Spl20
23 posts
Apr 04, 2009
8:33 PM
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I've heard conflicting answers on this subject so I thought I might fish for an expert or 2 to add some clearity if possible. When I first started playing I blew out reed after reed, I didn't think harps lasted more than 2-3mo. Since then I have harps that I've had and play (not out in gigs, not that good) but play alot!, for years.
I've heard people (customizers) say that your harps probably won't last more than 2 years, is this true of people that play in bands or is it just an opionion?
Or is solely dependant on how hard you play? Adam plays hard, do you find harps only last "X" amount of time?
Do custom harps last longer than stock harps or shorter than stock? Again this may be completely subjective I was just wondering if there were any facts to support it.
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ZackPomerleau
30 posts
Apr 04, 2009
9:36 PM
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I've had a harmonica or five that have lasted longer than two years. YOu need less breath force to play. Customs do 'last' longer TECHNICALLY, if you treat them right.
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Buddha
224 posts
Apr 04, 2009
10:12 PM
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many of my gigging harps are from 1998-2003
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Patrick Barker
222 posts
Apr 04, 2009
10:41 PM
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I don't have a problem with blowing out harps, but I can tell you that Brad Harrison and Joe Spiers have a thing where they'll clean and retune and replace blown out reeds for about $20 (look up they're websites to find exact prices). Also, Ben Bouman makes the Beta Harp, which is a custom 1847 with stainless steel reeds, which are supposed to have a far longer life than brass reeds.
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"Without music, life would be a mistake" -Nietzsche
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harmonicanick
225 posts
Apr 05, 2009
1:32 AM
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Its how you play that counts. Too much pressure will break the reed.
I am a recent 'pious' convert to the custom harp, I can't tell you whether they last longer because I have only had one for 2 weeks. However, everything they say is true.
I am now faced with a hefty bill because I need most keys.
Lee Oskars are hard wearing out of the box, but I prefer Golden Melodies
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