My new go-to place for harp-gear in Rome/Europe

I just wanted to share with any european-based users of this forum, that I had a great visit to Bluexlab's shop in Rome yesterday.

In-person harmonica gear and -service in Europe can be a bit difficult with a lot of extra costs added for shipping etc. if you live out of the big centers, so I was very pleased to discover that Bluexlab was located in Italy.

I live in Denmark, but came here on holiday and took a day to go visit Max Manganelli in his shop. I've had my eyes on his VC's for a long time, but always thought it would add a bunch of customs etc. to get one.

While the website is somewhat lacking in information, the in-person meeting was great and he is a very capable craftsman who both does harp customizations, combs etc, builds microphones and amps, and he even modded my 1961 bullet mic to get a switchcraft installed. On top of that Max is a very friendly guy and a great player (check out ManConBlues).

Having been used to using my local radio repairman for mic-work, this was a great new experience to meet someone who didn't have to first figure out what I meant and how the stuff worked, before getting to work on it.

I realize that this is not so much of an issue for americans, but for me, a harmonica lover living in rural Denmark, it was the harmonica event of the year, to meet and talk to a skilled player and craftsman.

I hope this kind of praise for a specific person/business is OK for this forum . If not, please just take it down again.

I am in no way affiliated or getting anything for writing this, I just wanted to share with anyone else that might benefit from knowing that there is a shop in Rome that you can visit for some serious harp-geeking out :)