Re: [Harp-L] choose new harp - In store test

[fishmong3r <fishmong3r@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,

Now I see this test. Then the online ordering has a huge risk, hasn't it? I
mean who knows if they try it before send to me?

fm

2009/4/19 Bill Kumpe <bkumpe@xxxxxxx>

>
> Every music store I have ever visited has a squeeze box aka bellows test
> unit.  It is a set of bellows with a test jig to place the harmonica
> against
> which will blow air through several holes at a time on the chord setting or
> through a single hole on the note setting.  A good harp will sound a loud
> sweet chord and a clean, clear note with moderate pressure from the squeeze
> box.
>
> I have started doing this with every harp I buy, instead of simply taking
> the first harp the clerk hands me.  I run it up and down the test unit
> several times and listen carefully.  Is any note sour?  Is it obstructed?
> Do
> I like the sound of this particular harp?  Does it blow freely?  My
> frustration level with my gear has gone down considerably because of this
> routine even though some of the local music clerk's has gone up. But, at
> thirty to forty bucks a pop, they can just darn well indulge me.
>
> Not all harps coming out of the same factory are created equal.  There are
> bad days, bad techs and bad batches of parts.  This is true of all factory
> made products.  A long time ago, right after I got out of the Navy, I
> worked
> on the assembly line as an alignment technician/inspector in a factory that
> made marine electronics gear.  While I only produced 32 units per day as
> compared to up to 40 by other technicians, my units were invariably hotter,
> more sensitive and were never returned.  I look for those type harps.
>
> Bill Kumpe
> Tulsa, Oklahoma
>
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