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 6:32 PM
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Zhin
579 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:35 PM
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Stick, how do you show respect to someone like that?
How would you respond to such rude and degrading insults.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 6:37 PM
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eharp
1021 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:39 PM
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i think it would be very commendable if the proceeds could be passed onto mrs buddha.
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HarpNinja
889 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:50 PM
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I posted this on Harp-L and will post it here and in a separate thread as it contains two topics.
I studied customizing with Chris for six years and spend endless hours researching everything I could find on the topic over and over. The end result being a compromise of the work he showed me and what I learned elsewhere. To be honest, we had more than one disagreement on what we liked/didn't like. Often, my "lessons" consisted of saying I did X and X happened and I think I should do Y. He'd then throw in his two cents. Other times, he gave me customizing riddles to figure out. Or there were times where I said I read X and what do you think?
All in all, he was more mentor than teacher I guess. he made me work my butt off and do a lot of independent study, lol. Aside from combs, which is always debatable, I would say his techniques were pretty much readily available mods that have been discussed all over here and Harp-L. What made his reedwork special was 1.) he had perfect technique, 2.) he had endless repetition, and 3.) he knew exactly what the end product should feel like.
I am willing to bet there are a lot of builders who are more scientific and more prescribed in there work, but Chris always found away to get the most out of the harp with the least amount of mods and the most amount of patience.
Listen, most of the reedwork he did could be done in just a few hours. However, it took weeks to make sure every mod and gap was perfect for that set of reedplates. Not to mention the PIA of tuning!
Unless someone invested the same time, effort, and money he did, those who know what he did can share all they want. Those trying to copy it will end up making shitty harps and having no time to actually play them.
There are several of us who got enough insight and head start on some of the techniques to really do him justice, but in general, it is overkill for most people. Learn to do some embossing, make a harp airtight, and gap. That is the bulk of what will make a harp play really well and hit all the bends/overbends.
If you are just wanting to make harps for yourself, learning to play with the technique he did will make an ok harp sound like a million bucks. His technique is what let him build great harps more so than any voodoo he had going. His own harps sucked (except for a Manji in A). They looked like shit and played at a level between OOTB and self-made custom. He never would have sold a harp that shitty, lol. Hell, even the covers were all bent up!
Regarding people, including myself, trying to make money off of customizing harps or thinking about it, go for it. If you try and copy Buddha alone, though, you will fail. You will never accomplish what he did with as little effort. By effort I mean the actual amount of initial reedwork he did (well, his embossing, which has been described by many others, is time consuming). He was so good on harmonica he could just feel his way around...no mod was wasted.
The first harp I got from him after he went full time was embossed, chamfered, arced, and gapped (obviously he added a new comb, drilled holes...). He'd hate me to say this, but he was still using things like nail polish on the rivets (which he quit doing shortly after - I swear because Joe Spiers said he didn't need to do it and he didn't want to get "beat").
I thought I had been ripped off. So little visible work! It is THE BEST harp I have ever played, however. It is still PERFECT. I have tried many customs including Filiskos and a Spiers. The Buddha harp is king in my stash. I have a Low F Special 20 that plays like an A....his stuff is just so good!
I bet he spent more time on mating the comb and sanding it to the reedplate edges than any reed work (other than gapping).
I also would say that no one will touch his ability to make that many brands and makes play to their potential. There might be new builders who do some things better, or one or two types of harps better, but they won't be able to do it all like Chris did.
Want his secrets? Have flat reeds that are chamfered. Keep tight gaps on all the reeds, especially the high end. Emboss as tight as possible. Make sure the comb and plates don't leak. Make sure the reeds are centered. Spend weeks fine tuning your gapping so if the reed moved at all, it wouldn't play right anymore. Master the instrument and become one of the top players on the planet and be able to utilize just about every imaginable technique.
I know he experimented a lot, but if you got a Hohner harp from him as recent as SPAH, he didn't mess around with tip scooping, sanding reeds, working on the bottom of reedplates, or whatever else frequently. I mean, I know he noodled with that stuff, but you wouldn't see those techniques on all his harps. He stuck to the basics and had other-worldly abilities to do them perfectly.
