tookatooka
21 posts
Nov 08, 2008
12:17 PM
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My favourite harp, the Suzuki Bluesmaster in C has just gone flat on 4 draw. I was dreading this day as it was a real good one. So very responsive, loud, easy to bend and all in all did everything I could want. Although the blurb says these are indestructible, that's just hype. Something's got to give sometime. Reeds are not everlasting, unfortunately.
I really can't complain though. I've had it since February this year and it's the harp I have played for, at the very least, an hour each day. It has been a great workhorse and seen some real bending abuse which I'm surprised it handled so well. I don't use amps, I just play for my own enjoyment but boy, I do like to let the whole street hear me play, so it has been blown quite hard too.
I have a new spare which I keep in reserve, but I'll be fitting the old one with Promaster plates and customising it to bring it up to my playing spec.
Although I do believe the Bluesmaster is really airtight, I've been reading how some of you guys have been using micropore tape to improve airtightness. In my other life I am an artist you can see my work here
http://johnsalmonwatercolours.co.uk
but anyway, in my studio I use an art masking fluid which dries to a very thin film of latex. It is applied with a small brush and dries in minutes.
I'm going to see if it could be used in place of micropore. It would give a really nice airtight seal if it can. I'll try it and let you know the results because it would be much faster then messing about with cutting micropore tape, and give a perfect seal. I'll let you know how it goes.
Last Edited by on Nov 08, 2008 12:18 PM
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Anonymous
Guest
Nov 08, 2008
12:37 PM
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let us know how the experiment goes. it does sound like it would be much easier than the tape.
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tookatooka
22 posts
Nov 08, 2008
12:49 PM
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I've got a lot on at the moment, painting for exhibition, decorating etc but just as soon as I try it, I'll start a new thread.
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Trueblue
Guest
Nov 08, 2008
12:53 PM
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I would be careful using latex as it is pretty dangerous stuff especially on the lips.
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tookatooka
23 posts
Nov 08, 2008
1:15 PM
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Good Point - I've heard of people with latex allergies. They even make special rubber gloves for them. I'll do some in- depth research before I try it. Thanks.
Last Edited by on Nov 08, 2008 1:45 PM
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tookatooka
24 posts
Nov 08, 2008
1:21 PM
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Just did a quick check. It seems if you've had no problems in the past with using condoms or blowing up balloons (or condoms, come on we've all done it) then it should be OK.
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Aussiesucker
58 posts
Nov 08, 2008
3:19 PM
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Took me over 12 months to blow out a Bluesmaster in C. Was using position 12 and playing Amazing Grace in key of F and giving the 5 draw too hard a time & whammy -no more noise! They are an amazing harp & used to be a good price. Never had a problem with any of them not being airtight. I have a set of them and a few spares & I love them. Hard to get here though as they are poorly distributed in Oz.
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tookatooka
25 posts
Nov 08, 2008
3:42 PM
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Hi Aussiesucker, have you tried thsese guys over there
http://www.mandoharp.com/Harmonicas/070847-HD_Suzuki_MR250_A/index.html
They do the Bluesmaster for A$38. Not sure if that's a good price or not. £21-ish here in the UK.
They also do replacement reedplates. MR350 will fit.
I agree with you, they are really good harps. Everything I've had from Suzuki, Bluesmasters, Promasters and Bushman Delta Frosts have always been great straight out of the box. Can't fault them.
Last Edited by on Nov 08, 2008 3:47 PM
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Aussiesucker
59 posts
Nov 08, 2008
8:12 PM
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Thanks Tookatoota I have had a look at the Mando Harp site & the prices are good. I looked up their site yonks ago & it was then not nearly as comprehensive ie appears they have broadened their range.
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harveykail
1 post
Nov 14, 2008
3:44 PM
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I've been playing on Suzuki Blues Masters for about a year or so and find that they fit my mouth comfortably, and I can move easily up and down--though I have caught more than one mousctache hair along the way. Ouch! I don't seem to have the chops (yet) to play as well on Marine Band. I admire Adam's felicity with it, and its bright sound, but I enjoy playing Suzuki's.
I am, however, regularly ruining reeds, particularly on the five draw. That seems ironic to me, since I bend the 1, 2, 3, and 4 much more. Has anyone had any luck or does anyone have suggestions about filing a reed back into tune? I keep trying and failing at this. Am I just kidding myself about repairing fatigued reeds?
God I love playing the harmonica.
Harvey
Last Edited by on Nov 15, 2008 7:20 AM
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Aussiesucker
67 posts
Nov 14, 2008
3:54 PM
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Yeah the 5 draw is the only one I have wrecked on a Bluesmaster. The key is not to bend the 5 draw ie it wont!
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