RE: [Harp-L] "sanitizing" harp/Herring Vintage?



Bry,
I've tried a lot of different "out-of-the-box" harps.  I always
buy the first of a new type in the Key of C, so that I can compare
apples-to-apples.  I have 3 Hering Vintage harps.  There is a lot 
that's good about them.  Let's face it - - they look darn good!!
But beyond that, they have a very nice "weighty" feel to them.  
They have the vent openings in the ends of the covers, like Marine
Bands do.  I blew out the five-hole on the first one I had, but 
since I've learned to play "easier" I haven't had any problem.
They're some kind of Just (or Compromised) tuning, and I really 
like the sound of them.  The wood comb has it's edges eased a bit,
and it has been sealed, so it is easier on your lips than most
wood combs.  The only thing I sortof don't like, is the way the 
reed plates extend past the front of the comb, like the Hohner
MS series plates do.  To me is just feels like running knife blades
(albeit "dull" blades) back and forth over your lips.  (The Hohner 
Pro model is like that too.)  Bottom line, I still prefer the 
plastic comb with the recessed reed plates.  Just my opinion.  YMMV

Richard J. Smith, R.A.
Wormleysburg, PA


-----Original Message-----
From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx]On
Behalf Of Bry Thomas
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 10:09 AM
To: Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Harp-L] "sanitizing" harp/Herring Vintage?


Still looking for the brand of harp(s) to buy for Christmas.   A great guy 
on another list has offered to send a Herring Vintage (1923?) "C" so I can 
check it out before deciding.  He says he only played it a few times and 
that was several months ago.  I know stores don't take returns, etc., and 
would like to get suggestions on what I need to do to "sanitize" it.  I see 
folks in just about every profession wearing latex gloves these days.  Just 
wonder what to do to the harp.  Any and all opinions will be apreciated.

On to the Herring's.  Walter Spore (on Harp Talk) posted some recordings he 
made the other night playing a Herring Vintage.  Says he's a Hohner endorsee 
who might switch.   I listened to them and loved the sound.  The sound sold 
me on them.  However, i've never tried a wood comb.  I'm also concerned with 
durability (don't have the bucks to be getting new harps every month or so). 
  Do the Herring's have replacement plates, etc.?

Someone recommended Big River's because you can get replacement reeds.  
Actually, the replacement reed plates cost MORE than the harp (Big River) 
itself.  Better financially, to just get a new harp.  However, it was also 
mentioned that the replacement MS plates are probably a step up from the 
ones that come in a Big River.  Oh, well.

The Herring's definitely have my ear, now I just need to be convinced.

Presently, the best harp I have is a Bushman Delta Frost "C", and I don't 
like it very well at all.

The Pro Harp "D" tastes AWFUL.  Thus, I won't be getting any more of 
those...

Bry (Indiana)

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