Tryharp
67 posts
Jan 11, 2009
4:14 AM
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Hi Guys,
I think I'd like to try a Suzuki harp, I've heard a lot of good stuff about the general quality and playability of these harps ( I have mainly only played hohners at this stage ). Can anyone out there help me out with some recommendations. I'm sort of interested in the harpmaster, bluesmaster and the promaster. I'm not into trying a valved job at the moment. I think the promaster has a metal comb and I like the idea of giving this a go. Some feedback from guys that have played these models would be appreciated.
Tryharp
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cm16600
55 posts
Jan 11, 2009
4:43 AM
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Hi , i have several hammonds wich are basicly the same as the promasters but in black color and i like them a lot .I don't think you'll be desapointetd .Seydel blues session are amazing for the price as well.
Chris
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MrVerylongusername
103 posts
Jan 11, 2009
4:44 AM
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I love the promasters, very nice instruments, the edges of the reedplates do protrude, but they are finished so smoothly that you do not notice them.
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Steve Harvell
3 posts
Jan 11, 2009
6:20 AM
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I have played the "Suzuki =Promaster = Bluesmaster and the Harpmaster.
I prefer the Harpmaster over the others hands down .But this can be a very personal thing , a lot of factors come into play.Your playing style,do you tongue or pucker,the size of your lips/mouth cavity and lung capacity.
But as I stated,I LOVE the Harpmaster and it is the cheapest.
Best
Steve ZHarvell
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tookatooka
71 posts
Jan 11, 2009
7:18 AM
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Have ProMaster and Bluesmasters. Use the Bluesmasters most because I like the plastic combs. Never had a duff one.
If you do get one please post how you got on and what you think of them. I'm sure you would not be dissapointed.
Don't forget, replacement reed plates would be available to you further down the line.
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Jeff
183 posts
Jan 11, 2009
8:03 AM
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Aside from the $300 Fabulous, the Harpmasters are the best Suzuki's for blues IMO. They're virtually identical to Delta Frosts (exact same coverplates, comb, tuning, etc.) The Bluesmaster and Promaster will give you a more sweet sound. The Harpmasters have a raspy bite to their tone and are very LOUD.
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Jaybird
25 posts
Jan 11, 2009
8:27 AM
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The Suzuki BLUESMASTER is a design masterpiece.
If anyone here is not familiar with the Bluesmaster, I urge you to look at a photo of one. Those smooth covers are the primary reason it is different and better.
The most outstanding feature of the Bluesmaster is that it's the most comfortable harmonica you will ever put into your mouth. This is important. It is a well known fact that the "deeper" you put the harp into your mouth, the better your tone will be. This applies to both lip pursing and tongue blocking. Sometimes you need to put the harp so deep into your mouth that the corners of your mouth are in full contact with the face of the harp. This can be painful or damaging with most other harp designs with sharp covers and corners.
The Bluesmaster is easy to play and bend, is well made, and available at reasonable price.
TRY ONE!
The Promaster has a similar cover design but the protruding reed plates are sharp and uncomfortable.
The Seydel Blues Session is a very well made harp with a similar smooth design as the Bluesmaster. The Session is harder to play partially because it has bigger holes that are spaced further apart. It needs ALOT more air.
All the aforementiond... IMHO
Last Edited by on Jan 11, 2009 8:50 AM
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DaDoom
13 posts
Jan 11, 2009
10:00 AM
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Hi Tryharp
I have a valved promaster and a firebreath so far (I ordered a few more Suzukis but harpdepot dislikes selling harps lately it seems). Both are really nice instruments. If you want to overblow then the firebreath ist the one to go for. The promaster is also superb. I love the alluminium comb and the chromed cover plates that make the harp slide very well in your mouth. Both harps are very airtight and very responsive.
I'd love to try out more Suzukis, especially the Hammond Mouth Organ (I heard it's great). Unfortunately Suzukis are hard to find where I live and so all I can do is order them over the internet and cross my fingers.
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Jeff
184 posts
Jan 11, 2009
11:59 AM
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Hehe, DaDoom, I gave Harp Depot their last chance well over a year ago. If you're buying a widely sold product like Suzuki, don't buy it from Harp Depot unless you don't mind waiting 4 months for a harp. A Suzuki can be had in hand in 2-3 days from virtually any other of the hundreds of online stores.
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tookatooka
73 posts
Jan 11, 2009
12:35 PM
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You can do a lot worse than buying from eBay. In the UK try Harmonicas Direct.
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3 cav 84a
5 posts
Jan 11, 2009
12:55 PM
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G'day, I just ordered the Suzuki Bluesmaster boxed set 6 harps from some bloke in the USA. I saw that he was selling individual Bluesmasters on eBay starting price of $22. I emailed him at kpincorpor@aol.com and asked if he sold the 6 harp boxed set and this is his reply
"Hi, I will need to order it. The MR250-S (Box set) is $112. The MSRP is $169.95.S/H is $14. Thanks."
The shipping and handling is to Australia which is very good price but the harps work out to $18.66 per harp and the box is for free.
I have played the Harpmasters and like them a lot, just thought I would try the bluesmasters to see how they go, regards Neil
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bluzlvr
100 posts
Jan 11, 2009
1:20 PM
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Anybody out there have any comparison between the Bluesmaster and the Hohner Special 20?
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DaDoom
16 posts
Jan 11, 2009
1:30 PM
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@Jeff... oh goodness. Guess I'll never see my Suzukis.
@bluzlvr
I don't have a Bluesmaster yet but I'll get one soon (I've seen them in a shop today by pure chance...too bad they don't work on Sundays). All I can say now is that I'm really growing fond of the Special20. I have bought several and in different keys (from A to high F) and so far they all sounded great out-of-the-box. Great clear tone, cool coverplates, very responsive and good for OBs. I find them of much better quality than all the other Hohners I tried. So they definitely are worth the money. As soon as I get a Bluesmaster I'll compare them.
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SteveL
10 posts
Jan 11, 2009
3:08 PM
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When you get a bluesmaster you might have a bit of a bit of fun with playing it at first. The shape of the cover plates is different from your special 20's (the acoustic chamber goes all the way to the end of the comb, not just as far as the 1 and 10 hole). I found that when I moved down to a 1 hole draw, I kept missing the hole and sucking on the plastic comb. I think I have subconciously learned to use the point of the cover plate where it changes shape as some king of navigational aid. As a result, I took a while to get to like my bluesmaster. Getting used to it now though, and it is a nice harp to play.
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Tryharp
68 posts
Jan 12, 2009
1:03 AM
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Thanks for all the great info on these Harps. Each model seems to have its supporters. One question on the Promaster someone might be able to help with, Mr VL and SteveL got me thinking about this. Looking at photos with the protruding reed plates and shape of the cover plates, it reminds me a lot of a Golden Melody. I really dont like puckering with the Golden Melody, just doesnt fit the mouth for me, and cant get a good tone ( althought I mainly TB but like to Pucker sometimes ). Would the ProMast have a similar mouth feel to the GM or not?
I can see the only way out of this is to get one of each!!
Thanks Tryharp
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DaDoom
18 posts
Jan 12, 2009
3:02 AM
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Hi Tryharp
I'm not a big fan of the Golden Melodies. They feel "cheap" somehow and when you play hard on the lower holes the reeds tend to hit the cover plates. Nevertheless they play well and aren't bad for OB. As far as the mouth feeling goes I prefer much more the ProMaster. I don't know if it's the metal comb or the chromed plates but the harp really feels good in my mouth. Much better than the GM in any case. It's definitely one of the better harps you can get if you have problems sliding the harp due to a dry mouth (I have that problem). Also I love their weight.
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tookatooka
77 posts
Jan 12, 2009
3:16 AM
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I have Bluesmaster and Promaster. I'm certain the Promaster is much smoother on the lips than a GM but out of preference and comfort I use the BluesMaster most. The ProMaster is more comfortable to hold though due to slightly smaller size and a little extra weight
I fit my Bluesmaster with replacement Promaster reedplates and get the best of both worlds. Luckily a lot of the Suzuki range have interchangable parts and you can do this. You can fit Promaster plates into the Delta Frost too and probably the Harpmaster although I haven't tried to with the Harpmaster. Maybe someone could confirm whether that is the case.
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Fredrider51
33 posts
Jan 12, 2009
3:44 AM
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I got my Bluesmasters and harpmasters from KPINCORPOR@aol.com.He told me it would take a week to get the harps one week latter I recieved the harps in the mail.The price was great and I dont even know this guy.
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birdman
56 posts
Jan 12, 2009
5:22 AM
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i think, blues master , is the way to go.
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cm16600
56 posts
Jan 12, 2009
8:05 AM
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Hi Tryharp, i never got any problem with protruding reed plates on the promaster ,you don't feel them. You'll have a louder sound compared to the bluesmaster . I think it is a huge difference .
Regards
Chris
Last Edited by on Jan 12, 2009 8:06 AM
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MrVerylongusername
105 posts
Jan 12, 2009
10:52 AM
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@Tryharp
The Promaster feels far more solid than a GM, probably because of the metal comb. It has a very reassuring feel to it, similar to a Hohner Meisterklasse. You really don't notice those protruding plates, they are really well finished, better than any Hohner I've played.
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snakes
72 posts
Jan 12, 2009
12:29 PM
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I've tried Bluesmasters and Promasters. They both have a great polished surface that glides with the least friction of any harp I've played. In the spirit of agreeing with Jaybird above and trying not to merely repeat him I'd suggest the Bluesmastetr. It is also the easiest harp I own to bend. I own at least one of the following harps: Marine Band, Hohner Blues harp, Hohner Pro harp, Golden Melody, Special 20, Lee Oskar, Suzuki Promaster, and Suzuki Bluesmaster.
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DaDoom
23 posts
Jan 14, 2009
1:57 PM
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@bluzlvr
I just bought a Suzuki Bluesmaster in the key of B. It costs a few bucks more than a Spec20. I'll be short: save a few bucks and get a Special20. Way better harp. Louder, fuller tone, better to play.
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bluzlvr
106 posts
Jan 14, 2009
2:07 PM
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Thanks for the info, DaDoom. Although Coast2Coast has the Bluesmasters five bucks cheaper than the Special 20s, I think I'll stick with the Hohners.
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harmonicanick
111 posts
Jan 14, 2009
2:48 PM
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Please read my post about Eddie Martin an amazing rack player and one man blues band.....
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djm3801
19 posts
Jan 14, 2009
2:58 PM
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Sort of funny, the Hohner special 20 was one of the last ones I tried in my search for a good match for me and I like them a lot. Tried different brands in different keys in my journey. Have not had a bad sp20 yet.
Dan M.
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Jaybird
27 posts
Jan 15, 2009
2:37 PM
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I have a set of Special 20's. Today I took 'em out and did a 15 minute "workout". I agree with DaDoom and some others. Special 20's are louder, have a nice fuller tone, and great responsiveness. Better than Bluesmaster.
However, by the time I was done, my lips were really sore... totally worn out. Maybe tomorrow, after I give my lips a chance to heal, I will go back to playing those really comfortable Bluesmasters.
Last Edited by on Jan 15, 2009 2:38 PM
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Tryharp
102 posts
Feb 21, 2009
3:09 AM
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Reporting on my new Suzuki....
Well I ended up and got a Promaster in C, I've had it about a week now. I got it from Mandoharp on Ebay, an Aussie ebayer. As someone else suggested, with the weak $AUD and free shipping worldwide it may be a possibility for some forum members ( Would work out to about $45 US for a promaster, not sure how that compares). Anyway the store owner is great bloke, after I enquired RE: Key availablle he emailed me and asked if I would like him to expand on the differences, and merits of each model before I made my choice. After the order it arrived with no fuss in a couple of days.
This is my thoughts:
PROS
This is a really nice instrument. Its solid, and exudes quality, finished nicely. Nice weight with the metal commb. Plays beautifully out of the box, nicely in tune. All draw and blow bends no problem. I'm not a great overblower, but can do the 4, 5, & 6 . Usually need to do some gapping to make it easy enough to hit them in playing. Out of the box this harp is much easier to overblow than the SP20 and MB( I can get the 2 and 3 on this harp as well without too much difficulty ). I would say quite easy, you wouldnt have to gap it unless you were doing high end fast playing. Cover plates smooth and glide nicely.
CONS
I dont like to pucker on this harp. Because of the coverplate shape, I find it hard to get it deep enough in the mouth to get good tone, without opening up other holes, I have the same problem with the GM, I think this is just a personal thing depending on you mouth and would not apply to others. I tongue block most of the time so its not a major problem for me.
I think the sound is more soft and mellow than both the SP20 and MB, and it doesnt have the MB crunch I like, particularly tongue slaps etc. Also I dont think it has the same richness of sound as either the MB or SP20.
When you do octaves, the comb gives a funny metalic taste, I guess this will go away in time.
WRAP UP
I think this is a very nice harp to play, I will play it a lot, and I have a feeling that it will be playing as well as it does now and probably better for many years to come, without opening the coverplates. If you dont like tinkering, I think it would be a great harp, and I would rate it very highly, and recommend it in front of stock MB or SP20.
However, I've come to the conclusion that the sound is the most important to me, given with a bit of tweaking the response, an OB ability can be achieved on any decent harp. In my opinion this harp does not stand up to the MB'S I have tweaked in sound or response, and these will remain my weapon of choice.
TRYHARP
Last Edited by on Feb 21, 2009 3:15 AM
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Aussiesucker
146 posts
Feb 21, 2009
1:06 PM
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I really love the Suzuki Harps. I was and still am a Bluesmaster fan but have been using some Harpmasters & currently the Harpmaster is my favourite to play. The Harpmaster has a tone closer to a SP20 and the Bluesmaster is just that bit sharper/harsher/brighter.
I also use a lot of Lee Oskars which I find a great harp but a little pricey. I use the Lee Oskar alternate tunings which are great.
Hey Suzuki if you are reading this how about developing a line of Harpmasters or Bluesmasters to offer the same range of alternative tunings that are available from Lee Oskar?
One thing I have to agree on is the comfort /playability of the Bluesmaster ie the best cover plates on any harp. The Suzuki harps also have great longevity.
Hohners, sometimes a lovely harp ie if you are lucky enough to get one that works properly out of the box! Have had far too many failures to recommend them. That said I have a SP20 in Bb which is a great harp but I think the chance of getting another one just like it, is in the luck of the draw!
Last Edited by on Feb 21, 2009 1:08 PM
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snakes
103 posts
Feb 21, 2009
2:21 PM
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The Bluesmaster seems to be a bit thinner in profile and I think you may be able to get it deeper in your mouth due to that. Still doesn't have the tone of a MB or SP20 tho.'
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Aussiesucker
147 posts
Feb 21, 2009
2:43 PM
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snakes - could not agree more - but I think tone is very subjective. Also there is not much tone if it is out of tune or broken. The Suzies don't let me down ie reliable, comfortable and a good price.
How do MB enthusiasts clean a MB? I am fastidious about cleaning my harps and would love to know how others go about cleaning a wooden harp which is held together with nails?
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Steve Harvell
18 posts
Feb 21, 2009
3:36 PM
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I prefer the HarpMaster over the BluesMaster ,as you guys say,it is a personal thing.But in my honest opinion,the HarpMaster is the best out of the box playing harmonica I have evert played.Yes,they are a bit brighter than the Special 20s but God they play good.
If I want darker sound,and especially amplified,my other harp of choice is the Turbo Twenty,which is a Special 20 with Turbo Lids on them.
Best
Steve Harvell
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=SteveHarvell&view=videos#
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Jaybird
57 posts
Feb 21, 2009
4:43 PM
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Does anybody know if Bluesmaster covers will fit on the Harpmaster? Or if Harpmaster reedplates will fit into a Bluesmaster?
Last Edited by on Feb 21, 2009 5:30 PM
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snakes
105 posts
Feb 21, 2009
5:51 PM
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Aussie,
Don't know how to clean a MB, but we are on the same page in our preference for Suzukis. My out of the box preference goes to Suzuki's.
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Aussiesucker
149 posts
Feb 21, 2009
8:02 PM
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Jaybird. I think the answer might be no as far as reedplates go. The number of screws holding the plates and the size of screws differ. I had a number of harps apart recently (for cleaning) including Harpmasters & Bluesmasters & I remember having to be careful not to get the screws mixed up. Also more screws (7) are used on the Bluesmasters plus an extra 2 if you count the covers.
But in all honesty I have not tried to see if they are interchangeable. Without pulling them apart again they are almost identical in size and the combs look identical. I would guess that the covers might be an easy swap.
Last Edited by on Feb 21, 2009 8:03 PM
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snakes
116 posts
Feb 26, 2009
3:57 PM
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Does anyone know whether one can use the Promaster replacement reed set on Bluesmasters?
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tookatooka
135 posts
Feb 26, 2009
4:19 PM
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Yes yes Yes. Done it loads of times. The Promaster Plates are marginally narrower but they fit within the Bluesmaster comb fine. I've also fitted "A" plates into a "C" comb with no problems. It's the only way to go in my opinion. All the benefits of the Promaster with the comfort of the plastic comb of the Bluemaster.. They will also fit into a Bushman Delta Frost Comb which is identical to a Bluesmaster comb.
Where are you Snakes? If in the UK, "Harmonicas Direct" is where to go.
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When I'm not blowing, I'm drawing.
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snakes
117 posts
Feb 26, 2009
6:36 PM
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Thanks tooka! No I live just outside of Seattle. But I am right now listening to an awesome double disc CD set made in the UK. It is George Harmonica Smith with Bacon Fat on one disc (Rod Piazza was in Bacon Fat). It is so good I am actually listening to one of the discs for a second time.
As for Suzukis I prefer the thinner profile of the Bluesmaster although both models are at the top of my list of favorites with the Bluesmaster at the very top. I also prefer plastic combs. Thanks again!
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Jaybird
60 posts
Feb 27, 2009
6:39 AM
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Does anybody know, for sure, if Bluesmaster covers will fit on a Harpmaster?
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tookatooka
136 posts
Feb 27, 2009
7:30 AM
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Haven't tried it but they use the same comb so I wouldn't mind betting they do. I'd stake my reputation on it.
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When I'm not blowing, I'm drawing.
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Jim Rumbaugh
6 posts
Feb 27, 2009
11:18 AM
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Jaybird
I have not tried the Bluesmaster covers on a Harpmaster. But I did take the covers off my blown out Bushman Delta Frost and put it on my Bluesmaster. I call it my BushMaster
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Hollistonharper
22 posts
Feb 27, 2009
7:03 PM
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Hey SteveL--my favorite harps are delta frosts. A while ago I bought a suzuki bluesmaster in E and a harpmaster in A to compare them to the DF, since the DF is a combination of these 2 Suzukis. Like you, I found it very hard to play the bluesmaster because of the smooth cover. I need the traditionally shaped cover--the end serves as a "doorstop," I just can't navigate around the harp without that reference point.
Ive heard other folks say they don't care for the harpmaster sound--a little to brassy--and I agree with that.
So I switched the plates on the bluesmaster and the harpmaster. My bluesmaster with the harpmaster plates plays much better for me, and feels like a DF...although all my DFs feel like they are set up much better than the b'master, a couple of reeds are pretty stiff.
I also prefer the sound of the harpmaster with the b'master plates--it's smoother, less brassy. But still leaves me with the navigation issues.
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Aussiesucker
153 posts
Feb 27, 2009
10:25 PM
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Never hear anyone ever mention the 'humble' Suzuki Folkmaster. Sure it's not my first, second or even third preference but it's a fantastic little harp for a really cheap price. Often I throw a G or Ab Folkmaster into my pocket especially when I know that I am going to be consuming beers & crisps or any other lovely gunk that harps hate. But, I can't kill em & they wash up sparkling new after rough treatment.
They are a small harp ca same size as MBs but they are fairly soft ie not loud. Plus, you can play them to yourself really softly because they don't leak and they require minimal breath to sound & often this is a real benefit. They are ,for a Chinese harp, very well made and the reed plates are bolted together using not 3 but 7 screws plus the 2 extra screws for the coverplate. I dont like the higher keys much but my Ab & G are good.
As said not on my list for regular play but they do have a place. Tried the el cheapo Hohners which are IMHO junk by comparison. Has anyone else tried the Folkmasters?
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Hollistonharper
25 posts
Feb 27, 2009
10:34 PM
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Yeah, I have a folkmaster in e flat, which is one of my favorite keys. It's amazing how such an inexpensive harp can bend so easily and have such nice tone. I hadn't played it in a while, but just pulled it out and tried it. (I literally just posted a song to harpfriends in e flat, so the timing was great.) But like you said, it's a little too quiet. You've hit it right on the head though, great harp to have when you don't want to worry about trashing it.
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Philosofy
153 posts
Mar 01, 2009
11:36 AM
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I don't care for metal combs: how similar is the Promaster to the Bluesmaster?
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Aussiesucker
159 posts
Mar 01, 2009
1:36 PM
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Philosofy, they are similar. The promaster looks better and it feels better /smoother on the lips because it is chrome plated. Does it play better? I personally prefer the Bluesmaster however you should try the Harpmaster which is a fantastic harp.
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DaDoom
37 posts
Mar 01, 2009
1:38 PM
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@Philosofy
In my opinion the Bluesmaster and the Promaster play in different leagues. The Bluesmaster's only pro is that it's thinner than most other harps so it's easyer to put it deep into your mouth. The Promaster has a better tone, it's louder, more responsive is more airtight.
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Aussiesucker
161 posts
Mar 01, 2009
2:09 PM
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DaDoom. I don't agree. I have 2 Promasters and am a little disappointed in how they play ie not loud. Profiles are similer ie both thin. Reed plates & reeds are identical. Both Promasters cover plates fit badly ie viewing from behind it is possible to see daylight between parts of the cover plate at the front where it is in contact with the reed plate. I am hesitant to file the cover plate as it could fracture the chrome?
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DanP
28 posts
Mar 02, 2009
9:51 AM
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I've tried about 30 differerent makes and models of harmonicas over the past two decades and the Suzuki Bluesmaster is my favorite. It feels great, looks great and plays great. The Suzuki Harpmaster is also a great harp that's very responsive although to my ears, its too bright sounding for 2nd position blues but its very good for other types of music, especially minor key songs played in 5th position.
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Jaybird
67 posts
Mar 02, 2009
10:05 AM
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Hi DanP,
Hopefully you can help....
Do you know, FOR SURE, if Bluesmaster covers will fit on the Harpmaster?
Thanks
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