Douguitar
2 posts
Jun 08, 2009
1:00 PM
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Greetings!
I´m sure this must have been covered before, so feel free to simply point me in the direction of the previous discussions - thanks.
My question: What is the difference between the Hohner Blues Harp and the Marine Band? Where I live they cost about the same, but there must be a difference for a player....
Thanks everyone.
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mickil
243 posts
Jun 08, 2009
1:31 PM
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There's a big difference in the sound. Many players prefer the sound of an MB.
Try both and see what you think. They both feel very different in the hand. The MB is significantly smaler from front to back, which some people find hard to get used to as the thumb can get in the way a bit of your embouchure.
Get one in one key and the other in another key.
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
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rabbit
40 posts
Jun 08, 2009
1:44 PM
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Blues Harp can have a bit of a taste & odor,
goes away.
Both have wooden combs but Blues Harp doesn't
swell and the Marine Band does.
Blues Harp can be disassembled & reedplates
replaced without shipping from overseas
(non-US) vendors. I replaced the specialized
fasteners w/stuff from hardware store.
I'm sticking to plastic combs. Marine Band
has best acoustic tone, hands down. But
they are otherwise a bit of a PITA. Amplified,
distorted harp doesn't care if you're playing
a Marine Band if you don't. My two bits.
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scstrickland
80 posts
Jun 08, 2009
1:45 PM
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You can buy replacement reeds for the Blues Harp (which, in my opinion are of higher quality than the stock reeds.) and as far as I know, Hohner doesn't sell replacement reeds for MB.
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jonsparrow
424 posts
Jun 08, 2009
1:45 PM
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never played a blues harp but i like marine band.
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nacoran
46 posts
Jun 08, 2009
2:01 PM
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I'm having a lot of fun with my new Special 20. I've played Blues Harps but I'm not a fan of wooden combs. I can't practice as long before I chew up my lips. I suppose if I was so good I didn't need to practice anymore I might switch back to wooden combs just so I could seem like a purist. :p
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ZackPomerleau
156 posts
Jun 08, 2009
3:05 PM
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I've owned both. Marine Bands are better most of the time. Of course, if you want to, the Blues Harp is good for modifications.
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Preston
407 posts
Jun 08, 2009
7:20 PM
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I'm sure we've done (2) other threads on this, but I can't seem to find them on the search tool, and I'm not looking through all these threads myself.
I'm a converted Marine Band fan. Before I started customizing my own harps, I was of the opinion that the blues harps had more positives than the Marine Bands. The Blues Harps have a comb that's already sealed, screws instead of nails, and a beefier set of coverplates. It is also part of the MS system, so you can order replacement reeds. At first glance, it seems like a no brainer.
But as I got better at playing the harp, and more in-tune with the nuances and differences between the two, it is clear that the MBs are a superior harp in terms of sound/playability. It took two professional harp player's comments on the subject to beat it through my stubborn head, but I finally opened my mind and realized they were correct.
I'd like to end by saying that the Blues Harps are not bad harps, and I am still a fan for all the reasons I stated above. But at the end of the day, the Marine Band is just a better instrument.
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Patrick Barker
316 posts
Jun 08, 2009
8:00 PM
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In my experience blues harps have been generally somewhat crappy. Marine bands are inconsistent in quality but are almost always better than the blues harps I've tried.
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"Without music, life would be a mistake" -Nietzsche
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Ant138
87 posts
Jun 09, 2009
12:13 AM
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I prefer the Blues Harp. Bending is really easy and the quality seems to be better than the Marine band. Different strokes for different folks i guess.
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The Gloth
86 posts
Jun 09, 2009
2:50 AM
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I think all the same as Preston said, and I'll add that, in my experience, MB lasts longer than BH. All Blues Harps I got have tendency to get flat and difficult to play after one or two years, so I have to replace them.
I bought recently a Special 20, but I don't like the sound of it. I think I'm gonna stick to MB from now on, and maybe try some MB Deluxe (but they are way more expensive).
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chromaticblues
129 posts
Jun 09, 2009
5:43 AM
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If you can't hear the difference it doesn't matter! Every six months or so you should try different harps to see if something sounds better to you or not. If one doesn't seam to have any great advantage over the other for you. Then I would play what ever is the most comfortable in your hands and mouth!
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Preston
408 posts
Jun 09, 2009
6:07 AM
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It does matter even if you can't hear the difference. I'm talking in terms of playability. In a direct comparison to a Blues Harp, the Marine band is an overblowing machine. Out of the box and after reed work.
If you're not interested in overbending, then I guess it's not that big of a deal.
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chromaticblues
130 posts
Jun 09, 2009
8:39 AM
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They are made in different factories is the main thing! The blues harp might be easier to play for a beginner, but is an inferior instrument. The blues harp is partially sealed which may make it easier to play. The marine band can make sounds that other harps are not capable of making. I think the best thing to do is find what harps the artists that you like use. Or the artist that sound the way you would like to sound the most like
Is that better Preston?
