Here in the UK they are even more expensive. Even the Fender Deluxe is the equivalent of $20. Lee Oskars are prohibitive at around £50 - that's near enough $60.
@cincinnatipedalsteel43474 күн бұрын
Don’t short change yourself brother you are a baddass player too! I’m trying to decide between the Wilde tuning and the powerbender. Both have pros and cons but I’m trying to make my mind up since I’m dropping $110 on the 1847. Have you played the powerbender? Do you find the Wilde tuning is pretty intuitive? Thanks
@Tim481034 күн бұрын
@@cincinnatipedalsteel4347 hey, thanks. I have not played the power bender, no, so I can't comment on their relative benefits. Yes, the Wilde tuning is intuitive and easy to learn. But, get a low key. In the vid I use an A, and even that is hard to use in the upper octave. I would imagine a C harp would be a bear. So if you're gonna go for it, get a Bb or lower.... Cheers!
@jantonisito14 күн бұрын
Welded or riveted reeds?
@AGSammy19 күн бұрын
I got that A one and it doesn’t sound ANYTHING like that. Maybe cause I suck but still 😭
@bluesdad25 күн бұрын
This is awesome!
@Tim4810325 күн бұрын
Thanks man - are you THE Bluesdad opening for us in August at Crazy Wisdom? If so - pleasedtameetcha!
@bluesdad25 күн бұрын
Yes, excited to meet you and hear your set-big time.
@bluesdad25 күн бұрын
So soulful-this song
@J.L.12326 күн бұрын
Q U E S T I O N - I've been looking for a standard-tuned (NOT blues) VALVELESS chromatic harmonica in the keys of G or any other EXCEPT C (which I already have way too many). Are all the Trochilus chromatics sold on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, etc. ONLY in blues tunings??? Any info will be greatly appreciated.
@Tim4810326 күн бұрын
No, they also come in something they call "pop" tuning, which, I'm told is a variant of Paddy, as well as a pure chromatic version. However, you'd have to dig into it a bit to see how the latter would compare to a more traditional chromatic (which I don't play). You could probably get some info from the folks at Bushman Harmonicas here in Michigan - they also sell a stenciled version under their own brand called "the game changer". They'd probably be able to send you tuning charts and such. Good luck!
@BennieDuck29 күн бұрын
Thanks man! Was thinking of splashing out on one of these now I don't think I will lol
@landztranzАй бұрын
And the Signature model is supposedly even better, is it not, Tim?
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
Well, the Signature model uses Hohner Crossover reedplates as opposed to the Kongshengs that the Origin uses. Beyond that, there may be extra tweaking and such. But one presumes that there would be performance differences given the near 2x increase in cost.... I haven't saved up enough nickels to find out tho.
@patrickpuzzo416Ай бұрын
Thank you!
@goldenteledy2002Ай бұрын
Now with the recent price markdowns, the Suzuki Bluesmaster is now in the $30 range. I absolutely love playing them as much as my signature harp, the original Hohner Golden Melody. Not only are they comfortable to hold, but they have a bluesy sounding rasp to their timbre. I especially love how I can control the hand-wah and make that little harmonica 'cry' in combination with its big tone and the Terry McMillan style licks that I play. I'm more of a country player, but these Suzuki Bluesmasters rock!
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
I agree. The Bluesmaster is a wonderful harp!
@lynnglidewell7367Ай бұрын
This fellow mumbles to much as he lets his voice trail off. Speak up! Step up to the mic! I am interested in what you're saying.
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
lol. you and my wife could have a long and meaningful conversation. Most of OUR conversations is me saying deep and meaningful things and her saying SPEAK THE HELL UP, MAN - Your coffee isn't' the only thing in the room wants to hear what you're saying!!! (I'll make a note, tho)
@goldenteledy2002Ай бұрын
Hey, there. OG Golden Melody player here. I have been playing the original version since 2020. I bought one because 1. I thought the design looked cute; and 2. Terry McMillan played them all the time and I wanted to sound like him. I always loved the shape and tuning of the original, however many "players" on Facebook wanted me to play a Marine Band or a different harmonica that isn't a GM because they think it's poorly tuned. I have been told this for many years because I play more than just melodies on them. I do a lot of Terry McMillan's repertoire, which is mainly blues scale-based country and gospel licks, and he knew how to get the most out of those harps with the limited range he could play with only bends, not knowing how to overblow/overdraw. He gave them such an iconic sound that made him stand out from other country players. So I kept buying them because I love the sound and feel of them. I was originally skeptical of the harmonica's recent design change, but I found it to be pretty good out of the box. I haven't tried taking it apart because I don't have a torx screwdriver, so I can't testify about the cover plates. But it has a slightly brighter sound than the old one. I loved how sweet and raspy the old one's timbre was so it seemed like there was a slight tonal change about it. The only complaint that I have with it is what the divet in the back is for. It was marketed as "a place to hold your fingers at", but I find that to be BS. If it was to keep the cover plates crushproof, they should've said that than the latter comment.
