HarpNinja
1063 posts
Feb 03, 2011
7:53 AM
|
I know I've praised this instrument before, but I am seriously thinking of converting to Crossovers. I have a full set of GM's and usually gig with them. However, the Crossover, even out of the box, has been a great harp. I know they aren't "cheap", but they are great harps.
I've had a range of GM, MB's, MBD's, SP20's, and Crossovers sent to my house over the last couple of months and have slowly come to realize that the Crossover is going to bump some of my GM's (not all of them, but a few).
I have never liked OOTB Marine Bands, and although I can easily customize them, I don't have a lot of time to tweak my own harps. Not having to drill, etc, is a time saver. I went so far as to even order a LF MBD for myself and a bamboo comb for it, lol.
Anyways, I know MBs in general, as well as harp costs, are a hot topic here. I think the Crossover is a good deal in both how it plays and the bamboo comb. If I wanted to buy a GM with a new comb (or any model for that matter) the cost is going to be near the same anyways.
I know all OOTB harps are a gamble to some extent, but has anyone else converted? Anyone have any issues with the comb or reeds?
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
sammyharp
84 posts
Feb 03, 2011
8:24 AM
|
I actually recently purchased Crossovers in B, D, Eb, and F, and with minor adjustments, they are really super responsive and easy to play. If you go a little further (embossing, etc.), they get even better, but really, these can play at a high level with just a little flat sanding and gapping. Definitely much better than the regular MB.
|
mercedesrules
90 posts
Feb 03, 2011
8:53 AM
|
.....Are the ones that are going to "bump" your Golden Melodies in a certain key range or just random based on luck of manufacture (or some other reason)?
----------
|
sonvolt13
76 posts
Feb 03, 2011
8:56 AM
|
Mike,
Do you know if Hohner is planning on making replacement reedplates available for the crossover?
|
earlounge
283 posts
Feb 03, 2011
8:58 AM
|
I wish GM's had a bamboo comb option. I love the tone of my Crossovers, but I love the shape of GM's.
----------
|
Chinaski
165 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:01 AM
|
Crossovers are easily my favourite OOTB harp, and have been my first choice for about a year or so now. I have many customs, but I think the Crosssover is by far the best stock harp before spending that kind of money. Great response, nice crunchy tone and overblow friendly with minimal adjustment. I've had just one issue with a buzzing 2 draw reed since I started using them, apart from that they have all been great playing instruments.
----------
Myspace
|
RT123
77 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:06 AM
|
You do realize Crossovers are compromise tuned. I don't have a problem with that and actually prefer it to Just tuned. I play the Manji and love it. I honestly cant believe they still make to original Marine Bands. It is unplayable out of the box, outdated, pieces of junk. Go with the Crossover and/or the Manji. You will save so much time that you dont have to fix them before you play them.
|
HarpNinja
1066 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:10 AM
|
I am not sure what keys for sure. I was originally going to go with Bb and lower, but have had several in D that have turned out excellently.
Hohner has replacements in some keys for the MBD, which should be identical to the Crossover other than the tuning. I wouldn't hesitate to go that route, especially if you are going to gap anyways. They for sure will fit the screws, plates, and covers.
Harpcombs.com has bamboo for GM's. I have some for SP20's and MB's, but haven't tried the GM yet. I don't know why I like the bamboo so much...probably just the look.
Eventually, I will use the MB comb for my Low F MBD, but I will have to drill out the holes, which is fine, but I just haven't had time.
If you OB, the Crossovers work pretty well OOTB, but the overdraws have been hit or miss with squeaking. Sometimes, just gapping takes care of that.
Between the Dr. and finishing my workshop, I don't have any fun money, but if I did, I would buy more. I bought a D and F for myself, but someone ordered a D from me that same week so I just used it for that build. Then I accidently ordered a GM in F and Crossover in F for myself. Someone ordered a F Crossover about the same time and Hohner was on backorder, so I used that for a build too. Both were brand new and I haven't gotten to them beyond an initial set-up.
I have an A and G in my gig case currently. My other harps are fairly new, so it'll be a slow transition, but I plan on getting at least a D soon...that harp is old - like way old - and rather than work on it, I'd just as soon get a new harp.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
groyster1
816 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:13 AM
|
@RT123
I agree about the crossover and manji-they are great ootb harps
|
HarpNinja
1067 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:15 AM
|
The tuning on the Crossover is very close to ET and I still use an A GM for my main A. It is a full-blown Level 4 with a black Sjoeberg comb, but the Crossover gets some work. I use A and C (I have a Spiers MB and Level 4 GM) harps so much, I always run with at least a pair.
