ZackPomerleau
231 posts
Jun 20, 2009
9:09 PM
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I got one today. This is a short review until I get a video up. I got my Chris Michalek harmonica today. Trust me guys, best harmonicas out there, bar none. I promise you if you can't overblow, you will overblow with this. This is a REAL instrument; it looks like one, feels like one, plays like one. This is not your average harp. This is the real deal. Put in your orders and make this guy an income, because these things seriously RULE.
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jonsparrow
478 posts
Jun 21, 2009
12:32 AM
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is that your first custom harp?
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Kingley
64 posts
Jun 21, 2009
12:42 AM
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Zack,
Honestly?
Is it better than your Brad Harrison Marine Bands?
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EddyLizard2
30 posts
Jun 21, 2009
1:01 AM
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jonsparrow already asked 'my question', thanks!
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Buddha
670 posts
Jun 21, 2009
7:18 AM
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Hi Micha.
I build nearly any model of harp but always have the best results with Hohner Marine Bands.
The reeds are specially treated relieve stress caused during the mass production process at the Hohner Factory. This technique gives the instrument a increased life span and increased volume.
Reeds are re-profiled for the best possible output and playability for all types of playing styles.
Reeds are perfectly fit to each reed slot using custom harmonica tools.
Reed Plates are "married" to the comb to ensure complete air-tightness.
Cover Plates and reed plates are reworked for maximum volume.
All instruments are tuned using a Peterson Strobe Tuner
All harmonicas are tuned as requested ie; Equal Temperment, Compromising Tuning or Just Intonation
Buddha Harp $185 any model (Marine Band Deluxe + $35 and Seydel 1847 +$35 add $25 for brass or aluminum combs.)
includes your choice of composite, sealed wood, oracrylic. These combs are redesigned to create more volume and richness of tone.
Zen Harp - $150 (Golden Melody, Special 20, Marine Band, Blues Harp etc)
Harmonica is set up using factory supplied parts only.
Lotus Harp - $95 (Golden Melody, Special 20, Marine Band, Blues Harp etc)
Harmonica is set up using factory supplied parts only. When all you need is a harmonica that plays better out of the box. Cover plates and combs are not modified. The reeds are tuned, set up for optimum play-ability and gapped properly. Less nuances are available on a harp set up like this but it still plays better than ANY out of the box harmonica.
There is a night and day difference between and out of the box vs Lotus and there is another night and day difference between the Lotus and Zen and there is a notable difference between the Zen and Buddha Harps.
I also have a limited amount of NOS Marine Bands in select keys available in a Buddha set up only ($300)
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eharp
266 posts
Jun 21, 2009
7:33 AM
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it seems your prices went up, buddha.
wasnt the lotus $85 just a short time ago?
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Buddha
671 posts
Jun 21, 2009
7:47 AM
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yep prices are going up.
However, for MBH members, I'll honor the old prices until the end of june. As always there is a free online or in person session with the purchase of a harp. As many of you have experienced, my lessons are very intensive and always last longer than an hour.
Last Edited by on Jun 21, 2009 7:48 AM
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ZackPomerleau
233 posts
Jun 21, 2009
9:20 AM
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Jon, it is not. And, Kingley, honest? It plays easier and overblows easier. You can't be as hard on it, but you still have all of the same options of dynamics, you just don't need to play hard. The Harrison is a great blues harp, I think this is more for everything else, although I could play some good blues just as easy.
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Kingley
66 posts
Jun 21, 2009
9:38 AM
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Sounds like a nice harp Zack.
I'll stick with my own self customised Marine Bands for now. I would love to try some of the custom harps out there just to see how good they really are, but I just can't afford the prices at the moment.
Last Edited by on Jun 21, 2009 9:38 AM
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ZackPomerleau
235 posts
Jun 21, 2009
9:41 AM
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I want to clarify you can blow hard but there is no need to. It doesn't die out on you or anything. It's just incredibly easy to play at light breath force. And, Kingley, I'm buying them as the money comes, which is one every few months. Luckily my summer gigs are in place. I customized a G last night and it rules!
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Kingley
68 posts
Jun 21, 2009
10:07 AM
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Great stuff!
It's really satisfying when you do your own custom harps.
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Buddha
676 posts
Jun 21, 2009
10:10 AM
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Kingley, it would serve you well to get a custom harp from Joe Spiers or Brad Harrison etc if only to use as a bar to mark your own work.
Brad and Joe make very very good harps. I've used their harps and have enjoyed them very much. I have also tried harps from just about everybody else who makes them.
Joe Filisko makes the best harps and I would put Joe Speirs right behind him.
Because I know how other builders build I know exactly where I stand amoung them as far as level of worksmanship goes.
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Kingley
69 posts
Jun 21, 2009
10:23 AM
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Chris,
Thanks. Yes, that is one of the ideas I was thinking of when I have the cash.
Joe Spiers has given me quite a few tips on customising along with Dave Payne and Jason Ricci.
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Buddha
677 posts
Jun 21, 2009
10:32 AM
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Joe is a very good builder - the best after Filisko and that includes the Filisko guild boys. After the Joe's then look to Richard or Jimmy Gordon.
You don't see many Filisko reviews anymore because he's only building for a handful of very special players and from what I hear, you don't even need all of your finger on one hand to count them.
Speirs constantly gets great reviews and outside of that, you just don't see many reviews on custom harp builders, so that should say a lot.
I'm not factoring myself in here because I'm trying to sell you on a concept rather than my work...
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Kingley
70 posts
Jun 21, 2009
10:44 AM
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Thanks for the advice Chris.
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jonsparrow
483 posts
Jun 21, 2009
7:56 PM
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chris out of all the comb materials that you make wich one do you personally like the most to play? an for what reasons? what do you like least an for what reasons?
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ZackPomerleau
242 posts
Jun 21, 2009
8:38 PM
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Well I'll tell you Jon, my Magenta harmonica rules!!! I'd say get the composite. But those clear ones DO look nice...
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Buddha
684 posts
Jun 21, 2009
8:50 PM
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Jon, I like the composite combs the best but honestly once you're playing you forget about the combs and the harmonicas... the music and overall sound is what rules all.
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Bluzdude46
64 posts
Jun 22, 2009
2:07 AM
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Ok I'm trying to be a good guy and not be impatient but I admit I'm jonesing. I want My Buhdda Harp LoL
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Buddha
756 posts
Jun 30, 2009
11:08 AM
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last day to order harps at the old prices.
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