CJames
65 posts
Dec 14, 2009
6:35 AM
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what does everyone prefer. I dig SP20's, soon to try BMs
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tookatooka
866 posts
Dec 14, 2009
7:11 AM
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I have both. SP20 slightly smaller which I like but has sharp corners and tuned to Compromised Tuning which gives slightly more mellow chords. BM more comfortable with rounded corners but has Equal Tuning which is better for melody/single note playing. They are both good harps and there is not a lot between them in my opinion.
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mickil
710 posts
Dec 14, 2009
8:32 AM
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About the sharp edges: I've got a feeling that those folded edges at holes 1 and 10 may be something you adjust to. The only reason I say that is because I can't remember ever having caught myself on a SP20.
I suppose it's a bit like the way I used to cut my mouth to shreds on a MB - and I do mean a red comb in no time - whereas now, I don't really think about those wooden tines - is that the noun, tine?
Oh yeah, your question. I've not tried the suzies except for the PM, but, I can vouch for the SP20; they do have a very nice tone, well, to my ears. Actually, the only thing I don't like - and this is a bit anal - is the brass-plated (stainless?) steel coverplate screws: they tarnish and go grey in about 2 milli-seconds. I just replace them with the brass screws from an MB DLX. The latter fit more snugly and avoid having to line up the coverplates when putting them back on.
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YouTube SlimHarpMick a.k.a. HarmonicaMick
Last Edited by on Dec 14, 2009 8:43 AM
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tookatooka
868 posts
Dec 14, 2009
8:57 AM
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@Mickil@ The sharp edges I was refering to were the corners of the plastic comb. When you get carried away and grip too tightly they can cut into your hand. Well not literally.
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CJames
69 posts
Dec 14, 2009
9:31 AM
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yes mickil you're totally right about the cover plate screws. I love the SP20 - favourite harp atm, but the only downside is that it's just not the best looking harp! in fact it's one of the dullest in the decent quality range. If Hohner made some changes to the coverplate stamp, or ...i don't know, somthing! make it sexier! i'm sure other SP20 user's know what i'm talking about.
Not that it's even that much of an issue...
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CJames
70 posts
Dec 14, 2009
9:34 AM
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@ tookatooka, the edges are a bit pointy at times. (out of context a bit) but i'm thinking in terms of gripping too tightly out of context a bit) ..i can't understand how people can bend the coverplates in the centre from tight handling in general, to a lesser extend - even how the edges can become a drawback (although i know what you mean). The way i play feels like i hardly handle it at all.
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mankycodpiece
19 posts
Dec 14, 2009
9:46 AM
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i have SP20s and a valved promaster,(which i'm warming to)
the SP20s sound as i like them for rhythm stuff,but i wouldn't mind exploring some others.
bluesmasters or harpmasters,does anyone have a view which is the best of the two?
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mickil
711 posts
Dec 14, 2009
10:03 AM
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tooka,
I misunderstood you there. The sharp edges on some harps did use to hurt me, but that, also, is something I've adjusted to with time.
I think - well, I'm guessing - that it's probably a lot of unneccessary tension that causes that vice like grip, though, I could be wrong. I just know it's a problem I had, though not for about a year now.
mankycp,
Have a look at Brendan Powers' YT video where he compares the two.
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YouTube SlimHarpMick a.k.a. HarmonicaMick
Last Edited by on Dec 14, 2009 10:05 AM
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saregapadanisa
11 posts
Dec 14, 2009
10:56 AM
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I have both SP20s and BMs (and many others). They are both fine -and cheap- instruments. What may make me opt for a BM is its ergonomy. The BM may not be the best harp on the market, but there's no other -IMO- that fits so nicely in the mouth...
As for the sound, Tooka already made the point.
Even if you already have SP20s, BMs are worth a try. Christmas is coming...
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tookatooka
871 posts
Dec 14, 2009
11:07 AM
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If Suzuki made a BluesMaster and a HarpMaster (with opened coverplates) with the choice of Equal, Compromise and Just Tuning reedplates, I think they would have the complete Harmonica Market to themselves. I for one would not bother with any other make if that was the case.
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Last Edited by on Dec 14, 2009 11:09 AM
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Shredder
72 posts
Dec 14, 2009
11:08 AM
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@CJames, I took a file and sand paper to the cornners and rounded them off. Fine sand paper will get the finish back. I guess you could take clear coat paint and get the shine back where you filed.
G/M's are my 1st choice and S/P 20' are my 2nd, but I do use a few S/P 20's as 1st choices in certian situations.
Mike
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congaron
351 posts
Dec 14, 2009
11:55 AM
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I really like special 20s for mic'd chicago dirt...the muffled kind at least. Or for around the fire playing cowboy stuff.
I prefer the tone of marine band for everything else...anything involving raspy, reedy or gritty tone.
I realize MB and harpmasters are not in your question, but I really like the tone of those two the best for blues. They are both so loud and raspy. Good stuff. My wife can clearly hear the tone difference between the special 20 and MB. I mix them up and play them behind her in the kitchen and she picks the marine band every single time....regardless of what order i play them in. She can't hear it between the harpmaster and MB..not consistently. She also hears what she calls "louder" between the harpmaster/MB and the special 20, but on a mic i don't think that matters much...she may also be choosing the louder one as "better." Other double-blind audio tests have proven people tend to do this.
Last Edited by on Dec 14, 2009 12:01 PM
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birdman
59 posts
Dec 22, 2009
1:25 AM
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bluesmasters for me
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