GamblersHand
66 posts
Aug 07, 2009
5:57 AM
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I generally use MB Deluxe harmonicas - I like the size, wood comb, and the precision of the bends - but, I've been dissapointed by the standard of the harps for keys D and higher. The tone is often too bright or variable, draw bends difficult to articulate and "metallic" sounding, so I've found little appreciable difference to a stock standard MB.
Has anyone found the same? The only harps I've blow out over the past couple of years were "D" keys, neither of which were ever quite right, especially the draw 5.
Can anyone recommend a (stock) replacement for higher keys? I might get a Steve Weston custom or two but in the mean time is it worth trying a Seydel 1847? Worth the £60-70?
cheers
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Andrew
496 posts
Aug 07, 2009
7:30 AM
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I've grown to dislike the higher keys on my MBs, but it's a technique thing. At least you've warned me not to rush into buying that MBD in D that I was thinking of buying!
Last Edited by on Aug 07, 2009 7:33 AM
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MrVerylongusername
449 posts
Aug 07, 2009
7:42 AM
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Gambershand - you mention that the 5 draw is never 'quite right' are you referring to the tuning? 5 draw is one of the notes most effected by just intonation and although Hohner use a compromise tuning, the 5 draw will still be slightly flatter than you'd expect.
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mickil
422 posts
Aug 07, 2009
7:48 AM
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I may be wrong about this, but it might have something to do with MBs above D having short slot combs.
I think that Dave Payne said in another thread that the 1847s have the same length slots right across the board.
I can't vouch for the higher ones, but my G, A and Bb are seriously impressive instruments. Even I can manage 6OB on A and above, but I digress. Like I said, it may have something to do with the slots.
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'If it sounds GOOD to you, it's bitchen; if it sounds BAD to YOU, it's shitty' - Frank Zappa
http://www.youtube.com/user/SlimHarpMick
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GamblersHand
67 posts
Aug 07, 2009
10:32 AM
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@VLUN - no was more than they choked under anything but the lightest draw. I tinkered with them a little - only a little as I don't trust myself - and those 5 draws were the notes to go, which has never been the case on any other harp. Could have been the tinkering but I doubt it.
@Mickil - yes I remember a thread on this subject in harp-l a few years back, but think that people mentioned other models other than the MB have a different slot set-up. Must research on this a little more.
And going by the endorsement I'll splurgh on a 1847 D
thanks
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snakes
322 posts
Aug 07, 2009
12:28 PM
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You should try a Suzuki Fire Breath. You can find them for about $60.00. Nice harp and supposed to be overblow ready out of the box (not capable of OB's myself), but I have three keys and they rock.
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