samcortex
5 posts
Oct 31, 2009
1:22 PM
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Does ProMaster worth the extra money? What's the exact difference other than the plastic comb in the BluesMaster and the aluminium comb in Promaster? Are the reed plates identical?
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tookatooka
720 posts
Oct 31, 2009
1:35 PM
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The ProMaster has a precision engineered aluminium comb. The BluesMaster comb is mass produced plastic moulding.
The ProMaster has chrome plated heavyweight coverplates. The BluesMaster has stainless steel coverplates.
The ProMaster has nickel? plated reedplates. The BluesMaster has brass reedplates.
The ProMaster is a higher grade instrument. I have both and find I play my BluesMaster more. I can't notice any great difference in sound but find the plastic comb more comfortable for my lips.
They are both good harps though.
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congaron
223 posts
Oct 31, 2009
2:37 PM
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I put promaster cover plates on my harpmaster in D for awhile. I'm guessing it's a bluesmaster in essence then. Except for the phosphor bronze reeds, of course. It played every bit as well as the promaster the covers came off of. I like the solid feel of the promaster, but can't justify the extra expense anymore. They feel good, but i don't feel any playability advantage.
Of course now i have my eye on the manji..this is sick.
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tookatooka
721 posts
Oct 31, 2009
2:45 PM
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I've managed to resist the Manji so far. I can't justify the expense here in the UK, hopefully the prices will be more realistic when the initial early adopters have spent their money. Whatsmore, I haven't seen many reviews yet from ordinary players that have made me want to get one.
I'll make do with what I have for now. A new harp still wouldn't make me play any better.
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congaron
225 posts
Oct 31, 2009
3:09 PM
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That's what i'm waiting for too..me to be a better overblower so i can really tell the difference..if any.
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ness
99 posts
Oct 31, 2009
6:19 PM
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I think the Bluesmaster is more comfortable in the mouth. The plastic comb protrudes slightly from the cover plates. The reed plates are inset, so you don't touch the edges of them. It's got a thinner profile.
The cover plates, reed plates and comb are almost flush on the Promaster. The reed plates protrude ever so slightly. It is thicker overall than the Bluesmaster. It has real heft due to the heavier comb and cover plates. It feels solid in the hand, which I really like.
I think the better build accounts for most of the higher price on the Promaster. Don't really know if the difference in reed plates is significant -- it's not to me.
John
Last Edited by on Oct 31, 2009 6:20 PM
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Delta Dirt
17 posts
Oct 31, 2009
6:29 PM
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I own a Promaster and Bluesmaster. Like the Blues masters tone much better. Also love the Hammond better than any harp i own including the Seydels 1847 and Marine Band Deluxe. Just plays sweet.
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geordiebluesman
244 posts
Nov 01, 2009
12:55 PM
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DD what is this Hammond of which you speak?
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tookatooka
723 posts
Nov 01, 2009
1:00 PM
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It's a Suzuki geordiebluesman. About half way down the page on this link http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/
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Delta Dirt
19 posts
Nov 01, 2009
2:50 PM
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geordiebluesman, its seems to be a bit more narrow at the comb. Good torque if you know what i mean. Also i have fallen in love with my Delta Frosts. They still need some breaking in but very nice without breaking the bank.Trying everything before settling on one type. To be quite honest im not a big fan of the Seydels.
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Aussiesucker
417 posts
Nov 01, 2009
5:10 PM
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The Promaster looks nice and feels more substantial due to the alloy comb. It IMHO plays no better than a bluesmaster. By far the best has been my Harpmasters -great. Will try a Manji which arrives next week.
Both my Promasters an A & Bb have what I consider to be poorly fitting cover plates ie it is possible to see daylight, when viewed from the back, between coverplates and reed plates at the ends of the harp ie holes 1,2,9&10. Tightening the cover plates make no difference ie they really need to be filed down to fit. Have not attempted this as I am fearful of damaging the chrome.
The Promaster is really not worth the extra money .
