bonedog569
201 posts
Jan 10, 2011
11:34 AM
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A buddy from Chi-town is visiting and brought along his new B-rad in C, plus a vintage solid brass Filisko in D. I had my C Buddha black jean comb marine band plus a "Dude Harp" marine band in D and a bunch of Manji's and Hammonds. We didn't have a ton of time with them but ---
the Buddha Harp was in another league. I have three B-rads on order so I was actually hoping it would have been closer. The B-rad was light, beautifully designed and made, loud and a very good ootb harp in terms of playabillity - but did nothing to knock me out. I could overblow 6 and overbend 7 (I am a relatively new OB-er) but it was a little more work than I'd hoped for. Other ootb harps - my manji's and hammond's - are similar in that regard.
The Filisko with it's solid brass comb could double as a weapon in a bar fight, played very nicely and was still in tune ten years later - but was not in league with the relatively new Buddha in terms of responsiveness.
The Dude harp - if you are a Marine Band fan, is a pretty nice 'piece of kit' as the brit's say - for $100 - and held it's own in terms of responsiveness with the B-rad, though most of my suzuki's are pretty darn good ootb too.
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Todd Parrott
313 posts
Jan 10, 2011
5:21 PM
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Interesting to hear that about the Filisko harp. I've been intrigued by those many times, but never had the chance to try one.
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bonedog569
202 posts
Jan 10, 2011
11:54 PM
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I've always been curious too - as his harps for Howard and others where a big part of 'the revolution'. I can't imagine this one was set up like one of Howard's. It was good but nothing special in terms of responsiveness. My pal's name was beautifully engravied on the cover and the whole thing looks good enough to be in the Smithsonian. That brass is brrr -cold till you warm it up playing though.
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BigBlindRay
74 posts
Jan 11, 2011
12:33 AM
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Dude! Any chance you got pics of it you can share with us? :D
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Big Blind Ray's YouTube Channel
Mavis and her China Pigs
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boris_plotnikov
399 posts
Jan 11, 2011
2:22 AM
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I've tried one of Howard Levy's Filisco harp. It was approximately of the same quality as best examples of my own work. I also give my best harp (best pre-microscopic work! my microscopic work is better!) and Howard said that I'm great customiser.
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Excuse my bad English. Click on my photo or my username for my music.
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jim
676 posts
Jan 11, 2011
2:39 AM
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As I said before and in the videos - the main point with custom harps is how much time you spent on them
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bonedog569
203 posts
Jan 11, 2011
10:39 AM
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I got an interesting email from David Payne (currently the HH client relations mgr.) after forwarding him my mini review.
I had not realized that they actually do different set ups per user style - based on a player survey they do at order time. (I don't remember doing a survery but it's been a long time).
Because my pals b-rad was ordered by his aunt without any specific info on his style, they did not set it up for overblows. They do not want your average player choking the reeds out with heavy honkage (my terminology, not his) - and set his to a basic player default. They will set up for OB's if they know that's how a player wants to use it.
This was news to me.- and does make me more psyched about recieving my order one day (I can dream can't I?)
re. pic.s of the Filisko - I'll work on that , it shouldn't be a problem.
@Jim - I didn't realize you did sarcasm too. - Wasn't ready for it.
@Borris You can trade licks side by side with the 'Heblew Pope of the 10 hole' - and have the Pope's blessing on your customizing work. You may be next in line for succession.I can see the smoke rising from the harmonica vatican now - But dang - you are skewing the forum 'what level player are you' scale curve way the F off. I now barely rank above beginner - and I've been playing for fourty years.
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tmf714
421 posts
Jan 11, 2011
12:15 PM
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I own two Filisko Marine Bands-not the brass ones.
My name is etched on both reed plates-these are the best harps I have ever played. I own some Meehan Harps,a real nice Golden Melody with SP20 reed plates by Rupert Oysler and few 1847 Seydels. I patiently await the arrival of 3 jim harps. The Filiskos have a completley different feel-musically and digitally. Super responsive,loud and airtight. Joe,Richard and James build their harps the same for everyone-Equal,just or compromised tuning is available-that may be the only difference between Howards harps and Kim Wilson's-tuning and the overblow-overdraw set-up.
Last Edited by on Jan 11, 2011 12:20 PM
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jim
683 posts
Jan 11, 2011
12:19 PM
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tmf714,
I've repaired 3 harmonicas for you right? Just to mention that I don't do any customizing on free repair deals. (unless they are so leaky that I have to improve them).
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tmf714
422 posts
Jan 11, 2011
12:21 PM
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Yes-they are stuck in customs-I am sure your harps won't play like full blown customs,but I bet they will be much improved. Stay tuned for the details,folks.
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jim
684 posts
Jan 11, 2011
12:25 PM
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I've replaced the old wooden comb on your MB - the tines were bent in all directions... It has a translucent acrylic comb now, on screws. Yeah, this one will definitely play better after the upgrade.
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tmf714
423 posts
Jan 11, 2011
12:28 PM
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That's right -I forgot about the acrylic comb!-now I'm really looking forward to their arrival!!
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jim
686 posts
Jan 11, 2011
12:35 PM
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danm :D This could be a good surprise :)
If you don't drop it on the floor - it will last a lifetime. Dropping on the floor would instantly break acryl.
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tmf714
425 posts
Jan 11, 2011
12:42 PM
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Don't want to jinx myself-I can't remember the last time I dropped a harp-I was a long time ago.
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