Are Cheap Harps worth the trouble.
Hello Kinya,
I received as a gift, a case with a set of "Hot House Blues" harps. They look like Special 20s but they sure don't play like them. My question is, would it be a waste of time to go through your modifications on these inexpensive harps? Thank you.
Good ideas Mr.Optimism,
Keep in mind, however, this type of harmonica has aluminum reeds and aluminum reed plates (plated to look like brass) and will respond differently than your Hohner Special 20.
You have my permission to throw Hot House Blues harmonicas into the audience on your next encore ;o)
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Cheap harps are a great way to practice. I ruined a couple getting the hang of drilling and tapping plates, but it didn't matter. The experience made it easier to avoid ruining my good ones.
I was also able to set up a couple of Folksmasters I had from years ago so they played really really well... for a while. They didn't maintain their gapping very well, but the techniques on this site can improve a cheap harp quite a lot.
Yeah man ... now you're talking!
~Kinya
Cheap harps are the worst, but you'll be able to improve them with the information on this site. If they're put together with screws, then half the battle is already over with. If they're not enjoyable to play as-is, then you have nothing to lose by practicing your harp-tech skills on them. Even armed with the knowledge on this site, experience is a must to modify harps well. I say go for it. I also suggest re-tuning them to something such as harmonic minor.