Nature versus nurture
Kinya
In your opinion how important are the materials of construction used in the manufacture of a harmonica compared to the way it is adjusted for optimum performance. For example, could an expert take a cheaper model, such as a Hohner Blues Harp and adjust it to respond like a Crossover?
Thanks for your reply Kinya. I have mostly Hohner Marine Band Deluxe and Crossover harps and I also have some Marine Bands. My question was really about what factors are most important in producing a quality harp. Is it the materials of construction or the way that they are set up. I understand from your reply that some cheap "starter" harps will only be of limited use for someone who is serious in improving their playing, but could a Marine Band, say, be adapted to respond like a Marine Band Deluxe or will it just be a better Marine Band?
Q: Could a Marine Band, say, be adapted to respond like a Marine Band Deluxe or will it just be a better Marine Band?
A: The heart and soul of any harmonica are the reed plates--more specifically, the reeds. The reeds on all Hohner harmonicas, included within the Progressive and Marine Band models are IDENTICAL!
So, the answer to your query is, YES--most definetly. In fact, after a qualified Harp Tech modifies a standard Marine Band harmonica, it should play better than an out-of-the-box Marine Band Deluxe and/or Crossover harmonica. Joe Filisko, the Godfather of customized Marine Bands, still uses the classic Hohner Marine Band 1896 model for his coveted harmonicas (including all of David Barrett's harmonicas ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thanks Kinya. I have been following your training videos and I will try the techniques out on some old harps to start with. I will then see what I can achieve with modifications to my good Marine Bands. I asked the question because I wanted to have a realistic goal and didn't want to spend time on what could have turned out to be a hopeless quest
Excellent strategy Gary! Ho Ho Ho
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Good question Gary.
I may get myself into some hot water here, but the Hohner "Enthusiast" models are virtually impossible to set up for anything, but campfire and Bob Dylan tunes.
These include: Blues Bender, Silver Star, Blues Band, Hot Metal, Pocket Pal
For the type of harmonica playing taught on this website, I would recommend graduating up to either the Hohner "Progressive" and/or "Marine Band" harmonica models.
Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't be penny wise, and a dollar foolish"? Ho Ho Ho!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya