Philosofy
77 posts
Nov 11, 2008
7:27 AM
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A buddy gave me an old Honer Meisterclasse, which he had thought he had blown out. I stuck it in the dishwasher, and gave it a try, since I had never played a $60 harmonica before. I think there must have been something stuck in a reed, because it seems to play fine. The only problem I have is when I tongue block, I get a real tinny and metallic taste coming off the reed plate. It doesn't happen when I blow octaves, so the "metallic" taste buds must be on the side of my mouth. The aluminum comb isn't as smooth as the plastic ones I'm used to. So, does anyone else have this problem with their Meisterclasse? What are the feelings on aluminum combs? Are they worth the money?
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Preston
67 posts
Nov 11, 2008
8:36 AM
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I bought a Meisterklasse awhile back. At first I was star struck that I had a $90 harp with an aluminum comb and sleek covers with no numbers on the holes.
Then I realized it didn't actually play any better than a blues harp, wich has the exact same reeds. I won't be buying any more of them.
Now, although I won't be buying any more of them, I don't regret buying this one. I think the sound is a little different, perhaps "brighter"? than my blues harps. I do like the covers, as they have a comfortable feel. The weight of it is what I really like the most.
I definetely notice a metallic taste. I'm a lip blocker 97% of the time, so I don't have my tongue against it alot, but I notice that taste anyway.
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tookatooka
26 posts
Nov 11, 2008
8:53 AM
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Be interested to know what the cover plate material is. I have Suzuki Promasters with aluminium comb, nickel plated brass reedplates and the coverplates are chromium plated brass. I have no taste problems at all.
It may be that the Hohner has different coverplates which electrically react with the comb. Sometimes two different metals plus a brass reedplate may create a tiny battery - which could give the impression of a taste.
Only guessing but you never know.
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Aussiesucker
60 posts
Nov 11, 2008
12:21 PM
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I have a few Suzuki Promasters and I have never experienced any problem myself with taste. I have read on different threads where others have.I think as well as taste they described a tingling sensation. I really love my Promasters but more so because of the chromed cover plates which make them comfortable in the mouth. I am unconvinced that the alloy comb is any better than plastic ie just cosmetic as it looks and feels more expensive (and is).
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rustywater
28 posts
Nov 11, 2008
12:54 PM
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I have both Meisterklasse harps and the Suzuki. They are both quality instruments there is no doubt about that.
With regards to the Meisterklasse it is brighter than the blues or pro harps which I also use. It is also louder. I personally dont think its a 'blues' harmonica although I'm quite sure Paul Jones the English harpist has used them to good effect.
I bought the promaster after using the Meisterklasse and it is a totally different beast to play. The instrumenet has significant different dimensions to the Hohner but once used to that it is a great harp to play.
I cannot make my mind up about the comb,it does not appear to be that much different from the plastic. The Meisterklasse sounds so much brighter than other harps but whether that is down to the comb I dont know.
I have had a metalic taste from one of my meisterklasse harps but nothing significant. I am not sure what the covers are made of but they have made one hell of a difference to the amount of saliva I produce and for me that makes it easier to play.
The meisterklasse has thicker reed plates than the other MS harps but I'm not sure about the reeds themselves. I have heard of people using the reed plates on the other MS harps but I dont know what difference they make.
I also read that a custom harp maker was using the reed plates (sorry cannot remember which one)
The promaster has the same effect on the saliva, and I find it easier to bend on it than the meisterklasse.
As I said both are quality instruments but my preference goes to the Suzuki because it is a lot cheaper than the Hohner and is more suited to blues music in my opinion.
The big disappointment about the Hohner is that out of the box it is not in tune and I whilst I am happy to take the thing apart to clean I'm not comfortable tuning it.
Last Edited by on Nov 11, 2008 1:03 PM
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Genesis
Guest
Nov 12, 2008
2:44 PM
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Dave Payne sent me a Seydel on an aluminum comb. Nice harp but I get the same tingling. Between the aluminum,brass, chrome, and the acid in the saliva I think its dielectric activity. Which should corrode one of the 3 metals.
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Philosofy
81 posts
Nov 14, 2008
2:36 PM
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Since none of the other harps with plastic or wood combs taste like this, its most likely the aluminum that's the culprit. If I recall my metallurgy correctly, Aluminum corrodes very easily: its just that the oxide layer that forms on the surface acts as a barrier to further corrosion.
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Oisin
44 posts
Nov 14, 2008
11:44 PM
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Philosofy...perhaps it's your magnetic personality that's the problem?
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Philosofy
154 posts
Mar 04, 2009
6:25 PM
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I was considering buying a Suzuki Promaster (and I also got a Seydel 1847 Silver.) I bought the Promaster after talking to a chemist friend of mine. He said its the acidity of my saliva that's causing the problem along with the different metals in contact with each other. He recommended sealing the edge of the harp with some thinned out clear nail polish. Its enough to block the acid of my saliva, and its FDA approved, since people tend to bite their nails. I did this on my Meisterclasse, and there's no more metallic taste.
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snakes
123 posts
Mar 05, 2009
12:40 AM
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I have a couple of keys of Promasters and have never had a problem with any taste. They are quality instruments that feel substantial in your hands without being large in size. I actually prefer my Suzuki Promasters to my Seydel 1847 Classic Silver. Don't get me wrong as the 1847 is a great harmonica. I just like the Suzuki better.
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KeithE
1 post
Mar 05, 2009
9:49 AM
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Philosofy - I have this problem with a Seydel Blues
Favorite which has an anodized aluminium comb.
>thinned out clear nail polish. Its enough to
>block the acid of my saliva, and its FDA approved,
>since people tend to bite their nails.
Are you sure about this FDA approval meaning that
it's safe to put in your mouth?
I found this on the FDA site:
>Many nail products contain potentially harmful
>ingredients, but are allowed on the market
>because they are safe when used as directed.
>For example, some nail ingredients are harmful
>only when ingested, which is not their intended use
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Philosofy
155 posts
Mar 05, 2009
9:57 AM
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The bad stuff in nail polish is the solvents used. Those solvents evaporate when it dries. If you can bite your nails, it should be fine to be on the surface of your harp. You don't chew the harp, so you're not eating the polish. There's lots of things approved in this vein: you can put them in your mouth, but don't eat them. Toothpaste, the cardboard stick from lollipops, lipstick, etc.
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Grillslinger
23 posts
Mar 05, 2009
10:36 AM
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Don't put your harps in the dishwasher. It's not good for them.
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