Ant138
157 posts
Oct 12, 2009
10:07 AM
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Myself and issacullah are thinking of getting a harp tattoo. the harmonica has certainly changed my life and is worthy of being inked on my skin. im thinking maybe a realistic portrait of a marine band,a graffiti style harp or maybe a portrait of my hand holding a harp. what do you guy's think?any of you got a harp tat?
any ideas or pictures welcome. ( sorry if this text looks odd,im out of town and using my mobile phone)
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fast_eddy
4 posts
Oct 12, 2009
10:16 AM
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Ant,
Where would you put it and how big? I am guessing that would weigh into your decision heavily. A Marine Band would be cool, maybe an Echo Vamper or Hohner 364/365?
fast_eddy
Last Edited by on Oct 12, 2009 10:18 AM
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Ant138
158 posts
Oct 12, 2009
10:29 AM
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Im short on space. ive go 2 sleeves,my hands are done as is most of my chest and stomach and back. ive got space on my legs and some room on my back. i alway go big when i get one,its the best way. small tats dont compliment the body too well im my opinion,they kind of look like postage stamps. if your willing to commit to a tat it should be a big one.(but i would say that hence the reason ive not got much room left)
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tookatooka
625 posts
Oct 12, 2009
10:36 AM
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Found one here Ant
http://offthemaptattoo.com/Tattoos/tattoos_33084.html
S'pose you could get one put on the old John Thomas and invite the girls to blow your mouth organ.
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toddlgreene
32 posts
Oct 12, 2009
10:50 AM
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Wicked tat pic, T2...but I'm tryin' not to think of that needle draggin' to and from on my Schwarz....owwww!
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I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
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Kingley
420 posts
Oct 12, 2009
10:53 AM
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Tooka, that's a great looking tattoo.
It would be interesting to see what designs people could come up with for a harmonica tattoo.
A word of warning though to those folks thinking of getting a tattoo. Always check the work of the tattooist before getting one, and also be 100% sure that you want one before you get inked.
I had tattoos on my hands (from a misspent youth!) and I got them removed by laser. It took over 2 years to get 'em off, it hurt like hell (way more than getting one done!) and has left me with scars as well.
The worst was the one on my wrist. Everytime they used the laser my wrist swelled to twice it's normal size and poured with blood.
A year after I got the tattoos off, I fell off my bicycle and broke that same wrist. I can't help but think that the laser treatment had also weakened my wrist bones. As I had never broken a bone previously, apart from my nose (misspent youth again!)
I'm not anti tattoo. I still think they look great. But you have to be 100% sure of the placement and the design before they ink you.
I'm currently thinking of getting some sleeve tattoos done (when I get the cash) to cover up a few more "youthful mistakes".
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isaacullah
391 posts
Oct 12, 2009
10:58 AM
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I posted this comment on another thread, which is how this one got started. I'm re-posting it here for posterity's sake:
"Ant138: I've often thought about what kind of harp tattoo I might get. I don't have any tats yet, but my wife has plenty, some of which I drew. My main concern is to not make it look too cheesey, which I think would be pretty easy to do with what you typically think of as "harmonica" designs. I like the idea of making it more abstract, kind of like the stylized harp comb that I designed for the MBH t-shirts (actually, Preston came up with the idea, and I just ran with it), but I'm not sure how abstract I should go with it. Anyway, maybe we should start another thread to discuss this (eg. "Harp Tattoos..."), but I'm curious as to what kind of designs you have in your head. It's obvious you've been around the tat gun a few times, so I would value your opinion. The Harmonica has literally changed my life and even saved my marriage (to detailed to go into), so of all things to get inked, that's the one that I really feel strongly about..."
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The magnificent YouTube channel of the internet user known as "isaacullah"
Last Edited by on Oct 12, 2009 11:07 AM
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tookatooka
626 posts
Oct 12, 2009
11:12 AM
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After you've got the Harp Tattoo, I expect you'll then need to get the mic tattoo, see here
http://www.offthemaptattoo.com/tattoos/tattoos_40864.html
And I expect you'll also need to get the amp tattoo but I haven't found one for that yet.