The harp I have from Joe Spiers is right up there with Chris's work. I know he will go to even greater lengths than the amount of work he put into my harp. He is THE man now. I mean, it was tight and debatable between him and Chris, but I don't know if anyone can touch what he does to a MB now. Under no circumstances will I comment on what goes into his harps or what I found under the hood, so don't even think of asking here or offlist. Joe is a total class act and amazing builder. His harps are worth every cent and you should buy one yesterday.
Now, my Harp-L post...
"I had a couple of people contact me wondering what is going to happen to the incomplete orders from Buddha Harps now that Chris has passed. I want to be clear that I am not inquiring about anything for myself, as I had nothing of great value on order.
That being said, someone contacted me with an incomplete, but fully paid, order for 12 custom Manji. How should he and others proceed - especially with large amounts of money involved? I was hoping that since Chris was originally from MN, the funeral and such might be here, but is appears to be in AZ.
While I could and would certainly be willing to help with some of the issue of organizing materials from where he left off, going through orders....I am sure I'll be of little value in MN.
Chris did a lot of fantastic things on a number of harps/brands and I know many players sent him money, some of it in the thousands, to own a piece of his art. Thoughts? How does this discussed without being inconsiderate, rude, out of line???
As a bit of a side note, I studied a lot with Chris to work on creating great overblow harps. I would entertain customizing ob harps for others, but would really limit my focus to Hohner harps like the Golden Melody, Marine Band Deluxe, and Crossover. He was going to start teaching me how he works on Manji harps after Christmas, but my knowledge in that area is limit. I would not entertain working on harps beyond these.
Really, my only help is to the niche wanting to overbend on ET harmonicas. I don't make combs, obviously. I am willing to use my skill set to help those with orders, etc, but obviously with the disclaimer that 1.) they aren't going to be "Buddha" harps 2.) I am doing so as an independent and not a Buddha Guild builder 3.) my prices, workload, and other variables will have to be different.
While I know how to work on stock Marine Bands and such, due to the real-world, I would want to work on mostly reeds and not drilling plates, combs, etc.
I am only mentioning this now as I know there was a lot of demand and people planning on continuing to work with him in the future. I am not looking to start a business or new job, but am hoping I can be of some help to those in need. I also think the work and effort and love involved in working on harps will help me through the loss of a very close friend.
While I have no idea what the future holds, I am, again, not looking to make a ton of money or exploit the situation. I just have been bombarded with emails about the state of Buddha harps and my availability to tweak harps in the future. I can't do all the work he did with the level of awesomeness he did, BUT I know from our conversations at SPAH that I can put together an awesome overblow harp and he liked what I was doing. "
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Amp for Harp Blog
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 6:54 PM
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Stickman
575 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:55 PM
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Zhin, I work with inner city youth, many raised by gang members. I have heard much worse than what Hermonica accused you of and have never once responded with "your a fucking idiot" my favorite response is "Although I respect your opinion, I feel that...." responding with an "I" statement is more likely to open a line of conversation that an using an "f" statement.
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Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 7:05 PM
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honeydawg
20 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:55 PM
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Been away from this forum for some time, and, sadly, it has taken Chris' passing to prompt me to come 'round again.
I agree that compiling Chris' teachings, as passed along to you guys, and passing along the proceeds of such a compilation to his estate is a commendable idea. I for one would be interested, or I think so. I don't know how you set a price, though...
The thing is it takes an enormous amount of patience and motivation to apply customizing techniques. You can learn Chris' methods or any number of other methods, but just knowing about them won't help you much. Buying the "secrets" is just the beginning.
You all know this. All I'm saying is these teachings are only useful if they end up in the hands of someone who is motivated to apply them.
I'm going to work on my harps. If I don't have Chris' methods, I'll find some other way to make them better.
Dammit! so much music in that guy. I'm so sorry to see him go.
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Miles Dewar
542 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:56 PM
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"hermonica you're a fucking idiot. It angers me thinking about how unfair it is that some great people have to die and scum like you can live on without contributing or making yourself useful for anything."
Wow......... Never heard kinder words.
Who knows, he could be volunteering to work with mentally handicapped blind children.........That's a better contribution than anything harmonica related........ Did you get the facts?
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 7:11 PM
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HarpNinja
890 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:57 PM
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FWIW, personally, Joe is the only person I'd buy from now as I think I could make better harps for myself than anyone but him.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Amp for Harp Blog
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Zhin
580 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:58 PM
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Thanks for stating the obvious Mike. ;)
Totally agree with you.
