pitpony
Gold
Posts: 17
Musican: Harp
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Post by pitpony on Apr 22, 2014 16:29:39 GMT -5
I have recently bought my first Marine Band & in general am delighted with the instrument which is a cracking buy at the price.
Previously i have invested in harps with plastic combs such as Suzuki Bluesmaster ,Lee Oskar Hohner Pro Harp or the wooden combed Manji & Crossover which are more expensive wooden combed pieces of kit. I had read that the basic MB has a tenancy to swell but was surprised how quickly the combs between holes 2-7 have started to protrude beyond the top plate. My question is to those who have experienced this is Do you think i should just 'man up' & get used to the protruding combs edges because thats how it is with the original model Will they shrink back when they have dried out. or Are there any out there who might suggest sanding back the wood so that it is flush with the top/bottom plates. Or will this just present its own range of problems. Any other thoughts
Keep smiling
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pitpony
Gold
Posts: 17
Musican: Harp
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Post by pitpony on Apr 23, 2014 14:49:44 GMT -5
Thanks for your input
My current collection consists of 6 harps in total , covering the most popular keys, half of which have plastic combs
My initial thoughts are that i will probably stick with the wooden combs because i like the look/sound/feel of he instrument ,but it looks as though i will have to pay a premium price to get around the comb problem. Its not so bad that it stops me from playing the MB & I still really like the sound it belts out.
Probably i am influenced by my Crossover in Bb which i class as my favourite harp. More so than the Manji which i am persevering with but i still find hard work.
I really enjoy trying out different makes so expect my journey will fly in all sorts of directions yet.
Live & learn fellas.
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gipsy
Gold
Posts: 14
Musican: Harp
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Post by gipsy on Apr 24, 2014 2:40:50 GMT -5
Just a minor point, but I'm pretty sure the Manji has a composite comb, even though it might look like wood.
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Post by sarge on Apr 24, 2014 8:55:44 GMT -5
Folks used to soak their harp in a glass of water before playing it. I would bet that some of the old blues guys soaked theirs in a glass of whiskey or wine.
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pitpony
Gold
Posts: 17
Musican: Harp
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Post by pitpony on Jun 10, 2014 14:33:47 GMT -5
Just an update from my original post.
After blowing my Marine Band for six weeks now i have learnt to really love the thing. First time i have had a key of G & the raspy crude nature of the instrument really does it for me when i just want to pick it up for 30 minutes & see what noise i can get. The swollen comb issue does not bother me at all now. Its like learning to love the whiskers on your grandma's chin. Certainly will look at getting another in a different key. Got various harps in G.A,Bb,C,D now in my small collection so wondering where to go from here. I prefer the lower keys myself.Generally i play only for my own amusement but the wife tells friends i have got quite good now (as opposed to very bad ) over the last 17/18 months of trying. Not sure i have the nerve to play in front of anyone apart from my wife & new grandson, maybe a couple of beers would help. P.S. Still cannot learn to love my Manji, most expensive piece of kit i have but obviously does not suit my style.
P.S. x 2 Quiet on here recently. Shame because as a relative novice it is nice to contribute to a forum where i am not talked down to as can happen on some.
Keep smiling
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Post by sarge on Jun 12, 2014 7:42:42 GMT -5
I would bet that they are. Who was the customizer?
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Post by sarge on Jun 16, 2014 11:09:46 GMT -5
Great! I'll be interested to hear about them.
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Post by sarge on Jun 17, 2014 15:59:52 GMT -5
Those custom harps will spoil you.
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