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isaacullah
392 posts
Oct 12, 2009
11:19 AM
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I feel that there is three "credible" styles of harp tattoos: Realistic portraits of your favorite harps (I've seen Marine Bands and Seydel 1847 tats like this that were done really well). Old Skool style "graffiti" tats (think 1940's throwback sailor stuff here), or a modern abstract design (like the "floating ten holes" thing I did for the T-shirts). I'm kind of leaning towards the modern thing, but also kind of love the idea of an old skool tat. When I think old skool, I'm thinking flaming heart on the chest with a harp (stylized marine band or something) across it. When I think modern, I think something like the floating ten holes (3rd hole will be blue, others will be red or black or something) like on the inside of my bicep or forearm. For me, I don't think I'd really like a realistic portrait of a real harp, but for that, I would think about putting it on the inside of my forearm. I think placement it key, but it has to compliment the design. My wife has wrist and back tattoos, and the designs for each are different to compliment that particular "canvas" (oh and on her feet/ankles too).
What do others think of when they think "harp tattoo"?
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The magnificent YouTube channel of the internet user known as "isaacullah"
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Ant138
159 posts
Oct 12, 2009
11:37 AM
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there's a saying that good tattoo's aint cheap and cheap tattoo's aint good. here in wales there are too many "kitchin wizards" with kits off ebay doing some serious damage.
isaacullah i love the old skool and blue third idea. i think you should go with the abstract idea with the blue third,it sounds cool. im set to get the 1.4.5 in roman numerals too.
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bluzlvr
253 posts
Oct 12, 2009
12:44 PM
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I'm working on a design that incorporates a mic (kinda like the one shown in the previous post), a harp and my '65 Gibson 335.
I'm thinking of having the harp kind of wrap around the mic one way and the guitar crossing over another way if that makes any sense.
Probably end up being a pretty expensive tattoo...
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Ant138
160 posts
Oct 12, 2009
12:50 PM
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That sounds sweet and worth every penny.
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Hobostubs Ashlock
36 posts
Oct 12, 2009
1:12 PM
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Ant138 i checked out some of your videos that was some cool playing.tight nice bending.I Was wandering how long you been playing if you dont mind me asking?
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Ant138
162 posts
Oct 12, 2009
1:39 PM
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---------- Ive been playing for around 3 years now. i think ive improved the most in the last 3 months. Its funny how it works,i can go for months not being able to nail something then one day i can pick up my harp and eureka!!!i got it,and its those moment you realise its all worth it.A bit like a tattoo,all that pain but a worthwhile end result.
Last Edited by on Oct 12, 2009 1:44 PM
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Hobostubs Ashlock
37 posts
Oct 12, 2009
2:09 PM
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you sound good Ive been playing about 9 months.I did do a few paying gigs after a couple months but got released later on sence then ive been trying to study it real hard.but it seems theres a whole lot more to it than i every imagined,you sound good playing a harp by itsself i saw a blues song you did and Amazing Grace which i thought man thats tight.It seems like playing the harp by itsself and do a whole song is harder, for at least me,than playing to a jamtrack or other musicians.I was impressed with your playing.
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jonsparrow
1178 posts
Oct 12, 2009
3:19 PM
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i been thinkin about gettin the floating ten hole logo as a tatt. i have a few other ideas too but there classified. i have lots of ink.
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Hobostubs Ashlock
38 posts
Oct 12, 2009
3:51 PM
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i have 7 tats but i havent gotten one in 20 years if i was to get one a harp would be cool,I also play alot of poker so some aces would be cool hey a harmonica tat next to aces hey now i want a tat
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Hobostubs Ashlock
39 posts
Oct 12, 2009
3:58 PM
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i have 7 tats but i havent gotten one in 20 years if i was to get one a harp would be cool,I also play alot of poker so some aces would be cool hey a harmonica tat next to aces hey now i want a tat
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RyanMortos
362 posts
Oct 12, 2009
4:36 PM
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I have two tattoos & a number of ideas for others. Only thing is I haven't really felt the drive or motivation in the last few years. Perhaps it's because I have harmonica as a hobby and have other ideas for how to spend that $200 or so.
I could not find a *good* image of it online but Jason Ricci has a harmonica tattoo that's cool looking.
I had some weird thoughts on this earlier like a harmonica that is made of up of small music notes or something.
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~Ryan
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
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Aussiesucker
391 posts
Oct 12, 2009
4:55 PM
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Coming from a strong beach culture I find that tattoos, are rarely seen amongst those frequenting the beach. When they are seen they are more often on bodies that rarely see a beach.