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DaDoom
135 posts
Nov 02, 2009
12:48 AM
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I think the two harps don't play in the same league as has been said before. The ProMaster is 100% made of metal and much heavier. You really hold something in your hands. I only have valved ProMasters so I can't say how good they overblow - but they play great. Judging by how my Hammond (very similar to the ProMaster) overblows I'd say the BluesMaster is better in that area. The notes tend to squeal quite a bit on the Hammond, when you sustain them. I find this weird as the harp is really well built (very narrow gaps, very precise).
The BluesMaster is the thinnest harp as far as I can tell (haven't measured it) and I think that's an advantage. It makes the harp feel much better in your mouth.
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tookatooka
726 posts
Nov 02, 2009
4:43 AM
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Just to end the speculation once and for all. Thickness measured at the front of the harp with an Electronic Digital Caliper.
ProMaster 17.47mm
BluesMaster 16.95mm
Delta Frost 17.78mm
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Jim Rumbaugh
100 posts
Nov 02, 2009
5:43 AM
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I agree with Tooka on Blues vs Pro
I do not like to place my tongue on the metal comb of the Promaster. I can't explain this next statement. I like the Promaster for Straight harp, I like the Bluesmaster for cross harp. This may be a reflection on my 2 Proharps against mt 6 Bluesharps.
The Proharps seem to blow a little easier. My Pros are in better pitch than my Blues. My Pros seem a little more quite than my Blues. I prefer to wail on my blues, but I like to sing a (straight) song on my Pro.
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harpcrab
28 posts
Nov 02, 2009
5:56 AM
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Funny how everyone can have a different perspective- I love my Promasters. I ordered a set of Bluesmasters a year ago and they screwed up and sent a set of Promasters instead. At the time I didn't know the difference- called them up and they said "if you've already played them (I had) then keep them". They are my "go too" harp now, and have been for some time. I really like the weight, they are tight and easy to bend- very responsive. FWIW- I believe I do like the Manji just a bit better for the same price- but it's only been a week since I've had it.
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ness
100 posts
Nov 02, 2009
6:06 AM
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tooka,
I suppose the feeling that the Bluesmaster is thinner is because of the profile -- Bluesmaster has a protruding comb versus the relatively flush comb and covers on the Promaster. Bluesmaster feels more comfortable in the mouth to me; Promaster feels slicker, partly due to the finish on the covers.
It's interesting to see the varying opinions on these.
John
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clarksdale
8 posts
Nov 07, 2009
11:57 PM
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The ProMasters in my opinion: I am just really not into the Metal comb and not much of a fan of the CoverPlates. However, the reedplates are just fine and dandy. I like to replace my HARPMASTER reedplates with the ProMaster reedplates if and when they go out.
Once i took the metal Comb from the ProMaster and put HarpMaster ReedPlates and Covers on it. That was interesting. played pretty nicely. That's what i like about SUZUKI products, almost all of their harps parts are compatible with each other.
Hope i said something in there worth reading. sorry,
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$Daddy Rich$
"The Blues is Ok!"
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rbeetsme
14 posts
Nov 08, 2009
6:17 AM
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I like the ProMaster, bought a 6 key set a while back. Takes a little more effort but a nice clean sounding harp. A couple of years later I happened on a killer deal on a 8 key set that had been customized by Rupert Oysler, entire set was cheaper than buying the stock harps. The customs are a little more responsive and seem to be tuned right on. All I play now. Harps seem to be a subjective choice, I am comfortable with these and will probably stay with them for many years. Folks who started on MBs, Special 20's, GMs, LOs or whatever often swear by their choice. I think the instrument is really only part of the sound, the rest is from the player. If you find a decent quality harp, play it, harp hopping doesn't really make anyone a better player. Having said that, I have ordered a few of Brad and Jasons' new harps, we'll see if I find them to be the Holy Grail. My point though, is to stop looking for the Holy Grail, there's really only one way to Carnegie Hall, "Practice!"
Last Edited by on Nov 08, 2009 6:18 AM
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