@fuckbored4724Ай бұрын
Hey man, thanks for the review. I'm just wondering, can you use the slide to get the flatted 5th in hole 2, and the natural 6th in hole 3? So, on a C harp, that would be Gb on hole 2, and A on hole three. I'm looking at the tuning chart, and despite it saying the richter version is fully chromatic now with the slide, I don't see those notes on their tuning chart at all.
@carvertk3289Ай бұрын
I am 25 getting in to the harmonica and i am mad that i cant Get a old one in c in Norway anymore. Expensive to import anything 😢
@VEXG32Ай бұрын
I just pulled the trigger on getting a Fender in key of G. Debating now to get the A or Bb one
@GrilloTheFlightlessАй бұрын
I’d like East Top a whole lot better if it weren’t for that nasty taste the paint leaves in the mouth. I heard a lot people complain about that. When I was buying my first chromatic harmonica I went for an East Top Forerunner as it was so affordable. They seemed to get good reviews. But as soon as I tried it I thought “there’s that horrible taste everyone was talking about with the diatonic harmonicas”. I don’t thinks it’s even a matter of cheaper materials. If you don’t use paint at all, there would surely be no problem? I’ve never tried Kongsheng or Fender. The name ‘Amazing 20’ is a turn off for me as it sounds like a cheap Special 20 knock-off. But I’ve toyed with the idea of getting a few Baby Fats just for fun, so I can have something relatively cheap as a carry-around harmonica. That way I don’t have to risk sitting on my MB Deluxe or 1847s, or accidentally leaving them on the bus!
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
lol - the Baby Fats ARE fun little harps - but not toys - they're put together well and play well, too. I just can't get around not having the upper octave, feels like I'm missing something.... but for pocket harps, they're great.
@GrilloTheFlightlessАй бұрын
@@Tim48103 to clarify, I don’t think they’re toys - I was toying with the idea of getting some. It’d be nice to have something compact and relatively inexpensive that I can carry around in case I get the urge to play something, without having to carry around my more expensive harmonica’s.
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
@@GrilloTheFlightless Then these will do you just fine!
@ibleebinUАй бұрын
Dayum you can toot those! I'll never be that good BUT I might just buy this set. It's been... 40 years since. Time flies.
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
It does. Don't blink.
@countryrio7115Ай бұрын
You are awesome, I'm just about to buy them
@thataussieblokemusicandmoviesАй бұрын
When I heard about the American Sound pedal, I kept an eye out for a used one and got it. Still trying it with an amp to get the settings right, but took a screenshot of your settings. I know you can use the same mic and harp and get nowhere near the same sound, but at least it's an idea. I know I've written this before, but this is the stuff I need to hear before I drop big money - you are giving people a much needed guide to things and letting them make up their mind. I wouldn't have bought a Lone Wolf product, as they are even more expensive. The Jason Ricci microphone alone is $500 here in Australia. The Hohner HB52 will do me - that was just over $200 here, though I did buy a King Bee Mic from Bone Daddy and I'm happy with that. I like small mics - was never going to buy a Green Bullet just because of its reputation as I like everything to feel good so I can concentrate on using the instrument itself and that mic is quite large, I believe. I like to feel like the mic and harp are one thing, as opposed to feel I'm juggling - otherwiset, I'd join the circus (if they'd have me back, that is) - did you know petrol is flammable ? We live and learn....
@thataussieblokemusicandmoviesАй бұрын
This is just the sort of thing I need to know before I order something unfamiliar. One thing I would really appreciate is to find out where to buy these things - I know that will vary depending where you are in the world, but when I can't find them in a music shop, it becomes a guessing game. Here in Australia, people are selling the Chinese Easttop Harmonicas on Facebook Marketplace, though I haven't purchased any that way. This is one of the downsides of harmonica playing - you can't try before you buy. This is where you come in, Tim. I get the feeling that there is not someone in shades standing next to you with a small bag of unmarked notes saying 'remember... only tell 'em the GOOD stuff now' - this is appreciated. The answer my friend, is blowin' in the wind...or is that OUT ?😄
@HardToBeSomeoneАй бұрын
Wondering what your settings are on the Joyo American?