I think they are very unsightly. I have to agree with harmonicanick.
It's, in my honest opinion, a really dumb thing to do. And it's very likely something that you will regret as you get older.
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Hobostubs Ashlock
40 posts
Oct 12, 2009
5:19 PM
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yea as i just hit 40 a few months ago i kinda wish i hadnt got mine.its not a big deal i could take or leave them though.
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RyanMortos
363 posts
Oct 12, 2009
5:24 PM
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So is spending a ton of time unprotected in the sun.
I've made lots of mistakes in my life and I don't regret one of them. Life moves forward and so do I, why live in the past?
I think it was the Dalai Lama (well I know it was) who said on the topic of worrying, "...examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry."
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~Ryan
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
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Aussiesucker
392 posts
Oct 12, 2009
5:59 PM
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RyanM - you are right re spending a ton of time unprotected in the sun. I have lots of scars from nasties that have been taken off. I now don't go unprotected ie lots of creams, and always a hat and usually before 9am or after 3pm. When I was younger we didn't have the knowledge or awareness of the suns dangers and/or we didn't listen to those who knew better.
Don't take it personally ie my views re Tattoos ie they are only my views. But, I'm sure you will find that it's probably a strongly held view of most people?
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RyanMortos
365 posts
Oct 12, 2009
6:28 PM
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yeah, I was just offering another point of view. I think it all depends on your surroundings (like the culture you grew & grow up around) and attitude (re: the majority) among other things.
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~Ryan
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
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Hobostubs Ashlock
41 posts
Oct 12, 2009
6:55 PM
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Im kinda like RyanMortos said i would rather use the money for something else, i could get a harp or 2 for the price of a tat.
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Gwood420
55 posts
Oct 12, 2009
7:11 PM
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i will be finishing my sleave this winter.. from my wrist to my shoulder, i have a mix of leather armor and chainmail tattooed.. i used to think alot like harmonicanick, hated to see people's tats, mainly the stupid things that people tend to put on themselves(you can say "like armor".. go ahead)and to this day, i dont like to see neck and head tattoos.. weird i guess..
it changed for me, when a tatto shop opened up next to my pizza shop.. so i saw them everyday, and i really started to become numb to seeing them.. from 18 year old kids, to 60 year old ladies getting everything under the sun..
then, i came up with the armor idea, and now i have no idea when i will stop.. if you walk into a shop, and ask for some wall are that looks cool, chances are you will hate it later.. if you take time, and come up with one of a kind creative ideas you will like it a hell of alot more.. i started my arm 6 years ago, and love every inch of it..
tattooing has come alog way in the last 10-15 years too, nowadays they can make fine lines and a hell of alot of detail, which wont leave you with some crappy blob in 25 years...
if you like a harp tattoo, i say get it.. but be sure it is YOUR harp tattoo, that your proud of...
Last Edited by on Oct 12, 2009 7:12 PM
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jonsparrow
1180 posts
Oct 12, 2009
7:51 PM
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i dont like being out in the sun. so i guess its good i have lots of tattoos. an for anyone that bitchs about it lookin bad when you get older that cause the technology of the needles an ink is alot differnt from back in the day. the ink now is actually pigment. tattoos do not fade anymore. the only way they would is if its too fine detailed.
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ness
66 posts
Oct 13, 2009
7:39 AM
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You guys know those don't come off, right?
Just sayin'
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jonsparrow
1182 posts
Oct 13, 2009
8:49 AM
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reallly? never? not even with soap and water?
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Greg Heumann
146 posts
Oct 13, 2009
9:57 AM
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2 words:
Chord Harp
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/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com
http://www.BlueStateBand.net
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Gwood420
56 posts
Oct 13, 2009
10:00 AM
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come off??! hope not, to much money and time invested.. would hate to sit in the chair for another 30+ hours to redo these..
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chopper
10 posts
Oct 14, 2009
1:06 AM
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g.day fellow members diggin the tatt chat i ve been contemplating a harp tatt for awhile as im a massive alan wilson fan of canned heat im gonna go with his logo.the bespectaled harp playing owl my bike riding buddy taffy of w.a. ink has agreed to ink for nix but he is off to the phillipines for a while so ill get it when he gets back ive got a nice space on my outer left forearm-cool
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HarpMan Freeman
70 posts
Oct 16, 2009
9:33 PM
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I stumbled upon a very cool tattoo of a harmonica and bullet mic at 
If you have a harmonica tattoo, lets see it...
