I have been playing PT Gazell's half-valved session steel's and now have a whole set of them. (PT is a great guy and I have been doing business directly with him). I am pretty well committed to the half-valved method for the extra notes and bends. I also have a brass EastTop chromatic and its my favorite chrome right now, mainly due to the "bendiness" of the reeds. So I know that I like the EastTop reeds.
Questions for you: - can I order them half-valved? - how do you find the reed life on the EastTops? - what are the options for reed replacement when reeds go south? Are there spare reeds available? Spare Plates available?
Thanks Brendan , for your continued wonderful contributions and inventions to the harmonica world!
- can I order them half-valved? No, you have to do it yourself or get it done by someone.
- how do you find the reed life on the EastTops? I'm really impressed with the durability of the phosphor-bronze reeds in their recent harps. I have been bending the hell out of my AsiaBend and no signs of any detuning or reed failures.
- what are the options for reed replacement when reeds go south? Are there spare reeds available? Spare Plates available? We could do spare plates in future (not offered yet), but not spare reeds. However you can replace welded reeds with reeds from other Easttop harps. I have a couple of videos on Youtube on how to do it with basic tools.
The first Lucky 13s are being posted out to customers this week, looking forward to getting their feedback
Last Edited by Brendan Power on Sep 22, 2016 9:08 AM
Heh heh... No, and that creates an opportunity Tom :-) I'm pretty sure that if the early adopters like the Lucky 13 and it develops a following, there will be a BMH L-13 comb out there within a year. In blue, purple, orange and whatever else. I hope so!
Last Edited by Brendan Power on Sep 22, 2016 10:32 AM
Brendan, I don't know what inspires me more, your playing or your innovation. I have been a big fan from my harp beginning. I also owe you thanks. With the help of your online tips I’ve become a decent harmonica technician.
A while back I tried something similar by re-tuning a old 12 hole MB. But I couldn't get comfortable with the enlarged holes... I read your .pdf document on the Lucky 13 history and DIY guide. I was tempted to try to build a stretched harp but decided I’d rather be the proud owner of your amazing work.
I ordered my Lucky 13 today and I am really looking forward to getting my hands on it.
