Re: [Harp-L] Harp of Choice...



I play custom instruments, prepared by Neil Graham in Australia (www.neilgraham.com). I have 7 of his professional hybrid models, 4 in my tuning for fiddle tunes, the other 3 in regular tuning.

Like most custom instruments, they are much louder and more responsive than off the shelf ones. They do wear out, every 6 months or so, and so I send them back to Neil for servicing. I play an off the shelf backup while this is being done. My music is mostly fiddle tunes, which are generally swift. One of the tricks for fast playing is to put only a small amount of air on each note. This is harder with off the shelf instruments, as they leak far more than good custom ones, like Neil's. In other words, off the shelf instruments require much more air (from me!), and so the fast tunes are harder to play.

In short, it is a mighty relief when I get my instruments back. Fortunately, Neil's turnaround is prety good.

There have been many harp-l debates about the pros and cons of custom instruments. My two cents worth is at http://www.harmonicatunes.com/Custom.htm

Tony Eyers
Australia
www.harmonicatunes.com 




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