Other web Sites
Harmonica Blues  Harmonica Amps
Harmonica Links Harmonica Pages
• Archives Home
• Years
 · 1992
 · 1993
 · 1994
 · 1995
 · 1996
 · 1997 		 · 1998
 · 1999
 · 2000
 · 2001
 · 2002
 · 2003
 
Web HarpL
Ebay Searches:
Amps:
Microphones:
Effects:
Harmonicas and Gear:
Harmonica Music and Instruction:

 

 

Harp-L Archives

[Previous Message] [Next Message]
[Next in Thread]
[Start of Thread] [End of Thread]

Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2001 21:05:26 -0500
From: "James F. Antaki, PhD"
Subject: Bahnson Overblow Harp - II

Friends.
Hank Bahnson and I have been working on a new, more affordable
version of the fabled "Bahnson Overblow" harp. For those of you
unfamiliar, this harp was originally produced as a modification of a
Hohner Golden Melody. It featured a side button, resembling a chromatic
slide, which when depressed, blocked the non-overblow reeds, greatly
facilitating the overblow notes.

There were originally 100 of these harps made, back in the early
90's.
They sold out relatively quickly, and Hank had been hoping to produce a
new batch ever since. I think the original retail price was around $120

or so. Current street price I hear is near $200. We believe our new
design will be much less expensive and labor intensive to make. Current
estimates are about $30+cost of base harp.

Which leads to our question. There are two commerically available
harps
that are readily modify-able according to our new design. They are,
interestingly, the Suzuki Pro Harp, and the Huang Star Performer. On the

one extreme, you would get a high quality harp, but it would cost you a
total of about 60 bucks ($30+30.) On the other extreme, you would get a

relatively flimsy harp (sorry, Huang fans... if there are any out there)

but equipped with overblow capability for about $38.

For those of you vaguely familiar with the overblow harp, or remotely

interested in a training harp to help you learn to overblow, would you
recommend we go with the high-end or low end option? And if anyone can
think of another mid-range harp that has the same type of construction
(sandwich style without exposed plates in front and back, like Marine
Band, and with screws rather than nails), we'd appreciate the tip.

Thanks as always for your helpful suggestions.

Hank "Sonny Boy" Bahnson
and J "Turbodog" Antaki