Usually though if you have to ask, you won't get it! It's really one of those things that some day you understand. Not all people do get it! There are great harp players that don't use marine bands. It just depends on what sound you want!
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Miles Dewar
359 posts
Jun 09, 2009
9:38 AM
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Sadly....... I am now a "Marine Band" guy now. Lol
And blues harp's combs do swell.
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---Go Chicago Bears!!!---
Last Edited by on Jun 20, 2009 7:37 AM
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chromaticblues
132 posts
Jun 09, 2009
10:16 AM
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I'm not addicted to playing the harmonica. I'm addicted to Marine Bands!
Last Edited by on Jun 09, 2009 10:16 AM
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LIP RIPPER
59 posts
Jun 09, 2009
10:18 AM
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I wish y'all would stop this. You're gonna make me buy a MB. On the other hand, it won't take up as much space as another Amp.
LR
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Douguitar
4 posts
Jun 09, 2009
11:11 AM
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Thanks everyone! Obviously a popular debate. I have only been trying to play for 6 months and as someone said, if I can´t hear the difference (yet) then there isn´t any. I have some lee Oskars which are very comfortable to play, the Blues Harp has smaller holes so it took some adjusting to, probably easier too as it needs less air. Bends seem easier - my teacher started me on overblows and I did a few! but I like them all. I remember the same debate when I started out as a guitarist...Strat, Telecaster, Les Paul. I hope to hear the difference between different harps one day soon. Just a question of practice I guess. One thing is for sure though, I love the sound of a blues harp:) Thanks again for your helpful comments and keep harpin´on!
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Tuckster
193 posts
Jun 09, 2009
1:15 PM
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My band NEVER plays in F. I guess that's how I managed to accumulate 4 harps in Bb. All out-of-the-box unmodified: Hohner MB,Pro Harp & Big River:Seydel Soloist Pro. The MB is by a wide margin dead last. 3 draw is extremely leaky & really- its unplayable.I forgot I had it and now I know why.Its a perfect candidate for tweaking-a necessity really.As for the others: Pro Harp has a buzzing 2 blow(misaligned reed?): Big River is in my gig case,its easily twice as loud as the MB.Not great but reliable and predictable. Soloist Pro is a sweet harp-good playability but I'm gunshy to use it. I have 4 other Seydel-all with a bad 4 blow. Except for the Seydel,I don't ever remember doing in a 4 blow. A friend and Seydel endorser says he has the same problem plus 5 blow,too. Too bad,I really liked the way they played. Anyway,that's my personal experience,your results may vary.
P.S Why are Pro Harps more expensive? Other than those black covers that flake and get all over your teeth and make it look like you've just eaten a piece of charcoal.(Why does she look at me like that when I smile?) I see no quality difference vs. a Blues Harp.
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mickil
244 posts
Jun 09, 2009
2:28 PM
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Forgive me for going off topic, but why do MS reedplates have 5 screw holes, whereas the plastic combs only have 3 screw holes, and the BH comb only has 2?
I know the Meisterklasse has 5 screw holes. Are we all meant to spend another 30 or 40 quid for those extra screw holes just to get the comb? Screw that! Come on Hohner, sort it out. The competition is hotting up.
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
Last Edited by on Jun 09, 2009 2:29 PM
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Preston
409 posts
Jun 09, 2009
2:43 PM
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I'm no expert on it, but I'm guessing the reason is this:
Replacement MS reedplates are interchangeable for all MS models. The Meisterklasse metal can take 5 screws, so all the plates get punched for it, no matter what model it ends up going on.
As far as why different materials have different number of holes, it all has to do with structural integrity. Look at one of the holes on the Meisterclasse: It's out on a tine of the comb. I'm guessing you can't drill the plastic one out there, and I KNOW you can't drill the wooden comb out there.
Pro Harps are more expensive because it is a marketing ploy. Give it a different paint job, up the price and put the word "PRO" in it and everybody who doesn't know anything about harps thinks they are getting a better mouse trap.
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mickil
245 posts
Jun 09, 2009
3:45 PM
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Preston,
I've found a guy on the web who does do maple wood combs for MS harps.
He includes the 5th hole on the tooth, where you might think it a too delicate a place to put the hole with wood. But, he's done it. I suppose it depends on the choice of wood.
Still, apart from profit, I can't understand why Hohner don't include the other 2 screw holes. The part of the comb where they go could easily take the stress.
I really do love the tone and feel of BRs, but have had to look elswhere for extra screw holes, i.e. custom stuff.
I accept the cost. I just don't understand why Hohner don't see what's going on in the market and act on it.
I mean, take the Big River, which I just mentioned. It's got side vents that a lot of players swear by; it's got a big fat tone; it's got Big covers that probably help a lot to eliminate reed rattle on the 1 draw - in the US, you can get them as low as Eb!
Why don't they just tighten it up - well, MS harps up - with a couple more screws?