I just finished an A and G Level 1 in 19-Limit for someone. They turned out great and I am starting to like that tuning for 1st-3rd.
Stupidly, I just replaced an ancient Eb and Db with GM's...should tried Crossovers! I thought the higher keys would be too bright compared to GM's, but the F Crossover is still pretty sweet.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
Last Edited by on Feb 03, 2011 9:19 AM
|
Chinaski
166 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:16 AM
|
Yup, the replacement reedplates for a MB Deluxe can be used on the Crossover no problem.
----------
Myspace
Last Edited by on Feb 03, 2011 9:17 AM
|
HarpNinja
1068 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:22 AM
|
The MBD plates are the typical MB/SP20 tuning. I think they are $37 from Hohner? I know they don't have Low F, but they have the other normal keys.
I never asked about replacement combs, but I am going to call them today and find out (or maybe I did and the answer was no...don't remember). They don't have Crossover coverplates available.
Regarding replacement plates, you can get replacement reeds right from them for $2(?) a reed. That is obviously the most cost effective approach.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
MP
1358 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:48 AM
|
i love the two crossovers i have, an A and an F.
i did minor adjustment to the A and haven't touched the F. i think they are the best but, the manji is really nice too.
----------
MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
|
Sausagescoffer
10 posts
Feb 03, 2011
9:57 AM
|
I LOVE my Crossovers....best OOTB harps bar none. Beats MBD, Manji and Seydel 1847, IMHO.
|
LIP RIPPER
386 posts
Feb 03, 2011
10:02 AM
|
My crossover is better right out of the box than my B-rad was.I'm torn between the Manji & the Crossover.
|
groyster1
817 posts
Feb 03, 2011
10:07 AM
|
I give the crossover only a slight edge over the manji but time will tell which comb is better the bamboo or the composite-as long as they never swell they will be great harps-lip ripper if the crossovers are superior to B-rads why people wait indefinitely for the Brads @$180 invested is beyond me
|
HarpNinja
1069 posts
Feb 03, 2011
10:43 AM
|
I don't think a Crossover to B-Rad comparison is appropriate. The B-Rad is better compared to a custom harp. If that isn't enough reason, consider the price difference.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
RT123
78 posts
Feb 03, 2011
10:54 AM
|
I dont like to compare the Manji/Crossover to the B-Rad but it may hurt their business. The reason I say that is the Manji and Crossover are so good and need so little work that they are perfect for the majority of players out there. The serious professionals or someone who wants something different or specific for them is going to by a complete custom. What is left for B-Rad? In my opinion not a lot. Collectors, and a few people with money to burn. I am not saying they are not worth the money because I am sure they are fantastic, but the market doesn't seem to be there for them. The Crossover and Manji filled a huge void in what 99% of the players wanted.
Last Edited by on Feb 03, 2011 10:55 AM
|
HarpNinja
1070 posts
Feb 03, 2011
12:09 PM
|
I know it is a bit OT, but for any harp to take off, it better be readily available. I think a number of people wanting customs would go with the B-Rad IF they could get it easily like they could a Crossover or Manji.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
ANDREWZAR
17 posts
Feb 03, 2011
12:15 PM
|
So far my favorite OTB harp is the Marine Band Deluxe. I'll have to try one of these. The Crossover does look very sweet.
|
Buzadero
724 posts
Feb 03, 2011
12:16 PM
|
"I wish GM's had a bamboo comb option."
Hetrick has them. I like the two I have so far.
I'm liking bamboo more and more. I'm breaking out of my western mode of thinking.
----------
~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
|
HarpNinja
1071 posts
Feb 03, 2011
12:16 PM
|
The MBD's are good too...I just like the bamboo comb more. I guess I am just not that into pearwood.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
Kingley
1436 posts
Feb 03, 2011
12:28 PM
|
So how does the Marine Band Deluxe compare to the Crossover?
|
HarpNinja
1072 posts
Feb 03, 2011
12:41 PM
|
The Crossover is a bit brighter (is that the right word?) and plays faster. Obviously, the sound different because of the tuning.
The reeds and reed plates are the same. They are gapped differently. I think both are just as likely to have to be flat sanded - at least the draw plate, anyways.