But don't you think it's important for us to keep records of what his exact methods were?
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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HarpNinja
891 posts
Dec 19, 2010
6:58 PM
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And, I am sorry, but I can't share everything from Chris for the simple fact that so many people would want the information for the wrong reasons. I don't want to facilitate hate and spite.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Amp for Harp Blog
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Zhin
581 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:01 PM
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Miles, that's because they weren't meant to be kind.
I said we should be kinder I didn't say I'm going to take it up the ass and giggle about it. I don't need to be kind to people who are just set on being cruel ALL THE TIME.
And you know what? I meant every word I said to hermonica while reminding you and everyone else that I clearly remember asking all of us to think a little and be kinder.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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Zhin
582 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:05 PM
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Mike, that's my point. His knowledge isn't meant to be just shared openly. He made each and every one of us take an vow of some sort and even pay money for it.
Ok, I'm scratching out the "give it all away for free" idea.
From now on only 2 outcomes:
- Sell for money, proceeds go to Laurie
- All students involved get to keep the info and take it to our graves.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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eharp
1022 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:07 PM
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we gotta learn to walk away from insults, real or imagined.
this aint the wild west.
and if we gotta start throwing slurs about, could we at least do it with some class and not resort to vulgarity.
ty.
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eharp
1023 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:12 PM
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this is a little like the harpgear thread.
you paid for something. it is yours to do with what you want.
if you want to be an ethical, stand-up guy and stand by the oath, do it.
btw- how are all the students going to be identified?
couldnt one just get some basics off of youtube, which some have said is really all buddha's knowledge was basically, and say they took classes from him?
just asking.
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hermonica
19 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:15 PM
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I hop karma will get at you scoundrels trying to make a name for yourself at the expense of a man who just died
U could have waited sometime before posting this kind of stuff
Harpninja, u need to be a world class player to customize in that level. Ricci, sleigh, bouman are much better then you on customizing. Also Plz show proof how u were bombarded with msgs? I doubt it. Self importance
And
Zhin u should be banned u r still breaking forum rules and behaving as if u r a child. What u said to me was a personal attack and out of line. Shame shame shame on you USERS who are just now making false claims after buddhas death.
Plz seek help for ur daddy issues
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Zhin
583 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:16 PM
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eharp, it's easy for me to tell who's had the real experience and who hasn't.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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Zhin
584 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:18 PM
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hermonica, your words are as empty and ugly as your soul.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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honeydawg
21 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:21 PM
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hermonica looks like a troll to me. Best to ignore, fellows. Basically, this is why I've stayed out of forums.
Just my two cents.
howard (not THAT one)
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KingoBad
538 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:23 PM
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hermonica,
Zhin is only back because of his respect and grief for Chris. He left the forum a long time ago. These accusations do nothing for anyone here grieving for a lost friend/mentor/hero. YOU CANNOT ASSUME MOTIVE out of these posts. It is sad and illogical. Show some good decorum and leave your idea of karma to work itself out. You are not here to judge - especially from illogical leaps in reasoning.
Stop the flaming and keep it to yourself.
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Todd Parrott
245 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:26 PM
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Mike,
You know I am a Spiers fan, and I own several of his harps. His processes and harps have improved even since my last order just this year. Not sure how old your Spiers harp is, but I think you'd be amazed by what he's building now. I even let Chris play my long slot D Spiers harp at SPAH (which is something I RARELY do) and Chris was very impressed as well.
I also got a Buddha Marine Band from Chris this year at SPAH, and a Golden Melody. Both are phenomenal harps, but still not up there with a Spiers Stage 3.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Chris and his work, but I don't think there's anyone on the planet that can build a better harp than Joe.
As for Chris, I am glad that you and the others will not share Chris' techniques on this forum - I respect you for that. I believe that some here would love to reverse engineer and expose their findings simply out of spite.
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hermonica
21 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:29 PM
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I'm a troll because I'm giving my opinion? Is no one else disgusted that there are people already trying to capitalize and gain from chris' death? Chris was my friend I live 25 minutes away and I have met his wife and parents I kno that this would sicken him too
Especially things like zhin claiming his harps r louder and harpninja claiming he is the 2nd best customizer to name a few.
