Richard's experience is not surprising to me.
Astute Harp-L readers may remember that I posted a lengthy and smewhat critical reveiw of the Deluxe MB here on Harp-L back when they were first introduced. I stated at the time that the MB Deluxe harps are very nice in that they are assembled with screws, have a sealed wood comb, and the covers are open in the back -- all great features that you might get with a custom harp.
However, I also voiced my dissapointment at the time regarding the playability, reed profile and set up, which are basically the same as any stock $30 Marine Band. Still, with a little hard work and patience, I modify the reed profile (arc/gap) and narrow the reed slots some and my MB Deluxe harps ROCK. Since that time I have accumulated a bunch more MB Deluxe harps, and, just as with any harps, some are better out of the box than others. But all of them, with a little elbow grease and patience, perform great for me, and I do use overblows some. I gig with these modified harps regularly and I'm quite satisfied.
The way I look at it, the MB Deluxe is a half-customized Marine Band, but I have to do the fidgety reed work to complete the job. Overall, a great harp for $50 bucks, IMO. Much, much cheaper than a true custom.
Now the $90 Seydel 1847 harp is another story... Qute a bit more expensive... but with basically the same issues IMO as the MB Deluxe. Perhaps set up a tad better than most MB harps, but still in need of reed/plate work to make them truly rock the way I like. I'm still debating whether this is worth it in the long run for me. At this point a strongly favorable opinion from me on the 1847 will rest upon the durabilty legendary steel reeds. Will they really last better than my MB Deluxe reeds? Time will tell.
Harpin' in Colorado, --Ken M.
----- Original Message ---- From: Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 8:20:37 AM Subject: [Harp-L] Hohner MB Deluxe disappointment
I ordered my first Hohner MB deluxe (in the key of A) two weeks ago, and took delivery on it last week. I was disappointed to find, right out of the box, that the instrument was very breathy (meaning leaky), especially in the bottom octave, and that the draw 3 reed in particular was very weak and slow to respond. Gapping the reeds improved matters slightly, but not much. This basic level of un-playability is not what I expect from an instrument that sells for about $50.
I'm returning the instrument to the factory today for repair or replacement. I've been advised by a Hohner rep that this should take another two weeks. And, of course, there will be additional expense for shipping, and a trip to the post office.
Overall, a pretty disappointing experience. I hope the MB Deluxe that comes back from the factory is worth the trouble and expense. If not, I'll consider it a learning experience.
Regards, Richard Hunter
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