Ian
184 posts
Dec 20, 2015
5:07 PM
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Yawn.... Another harp Comparison Question ... ;)
Can someone please give me a simple breakdown of any differences between the above models as of current production? (mainly the reeds and plates... But any important differences gladly noted)
As far as I'm aware......
Reeds and reed plates are identical other than drill holes.
Tuning is different in the crossover, more compromised...
Combs are different materials and more refined in deluxe and crossover.
Covers are open on crossover and deluxe.
I want to fill a couple of gaps in my harp set and id like to try a couple of tin sandwich hohner again.
Thanks
Last Edited by Ian on Dec 20, 2015 5:09 PM
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SuperBee
3109 posts
Dec 20, 2015
5:26 PM
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You have it straight.
MB1896 and 2005 vary in comb (slightly, just the tine tips are chamfered and lacquered on MB2005) and fasteners.
Crossover (MB2009) has bamboo comb and tuning is brighter, octaves stretched and I am not quite sure of the overall scheme; limit 19 just I think.
I like crossovers in a loud band, but I prefer the 1896/2005 tuning in quieter situations because I think it sounds less irritating.
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SuperBee
3110 posts
Dec 20, 2015
5:33 PM
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Only thing I would add to the above, plates and reeds are identical but I do think the 2005 and 2009 may get a bit more attention to detail in the factory. I've seen quite a few 2005 and they seem a bit more consistently well set up than the sp20 and 1896 harps I see. I actually don't see that many 1896 though so my sample is pretty small there. Just from what I hear I have an impression they are sometimes a bit rough. The last 1896 5 set I bought was rather badly gapped, but the 5 I bought previously were fantastic for ootb harps. I still have a couple in stock form after 5 years...and no inclination to change anything about them until something breaks...
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Ian
185 posts
Dec 20, 2015
5:34 PM
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Thanks superbee.
I might try a deluxe then as the tuning is further from my manjis, for a different tone...
How does the comb on the deluxe fare? I know it's not fully sealed so does it swell much?
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SuperBee
3112 posts
Dec 20, 2015
5:48 PM
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Oh, I think it is fully sealed. I've never seen one with problems, except my original from 2007 I replaced last year. It wasn't really swollen, kinda warped. But 7 years and some heavy use...for about 5 years it was my only A harp
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SuperBee
3113 posts
Dec 20, 2015
5:53 PM
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The 1896 is sealed too, since late 2011 I think. I know I bought a bunch of the older ones on special when they introduced the new comb. I've never had a new comb swell but used to get a bit of grief from the old unsealed ones. You can easily tell the difference.
The old unsealed combs were black on the rear and sides, and yellow lacquer on the tips. The sealed ones are brown with white lettering (HOHNER) on the rear.
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Ian
186 posts
Dec 20, 2015
6:06 PM
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Oh ok, I was under the impression that the comb was only sealed on the ends of the tines.
That makes it an easier purchase.
My only experience with an 1896 is one of the old ones, must have been from about 1999.
Well. I'll wait until Christmas is over and see if any deals turn up. There doesnt seem to be much stock at the moment.
Last Edited by Ian on Dec 20, 2015 6:07 PM
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