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HarpNinja
893 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:32 PM
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hermonica:
"I hop karma will get at you scoundrels trying to make a name for yourself at the expense of a man who just died
U could have waited sometime before posting this kind of stuff
Harpninja, u need to be a world class player to customize in that level. Ricci, sleigh, bouman are much better then you on customizing. Also Plz show proof how u were bombarded with msgs? I doubt it. Self importance
"
I never said I was a world class anything. I also don't think it is right to share the identities of people who have contacted me offlist...especially to someone hiding behind a screen name.
I did say in a couple of posts that I have some very solid knowledge and abilities within a very specific niche of harmonica...that would be setting up harps to ob made by Hohner. I also specifically have stated that I don't do everything just like Chris, nor would I say have any sort of formal public endorsement from him as a certified Buddha harp builder.
Both Chris Michalek and Clint Hoover have complimented me on my work - even when compared to some of the names you mentioned. Jay Gaunt also really dug what I was able to do when he played a few of my harps at SPAH. I am good at a few things, but not the wealth of a Michalek or Spiers or others.
Again, I've offered to be of help to those I may be able to help. I am not trying to make a profit off his passing nor do I want to take on that sort of work load or start a business. I would like to help my friends, though, refine my abilities, and help Chris's legacy live on.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Amp for Harp Blog
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Zhin
585 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:35 PM
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A lot of people lived near Chris. And he couldn't stand a lot of them. He's told me a lot about how annoying certain idiot harmonica players that live near him were always such an annoying nuisance to him. In fact, he's stated that there are only a select few he can put up with.
I have no idea who you are and you don't seem to be like any of the people he mentioned that he liked.
You seem too unsophisticated, unintelligent, and quick to jump to conclusions to be someone close to him.
Show yourself and reveal your name. Tell us more about how you know Chris then.
The Chris you speak of doesn't sound like the one I know.
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 7:38 PM
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HarpNinja
894 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:38 PM
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I don't recall claiming that, and if a post sounded like that, I'd like to fix any typos I've made.
I did say that when it came to MY harps that I make for ME, I prefer Chris's work, Joe's work, and my own. I think you have misread all my posts today.
@Todd,
My Spiers harp is only a couple of months old and is very amazing. I did post that I would gladly order from him and it is a near toss up for most regarding who has the better harps. I also stated that Joe is top dog currently.
I liked what Chris was doing because of his dedication to making his own combs and how his harps would overbend. The harp I have from Joe is something I will cherish forever, and it is stunning to say the least, but Chris's harps just have a different feel, even in comprable key.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Amp for Harp Blog
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Zhin
586 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:40 PM
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hermonica I will say this again. Your words are as empty and ugly as your soul.
Even if you were Chris's friend which I highly doubt, it doesn't change the fact that you have by far the emptiest and ugliest soul I have ever encountered in MBH.
I wonder, do you even have a soul?
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http://www.youtube.com/harmonicazhin
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Miles Dewar
544 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:53 PM
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Lmao. Wow.
I didn't know people who had "Full" souls suggest things like that.
What is a "Full Soul" anyway?
:)
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Heart2Harp
208 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:57 PM
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Zhin,
I very much understand your frustration towards hermonica. I am also trying to understand hermonica's point of view. In any case (no matter who is right or wrong), take a moment to take a breath and change your focus a bit. Maybe you could tell us your best memory of hanging out with Buddha. Then, maybe hermonica could do the same...maybe you'd find out you were both friends of his.
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Heart2Harp
Click here to access my youtube page
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 7:59 PM
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BigBlindRay
46 posts
Dec 19, 2010
7:59 PM
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Hey MBHers
Much respect to Chris and his family at this time.
There is a saying that comes to mind after going through this thread..
"If you dont have something nice to say, dont say it at all"
Seems to me that now might be a good time for everyone to take heed to these words. There is no need to fuss and fight.
Miscommunication can lead to complications with others so please, clarify your communications with each other before making any judgement calls - or say nothing at all.
Peace.
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Big Blind Ray's YouTube Channel
Mavis and her China Pigs
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Hobostubs Ashlock
1284 posts
Dec 19, 2010
8:06 PM
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maybe all the musicians that live in the area could put on a benifit concert for chris's family.help with exspences.
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Hobostubs
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 8:07 PM
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pharpo
479 posts
Dec 19, 2010
8:10 PM
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Hermonica...I thought you quit the forum...I guess your word is not the truth ...I said ...See ya
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Procrastinator Emeritus
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