Wooden Combed Harps! Marine Band Deluxe, Easttop Blues Standard, Kongsheng Sunrise & Dabell Nobel!

Here's a rambling comparison of three leading-brand wooden combed harps and one Johnny-come-Lately - really just four shades of grey when you get down to brass tacks, some minor (and probably just luck-of-the-draw) production issues with the Easttop and the Kongsheng notwithstanding. Best of the lot imho is the MBD, but really, anybody would probably be totally happy with any of 'em (if you've got extra cash on hand, of course). And here's Pat MIssin's document on whether or not comb material affects harmonica sound, as promised: www.patmissin.... OH AND I KNOW THE OVERBLOWS I TALK ABOUT ARE ONE HOLE OFF. lol - 5 6 7.... 4 5 6.... I dunno - some series of numbers.... mutter mutter mutter....

[@rustycasteele6121]

Hello Sir, I have a Hohner Blues Harp and absolutely love it. It is very close to my Lee Oskar in tone, responsiveness, and it is just a cool looking harp. It's part of theirs modular system, but im not changing any thing. Check them out.

[@Tim48103]

Yes - the blues harp, like the "regular" marine band, is a nice-looking, nice-sounding responsive harp. Both of those, tho, are kinda uncomfortable for me to play now that I'm, uh, old - back when I was younger they didn't bother me, but these days.... the combs are too rough. That's why I like the marine band "deluxe" - they took the time to smooth everything out and really seal the comb. Unfortunately, they don't have a blues harp "deluxe". Cheers!

[@peteaustin5327]

Good video Tim. I always thought a comb should be made out of the hardest rubber posible like a hockey puck. Would give a good seal

[@Tim48103]

Indeed - that's not a bad idea. Seems like they could be made fairly easily by injection mold, too - wonder why something like that hasn't been done - initially thought the Mars was like that, but no, just regular plastic. Might be a taste thing? Smell, maybe? Not sure I'd want my harps smelling like a Firestone showroom....

[@paulcook68]

I'd probably melt it with my speed playin! Lol 😆 it is a good idea though..

[@roberttemple2521]

Arkia harps, made in France, have sort of flexible combs. They use the word "Flex" in their adverts. They are specially made harps made for easy overbends. The Origin model uses Kongsheng reeds and the Signature model uses Hohner Crossover reeds.

[@paulcook68]

Hey Tim! I actually kinda like the reedy sound. I don't know why but it makes the harp ring a little bit. Or something! Lol

[@Tim48103]

Yeah, I like a little reedy in there, but don't want to be overwhelmed by it. But as I've said elsewhere, it all goes away thru the mic, so whatever tonal preferences I have are limited to acoustic playing.... Cheers, Paul!

[@paulcook68]

@@Tim48103 Tim are you gonna be recording any of your live gigs with your band for your channel?

[@Tim48103]

Weeeelllll.... the band is currently "in transition" inasmuch as our guitar player took a teaching job in a different state. So, we're testing out replacements and such. I've a duo gig coming up in November with an awesome chap from the UK, Mike Brooks, and I might record that, but the venue probably won't let me live stream it. Anyway, I'm not great with tech, so would probably sprain something if I tried...

[@bonedaddy6600]

about 4 shots of that Jägermeister in the background ya got there and they all sound good ;)

[@Tim48103]

lol - I keep that around for the kids - keeps 'em from drinking my tequila.

[@faethe000]

I wish Hohner hadn't discontinued the Marine Band Deluxe in the USA. They disappeared from the market before I ever got to try one.

[@Tim48103]

I think they're still available. Try here: rockinronsmusic.com/collections/hohner-harmonicas/products/hohner-marine-band-deluxe-m2005

[@faethe000]

@@Tim48103 Ohh he does have some. Thanks!

[@NateWilson922]

Hey man. I play at Bluegrass jams and am wondering what harp is the loudest while still remaining responsive and in tune? Also which east top model are you showing in this video? Finally with regards to Dabell I'm super intrigued but leaning towards the contender. How does it compare to the other Dabells?

[@Tim48103]

The Easttop here is their "Blues Standard", model PRO10. I can only find them on AliExpress, and only in the key of C, but I gotta think they make more keys - I have a message in to one of their company reps to find out more.... Of these four in the video, it's the loudest. However, their T008k model is also quite loud and also a nice responsive harp, and it's only like $15 - $20 bucks, comes in all keys. Has a bit of a brassy, raspy tone that's not for everyone, but at that price, maybe try one and see if it works for you. As to the DaBell Contender, that's one of my favorites. Compromise tuning, well constructed, great tone, good to go out of the box. It doesn't feel as "solid" as their Story or Nobel harps in terms of construction, and it has those full cover plates which some people don't like (i.e. Golden Melody, Suzuki Bluesmaster, Kongsheng Bluebird, etc.), but I think it's a great harp. Cheers!

[@richardpierce7168]

You might want to try the Suzuki Manji. I find they are very loud when playing acoustic.

[@roberttemple2521]

I was wondering of the harp's temperament is of much importance to you, you know, ugly, nice or zoned out. Or, in modern terms, equal, just or compromised temperament.

[@Tim48103]

Hi Robert - I think when I'm noodling around, I prefer just. Live and electrified, I'd rather have equal, since most of that is single line stuff, and if I play chords, I want 'em to be harsh. That said, I can't REALLY tell the difference, and I KNOW my audience can't, so this is all kinda hypothetical, innit?

[@catmanbluz]

can you compare the Hohner crossover to the deluxe? Please

[@Tim48103]

I haven't gotten a crossover yet, mostly because they're just TOO expensive, around $75 or so. I like the idea of the bamboo comb, but just haven't gotten myself to pull that trigger yet. Maybe some day! Cheers!