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
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djm3801
139 posts
Jun 09, 2009
4:12 PM
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Marine band is the worst harp I ever bought. I do not want to have to be a mechanic to play a harp. Blues harp - not a bad harp. I like Sp 20's, Deltas, and Soloist pros. I want a marine band, I would do a Buddah model cause i'd like to play it, not take it apart. My preference.
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Preston
410 posts
Jun 09, 2009
4:37 PM
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That's cool Mickil. I'm looking into making my own combs, and maple was the wood I was going to use for my first attempt.
By the way.. I bought a Big River in low D! I put the covers and reed plates on a Blues Harp comb. It looks reminescent of a Marine Band with this combination.
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ricanefan
3 posts
Jun 09, 2009
9:12 PM
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As a wooden comb fan, I have plenty of both BH. and MBs.
Personally, I prefer the Blues Harp. I like the more solid feel. I like that it's easier to take apart. I like that it "breaks in" faster. I find the comb sturdier. And I like that the sides aren't "vented", as the MB is.
Plusses for the MB? Although I like the way the BH looks, nothing compares to the Marine Band. And when it does break in, the MB has a very rich, very warm tone.
My two favorite harps, in order, are my Blues Harp in A, and my first Marine Band in C...
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mickil
246 posts
Jun 10, 2009
6:04 AM
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Preston,
I should've included this link in the first place:
http://www.middlebury.net/lavoie/
He's the fella who does the combs. In case you want one to study, they not expensive.
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
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Preston
414 posts
Jun 10, 2009
8:48 AM
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Ahh I see now. He has them laser cut to get the 5th hole in there.
I've tried with a drill press, even using a much smaller bit on the first pass to drill out there and still broke the tooth.
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mickil
247 posts
Jun 10, 2009
9:14 AM
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Any joy with just making the 2 extra holes on a BH comb?
Once again, apologies for hijacking the thread.
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
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Kingley
27 posts
Jun 10, 2009
9:26 AM
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Well for my money the Marine Band is the best harp you can buy!
Granted out of the box they can be leaky and a little hard to play sometimes.
But when you take them apart and sand and seal the comb and gap them to your way of playing they become the sweetest toned harps around in my opinion.
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chromaticblues
139 posts
Jun 10, 2009
9:38 AM
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I wonder how people managed to play the harp 30 years ago? Oh I know! They sucked it up and practiced and didn't waste time wining about the wood!
I seal my harp with butcher block. I do the easiest way possible and I stopped embossing the slots because it changes the way they sound and I don't like it. I gap the reeds. I try to keep them straight and that's it. Now you don't have to be a mechanic to do that. The harps I build are the most air tight harps possible! You can't make them more air tight. They play beautiful and it is easy to do!
You just have to want to!
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
11 posts
Jun 18, 2009
9:28 AM
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The blues harp and Marine Band are tuned differently. The thirds on the Blues Harp, for instance, are a bit sharper and the chords aren't as lively, you don't hear that interaction of the tones like you do on a Marine Band, unless you retune it.
Back in the day, I used to make mahogany MS combs and put them on Big Rivers, whose covers have a side vent like the MB. That tone was similar to a Marine Band, had I retuned them, it could have gotten close, but I never got past the MB as my favorite of the Hohner. With the MB, I get this picture of someone at a table putting it together. With the MS series, I get a mental image of a spaceship with robots and a tank of sharks with laser beams putting them together. I just never could get past the computer side of the MS, admittedly, the most finite of the reasons for that is that I am somewhat eccentric.
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harpwrench
40 posts
Jun 18, 2009
9:43 AM
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The MS hasn't been machine made for a long time. The equipment broke several years ago and they've done them by hand ever since.
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
12 posts
Jun 18, 2009
12:42 PM
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Thank you harpwrench. I did not know that.
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ZackPomerleau
219 posts
Jun 18, 2009
1:38 PM
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Well, I guess the aliens must use their hands now :-P
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lintos1
2 posts
Jun 22, 2009
2:53 AM
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Somehting I have not seen anyone mention while quickly scanning this thread is the comparison of the dimensions of the combs in BH and MB. Now I only have 1 MB (A harp) and 7 BHs and the one thing I notice is that the height and width of the combs/holes are visibly smaller on the MB. Add that to the thinner reedplates (assuming that means thinner reeds), the closer vent openings at the back, etc then the tone has to be different simply because the tone of a harp is dependent on the physical dimensions as well as the materials used.
I like the wood combs in both, it may be my imagination but I think it sounds warmer and more dirty than the plastic suzuki's and lee oskars that my friends play. The "plastic fantastics" sound too perfect.
Besides I want to sound like the old man, Sonny Boy II. He used MBs cuz that is what they had then. Maybe he would have used BHs or LOs if they had been around in his time. But he didn't and I like the sound he had. So it is wood combs for me and MBs as I upgrade the BHs. BTW BHs were cheaper than MBs here in Adelaide, South Australia.
cheers
Lefty
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