tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650160678722829210.post5583538137179973314..comments2024-03-23T13:46:21.790-05:00Comments on Street Musician Daniel: Come On, Get HappyDaniel McKenna IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157964564856145960noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650160678722829210.post-18640834366323657742016-10-03T00:18:38.489-05:002016-10-03T00:18:38.489-05:00I should add that most serious "harp" pl...I should add that most serious "harp" players become adept at taking their "harps" apart and using a fine paintbrush to clean out food particles etc that jam up the reeds, even re-tuning the reeds, and all sorts of black magick. The rest have someone do it for 'em because say I'm an ace harp-fixer, sure I'll happily go through your $40 Special-20 and have it running again for a $10-spot, because I can probably do it 15 minutes. Some "pro" harps are even made to be easy to take apart like the Hohner XB-40 and that other one Toots Theilmanns endorses. <br /><br />As mentioned, I really seriously considered making the "harp" my instrument. But when all's said and done, it's an underappreciated instrument. And a "pocket" trumpet or even a cornet takes up about the same space as a set of "harps" and for some reason, if you can pull off any decent music at all on a trumpet or cornet, you're a damn hero. Play a "harp" and it's, "What were you in for?" alex carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12458022111793552536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650160678722829210.post-41380605278080773272016-10-02T17:13:33.453-05:002016-10-02T17:13:33.453-05:00The Suzuki harmonicas are well thought of, BTW it&...The Suzuki harmonicas are well thought of, BTW it's a different company than the one that makes the motorcycles. While Hohner makes "professional" harmonicas, the ones you've been buying are ones they shit out by the millions and the quality is just "good enough" in fact it's probably a relief when some reeds get stuck or stop working altogether so Dad can get a break from his son's incessant playing or the town square finally gets a rest from that stupid crusty kid and his Marine Band wheezing.<br /><br />I've considered playing the "harp" but even really good playing gets no respect here; the assumption being you're good because you've spent time in jail with only your "harp" for company, I guess. Combining it with guitar is much better, and I think I've seen a harmonica-and-guitar guy maybe twice, not more than that, around here. alex carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12458022111793552536noreply@blogger.com