HarpNinja
932 posts
Jan 06, 2011
7:19 AM
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I would like to look for an old/vintage Marine Band or Golden Melody type harmonica to tinker with. I know the prewar MB's are popular and show up on eBay, etc, but I have no experience with this. I am only interested in 10 hole diatonics.
Anyone know of any reputable sellers of such harps whether it be on eBay or somewhere else?
I guess I am just hoping the reeds and reedplates are in good shape. I don't mind doing all the work, replacing the comb, whatever, but I'd rather not have to replace reeds from the get go.
Thanks.
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Mike
Quicksilver Harmonicas
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arzajac
421 posts
Jan 06, 2011
8:56 AM
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Hi Mike.
I have bought about a dozen of those kinds of harps over the past year - all from Ebay and all from different sellers.
I only got screwed once, but PayPal refunded me the money very quickly.
I don't recall paying more than 15 dollars per harp. Except for this one, which I bought last week - http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190483870115&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
What era are you looking for? Anything specific? I ask because many people will say that a pre-1965 harp is just as good if not better than a 1940s harp...
I know Richard Sleigh likes the ones made in Hicksville, NY (1960s era). He mentions this in his field-spotters guide.
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harpaddict
7 posts
Jan 06, 2011
9:02 AM
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I'd also like to add that Richard Sleigh's Field-Spotters Guide is a great resource for those wishing to identify old MB to purchase.
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jim
656 posts
Jan 06, 2011
9:08 AM
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whenever you see a star of david - it was made before the war. Good stuff. Best hohner reeds imho.
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www.truechromatic.com
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arzajac
422 posts
Jan 06, 2011
9:11 AM
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I forgot to mention that in all the harps I have bought on Ebay from the 40s, 50s and 60s, not one had a bad reed. As well, only one had a wrecked comb. Maybe harp players of that time used to throw away a bad harp instead of keeping it so that their grandkids will sell it in an estate sale?
Another note about the Field Spotter's guide: you can download it once you sign up to Richard Sleigh's mailing list. Just see his website.
Jim: Some harps made into the late 50 have a Star of David on them. The theory is that there was a warehouse full of them to use after the war... You can tell by the coverplates - A post-war MB with a Star of David will probably have coverplates that are not opened up in the back.
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Last Edited by on Jan 06, 2011 9:26 AM
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jim
658 posts
Jan 06, 2011
9:20 AM
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if they used old stock reeds - who cares?
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www.truechromatic.com
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HarpNinja
934 posts
Jan 06, 2011
9:31 AM
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60's is fine. Earlier is fine too. I will try and look on my own, but have limited eBay experience.
If anyone has any leads feel free to share via email, please.
Thanks!
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Mike
Quicksilver Harmonicas
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arzajac
423 posts
Jan 06, 2011
10:08 AM
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Hi Mike.
I sent you a message through your contact form. I included a bunch of ebay links in it so maybe your spam filter will sound the alarm...
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jim
659 posts
Jan 06, 2011
10:27 AM
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HarpNinja, I have some '60s MB reedplates in high keys - D's, F's, E's, F#'s
Many are in real good shape.
You need them?
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www.truechromatic.com
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HarpNinja
935 posts
Jan 06, 2011
10:31 AM
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Jim,
I don't have your e-mail and didn't see it in your profile, but I'd maybe be interested. My email is in my profile.
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Mike
Quicksilver Harmonicas
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jim
660 posts
Jan 06, 2011
10:35 AM
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jim [at] seydel1847.com
sent you an email via your website
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www.truechromatic.com
Last Edited by on Jan 06, 2011 10:35 AM
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HarpNinja
936 posts
Jan 06, 2011
11:34 AM
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My immediate vintage needs have been taken care of, thanks!
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Mike
Quicksilver Harmonicas
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