In a message dated 96-09-24 12:38:57 EDT, Nick Spring wrote:
<< The real trouble with Hohner's is what they do to the lips; after a while its like kissing sandpaper. Anybody out there have experience with lip salves or balms for this?>>
Nick, I get the same problem with a lot of Hohners. Seems like they'd be addressing that sometime...True, they have finally realized the value of the replaceable reedplate, though more out of competitive necessity than forward thinking, (and from the prices I've seen so far, their plan is to get the price of the reedplates somewhere near where the "whole harp" price is now...I like the way Oskar recesses it down into the comb. I think it would be possible to do the same with the wood combs ( with the plate back a sixteenth of an inch, and the front edge of the wood smooth and slightly rounded at the edges ...) Is there a good reason for the plate to be sharp and as prominent as it is? Though you may have to "suffer if you wanna play the blues," I must admit I'm not deep into self-imposed pain and suffering (I know, the philospher kings among us will tell me its all self imposed). And I've learned some new dynamics thru playing a harp that calls for a little different embouchure and attack. I do prefer the feel of the Oskars, and have moved in that direction in the first because of that. (2nd for affordablilty and availability of replacement reeds, 3rd because they're already pretty much "broken in", with a certain juicy flexibility, and 4th (for me) longevity). With that having been said, there's nothing like the sound of a "just right" Marine Band...when you're fortunate enough to get one to that point...it's sort of the authentic Strat of harps (Of course the Quality Control curve of the Strats is better....)
But back to your question...where were we? I've discovered the healing properties of those little red/blue/white tubes of Blistex they sell in the convenience stores. Its a white cream, and penetrates better than the the waxier lip balms (more moisture), and for me the stuff works.
Hey, I'm enjoying all the posts here...this group is among the best online !
