Can I make a cheap harp play like an expensive one
Hello Kinya,
So far my experience is with 2 herp models by Hohner, but I got totally different results, so I wanted ot know if you have had experience with any of those and perhaps help me demistify the difference between cheap and expensive herp models.
I have attempted the following:
- Reed slot sizing
- Reed Gapping (includes setting the Zero Point)
- Reed Profiling
- Tuning
On 2 harp models:
1. Hohner Silverstar (I dont think they make those anymore. It is a pretty old Harmonica).
With this one I got excelent reesults. It was a present by a friendlong back and it was never playing well, but after I tweaked it a miracle happened and it has a wonderfull sound
2. Hohner Bluesband:
I have attempted to "play" with one of the "7 set" old hohned bluesband harmonicas in order to make it perform the same way like the Silverstar, but nomatter how hard I tried I could not get the same results.
It is still much less performant and much more difficult to play than the more expensive harps I have from the same key. I have compared it with a "Marine band deluxe" and a "Meisterclasse" (I have not attempted to customize those yet because I need to get some experience with the cheap ones that I have) and I just cant make it play nearly that well.
I am sure that this has lots to do with me being inexperienced in that field, but since I had success with the silverstar it makes me wonder:
What is the difference between a really cheap harp and a really expensive one, besides the time spent in the factory tunning it?
In that case: "Hohner bluedband" and "hohner meisterclasse"
Thanks in advance!
A nicely explained and detailed answer. Many thanks, Kinya!
I really thought that the hohner were using the same matterial for all the reeds (at least that is what is stated when browsing through brands on their website)
Everywhere it says: reed material: brass.
Now from you I understand it is much more than that, so I will give up trying to "polish turds" :) because I consider my time too precious and I will go and "play" with some more quality harps :)
Thanks again for youw wisdom!
Keep in mind, the reed receipe is the most import secret sauce for harmonica manufactures. Hohner pioneered the perfect size, shape and material makeup (brass and zinc) for tonal quality, playability and longevity. All the pro players I know, prefer the reeds found with the Marine Band and Progressive lines of Hohner harmonicas.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
p.s. don't buy a Rolex watch from a street vendor ;o)
Hello Angel, the first thing the sound engineer told my band when we prepared to cut our first demo was, “You can’t polish a turd”. His reference was to let us know that if we sucked before entering his studio, the recorded version would similarly suck as well.
Hohner created the entry level (affordable) ENTHUSIAST line of harmonicas, including the Blues Bender, Blues Band, Hot Medal and Silver Star. Remove the cover plates from these four harmonicas and you will discover the identical Special 20 type of composite comb and budget reed plates and reeds (read: inferior).
The original Meisterklasse harmonica was unique and a premier build for Hohner. It was later altered to fit into the MS/Modular System line of harmonicas. The MS harmonicas were created in response to the Lee Oskar modular system (seen at that time to be a threat to Hohner sales). Also to mimic the Lee Oskar/Tombo diatonic harmonicas, the MS line of harmonicas were built with a new set of reeds and similar comb and cover plate dimensions, making all MS harmonicas larger than their cousins, the Marine Band Series and Progressive Series harmonicas
MARINE BAND SERIES
Marine Band1896, Marine Band Deluxe, Crossover, and Thunderbird
PROGRESSIVE SERIES
Rocket, Rocket AMP, Rocket Low, Special 20 and Golden Melody
Cars are useful when comparing quality materials, superior design and beautiful fit and finish. Harmonicas are no different.
I would compare the Enthusiast line of harmonicas to the Yugo made in Yugoslavia. Most of the time it would get you from point A to B, but it was impossible to improve its performance or reliability.
The craftsmanship, performance and reliability of the Tesla, made near me in Fremont/Silicon Valley, CA can be compared to the Hohner Marine Band and Progressive lines of diatonic harmonicas.
To summarize, if your harmonica was built with quality materials and engineering, you can improve the performance of that harmonica.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya