1 big thing: HOHNER IMPROVES REEDS
Hello Harp Techs,
Recently I began unpacking my inventory of HOHNER factory replacement reeds and was pleasantly shocked to see there was a major upgrade. The reeds appeared dramatically different from those of the past--so much so I thought HOHNER had changed their recipe, possibly to Phosphor Bronze (pioneered by Suzuki).
Immediately I contacted HOHNER’s Steve Baker to get the straight story, and in turn he contacted Production Manager, Gerhard Müller. The reed material is exactly the same as was put into production in 2004~2005, but the fabrication process had been improved upon.
WHY IT MATTERS
In an effort to manufacture better sounding and longer lasting harmonicas, HOHNER made changes to the manufacturing milling process. Smoothing out the ridges on the surface of the reed mitigates premature fracturing (breakage) and increases responsiveness of the instrument.
This means you are going to love the way you sound playing HOHNER harmonicas with the new and improved reeds.
Original Reed
New and improved HOHNER reeds (note: this photo is of a different pitch reed)
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hi Inky,
Q1: Is there any way when purchasing the Harps to know if they have the latest reeds?
A1: Unfortunately no, however, all the HOHNER Marine Band Crossover, Special 20 and Rockets that I have purchased over the past three months have the new reeds
Q2: Have these reeds been installed in the Rocket since the first production series (2013 I believe)?
A2: No
Q3: Is the public able to purchase kits of reeds and they fit in all Hohner Harmonica's that is are they fully interchangeable?
A3: Yes through https://www.hohnershop.com/harmonica-reed-marine-band-and-progressive-series-set-of-5
NOTE: Harp Techs and Parts Dealers (i.e. Rockin' Rons) have had to suffer through numerous backorder issues with receiving their orders of individual reeds
For the following HOHNER harmonicas, the reeds are EXACTLY THE SAME:
- Marine Band Series including; Marine Band 1896, Crossover, Thunderbird
- Progressive Series including; Golden Melody, Special 20, Rocket, AMP, PentaHarp
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thanks Kinya,
Is there any way when purchasing the Harps to know if they have the latest reeds? Have these reeds been installed in the Rocket since the first production series? Is the public able to purchase kits of reeds and they fit in all Hohner Harmonica's that is are they fully interchangeable?
Thanks for your efforts they are fully appreciated.