I do think the MBD is a great harp too...double true if you want the more traditional MB feel. They look super cool with the comb color and shape too.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
Kingley
1439 posts
Feb 03, 2011
12:42 PM
|
Thanks for the info Mike.
|
MP
1363 posts
Feb 03, 2011
2:15 PM
|
also the MBDs are not totally sealed. i've seen some players with swollen MBDs. i flat sand and seal my MBD combs even though i not a 'wet' player. i dig MBDs too though. if you swap a MBD comb with a crossover you may notice a nice tonal difference. i did.
----------
MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
Last Edited by on Feb 03, 2011 2:16 PM
|
ANDREWZAR
20 posts
Feb 03, 2011
6:36 PM
|
Not sure if any one mentioned HARPCOMBS.COM yet, but for anyone who wants to upgrade the harps they have this is a great place to start. They offer different types of wood including bamboo for all different harps. The coco bola combs look pretty sweet.
|
chromaticblues
563 posts
Feb 03, 2011
7:10 PM
|
There is no such thing as the perfect harp. The crossover is an easy harp to play, but is brighter. I think SP 20 covers on harps above "C" would cut the treble a bit. I like them in "G", "A" and "Bb", but I won't be getting rid of my Marine Bands any time soon.
|
HarpNinja
1074 posts
Feb 03, 2011
7:21 PM
|
I have some bamboo combs from HarpCombs.com. I did the preorder so they were only $18. I think they're $25 now. I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
Roverharp
11 posts
Feb 03, 2011
8:10 PM
|
Seems the Crosssover is getting consistently rave reviews. I haven't yet tried one but I don't doubt that how good they are. I'm just wondering what their secret is?
Most players seem to rate the Crossover as better than the MBD. Yeah, it's got a stable, flat comb but don't most folks here flat sand their MBD anyway? That kind of takes the comb out of the equation.
I've understood that all Hohner handmade reedplates/reed are the same. On the other hand I've heard it voiced a couple times (including by Harpwrench IIRC) that there's something different and better about the Crossover reedplates or reeds.
By the way, are the Crossovers cover plates laser etched or stamped?
|
mojojojo
63 posts
Feb 03, 2011
10:36 PM
|
The store here came out with Suzuki Hammonds and the Crossovers at the same time, so i got one of each in C.
Both are very good quality, but i would say the Crossover sounds better for achieving a raspy country blues sound, while the Hammond has a very rich, clean tone.
----------
I suck at harmonica!
Jakarta River Blues Band
JRB's facebook news and vidz
|
SoulHarp
19 posts
Feb 04, 2011
5:33 AM
|
I love my A and Dd Crossovers , but the tuning seems to be a bit off . I checked them both to tuners !!!
I see that some of you guys do a bit of work to them to optimize their use , Do you ever re-tune them , Is it closer to ET or Just ? I cant tell with mine !!!
also I have recently received a bunch of New Low-key Marine Bands , I love them , but they are very "leaky" . Does the crossover come in Low keys ?
if not is there any Low -Key Harps you guys have experience with and recommend ?
|
HarpNinja
1076 posts
Feb 04, 2011
5:45 AM
|
I've tuned Crossovers to ET, stock, and 19-Limit. I've never had issues playing an OOTB with a band and sounding out of tune. Honestly, unless you are using a Strobe tuner set-up correctly, it can be very very difficult to know what your tuning is. Best bet is to just make sure you have beatless octaves and chords that don't sound bad.
The Crossover does not come in low keys. I know the MBD has a Low F and that is pretty much the same thing. I have several low MB's, but put them all on composite combs which helps. The SP20's come in low keys too. Obviously, other brands like Seydel have options too.
I hardly ever play a regular F so I ordered a Low F MBD and an F Crossover and will flip flop the covers combs...so I guess I do have a Low F Crossover, lol.
The low harps, IMO, are always tricky in regards to getting a good set-up.
Regarding tuning, check this out: http://www.petersontuners.com/index.cfm?category=123
Also, you have to remember that there are many variables in play as to how a harmonica is tuned - even something as simple as breath force can throw things way off.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 2/1/11
|
chromaticblues
565 posts
Feb 04, 2011
7:12 AM
|
@soulharp They are closer to ET. You can buy a $25 Korg CA-30 and tune your own harps. I can tune a harp with just as close as anyone with a strobe tuner. If I can you can! There is operator error involved, but once you get it its easy. Oh yeah did I mention it cost $25! You have to be consistant with your breath control and go easy. Then just play it and listen to the chords, octaves and double stops. There shouldn't be any beating or pulsating if your tuning to JI (blues tuning). If your tuning to ET just check the octaves.
|