If I were ever to get a tattoo, it would be a Harmonica for sure.
Harmonica Tattoo
Last Edited by on Apr 09, 2011 8:29 PM
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HarpMan Freeman
71 posts
Oct 16, 2009
9:36 PM
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HarpMan Freeman
72 posts
Oct 16, 2009
9:39 PM
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HarpMan Freeman
73 posts
Oct 16, 2009
9:41 PM
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Last Edited by on Oct 16, 2009 9:43 PM
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BluesGeek
1 post
Dec 26, 2009
12:35 AM
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My Tattoo from 1992!!!
Last Edited by on Dec 26, 2009 12:36 AM
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Ant138
238 posts
Dec 26, 2009
3:39 AM
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Sweet!!
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shanester
28 posts
Dec 26, 2009
7:30 AM
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Thanks for showing the harp tramp stamp. I've never seen one of them before...quite titillating!
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RyanMortos
532 posts
Dec 26, 2009
10:51 AM
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Haha, I like that one
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~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Stephen Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Contact:
My youtube account
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toddlgreene
292 posts
Dec 28, 2009
10:50 AM
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On the tramp stamp pic-look closely, it says Taylor Hicks...Wow, talking about tattoo regret. That could probably be covered with some sort of flourish, or maybe www.modernbluesharmonica.com...
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~Todd L. Greene, Devout Pedestrian
"listen to what you like for inspiration, but find your own voice"
crescentcityharmonicaclub@gmail.com
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HarpMan Freeman
139 posts
Apr 09, 2011
8:02 PM
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I know this is an old post, but I found this on Harmonica Space discussion from "AirMojo".
=========Harmonica Space==============
Dec 02, 2009 6:14 PM GMT
AirMojo (Ken H) Replied:
Check out Frederic Yonnet's harmonica tattoo... well, I think its a tatto..."
This is one intense harmonica tatto.
If I were to ever consider getting a tatto, it would be of a harmonica, but something much smaller for me.
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rharley5652
458 posts
Apr 09, 2011
10:50 PM
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& Ant,..I say go with something like BluesGeek's TAT,. Maybe something like the harp layin down an the girl layin near it,.
OR just a Harp Like HarpMan Freeman posted but kinda mirrored So ya see the back of the Harp also,.
Gonna take a good artist to pull that one off ><
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Simply Unique Kustom Mic's By Rharley
Last Edited by on Apr 09, 2011 10:50 PM
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Ant138
883 posts
Apr 10, 2011
1:12 AM
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@rharley, i ended up getting the Sonny Boy portrait done a month ago. I still have a bit of clean skin left so i might get another harp related tat done at some point, might even get my mic "Brown Suger".
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http://www.youtube.com/user/fiendant?feature=mhum
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rharley5652
460 posts
Apr 10, 2011
11:35 PM
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@ Ant ,.Sweet !!
I showed your Sonny Boy portrait to the kid next door ,.he just got a Shure 55 tat on his calf ,.his first,.still in High School ,..I'll send ya a pic of it ><
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Simply Unique Kustom Mic's By Rharley
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Cristal Lecter
71 posts
Jun 09, 2011
11:38 PM
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Hi Guys,
I'm just back from the tattoo parlor and I'm pleased to show you the fresh result of my tattoo. The model of course is a Manji
How about that?
Christelle
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Never try to be as good as someone else, succeed to be the best player you can be!
Last Edited by on Jun 09, 2011 11:39 PM
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HarpMan Freeman
151 posts
Jun 10, 2011
3:15 AM
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Christelle
It's fantastic!!!!!!!!!
They did a G R E A T Job.
I still watch your videos and I am always amazed at your talents. Thank you for sharing them with us.
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Fingers
52 posts
Jun 10, 2011
12:12 PM
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Great art!! i have a harp tattoo.....but its crap! LOL
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KingoBad
763 posts
Jun 10, 2011
2:58 PM
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That's some sweet ink Christelle!
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Danny
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Rubes
339 posts
Jun 10, 2011
6:53 PM
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Fantastic Chris, looks like you're getting into our country in a big way! Go for it..!
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