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
They're shown in the video at about 1:35.
@HardToBeSomeoneАй бұрын
Yeah I thought about that after I wrote and sent “duh”. Thanks for the quick reply just the same. Great harp playing. I just picked up a Monoprice. It came a couple of days ago. I’ll have to pick up an American now. Cheers -
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
@@HardToBeSomeone No worries! Also helpful with that Monoprice is a speaker swap - I tend to put Weber Alnicos in mine. Do the Joyo first tho and see what you think - way cheaper than a new Weber - especially used, you can get a Joyo for like 20 bucks anymore. Cheers!
@landztranzАй бұрын
Playing a football, ha-ha!
@31416Ай бұрын
Thank you Tim. Always honnest and balanced reivews. I trust you. ✌️
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
ha HA! My evil plan is working! (but thank you!)
@bonedaddy6600Ай бұрын
you rock man!
@fuckbored4724Ай бұрын
I have very large hands and often wish I had a bit more harp to hold on to, so the big size of this assassin might actually be a plus for me
@VEXG32Ай бұрын
Are they responsive like the special 20 or do you need to force air through em?
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
They are not quite as responsive as the Special 20, not straight out of the box anyways. If you're willing to tinker with the reed gaps yourself, they can be made to be just as responsive, or more so, with about 5 minutes of work or less. However, the stock responsiveness per dollar ratio is excellent.
@VEXG32Ай бұрын
@@Tim48103 thanks for responding. I’m torn between one of these, a bushman delta frost, or a Stagg BJH-B20
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
@@VEXG32 The "new" Delta Frosts (Woody or Steelie) are really, really good, but kinda expensive - the "classic" Delta Frost with the plastic comb aren't all that great. I don't know the Stagg tho.
@peteaustin5327Ай бұрын
Hey Tim nice review! Yeah I think that harp is just too large. Did you try to cup it with a JT30 or something like that? Because I think my hands would get tired.
@Tim48103Ай бұрын
No, I haven't tried it with a mic, doubt I will. This is a good practice harp for overbends, and yeah, it's playability is very good, responsive, all that - but that's about it for me. Too much iron in the gob, ya know?
@goldenteledy2002Ай бұрын
I just got a Hohner Blues Bender today in the mail. This is probably the best budget harmonica that I've ever played. I was scared to go for Easttop since I know they aren't very sturdy when it comes to reeds. My two Kongshengs play well, but they're over $30USD ($29 and under is what I consider to be budget). When I bought this from Rockin' Ron, I received a call from him and said that he was looking out for me and my satisfaction with a budget harp. He knows I play pro-grade harps so he was worried that I'll be disappointed with it. But I have serious good luck when it comes to OOTB harmonicas and this one is no exception to that. It plays really well as it is super responsive and airtight for the most part, but I don't like the tuning of it. I prefer my Golden Melodies's tuning more than the Blues Bender's tuning. Other than that issue, I like it.
@MP-tf7cc2 ай бұрын
Good topic and video. Have you tried any of the other Easttop models - T002, T009 or others?
@Tim481032 ай бұрын
I've tried their upper-level "Blues Standard" which at the time had poor quality consistency. The good ones were great, the bad ones awful (I have a youtube vid about that somewhere, too). But beyond the 008 and the 003, I haven't tried any of their other inexpensive models.
@Grimmwoldds18 күн бұрын
@@Tim48103 I have a feeling the Easttop t009 would be like the Conjurer WH1006(the black dragon) you already reviewed. Conjurer and Easttop both look exactly the same in the WH1001-T10(same as the free blues look), WH1002-T002(the seydel session style), WH1005-T008K, WH1006-T009(shonrry) , and they rate them in the same order with that weird "quality high/low" bar on some of the inserts. I'm still not certain if Conjurer is assembling Easttop parts or actually having them made in the Easttop factory or simply making really high end copies. But I'm leaning towards Easttop making them or at least the parts because I've got two nearly identical pack in slips, they look that same except for the company name, the presence of FALA BLUES note chart(conjurer doesn't have that one), and the model names. Heck, they're identical wording and layout, even to a weird extra space in the "PL AYING" section.
@Tim4810318 күн бұрын
@@Grimmwoldds I think you're right - I think these are made by Easttop start to finish and then "stenciled" to Conjurer. Not sure why - I can understand why Easttop would provide stencil service to somebody like Fender, but I would imagine that Conjurer wouldn't reach much of a "new" market than Easttop already owns.... Oh well.
@markpennington94292 ай бұрын
Great playing Tim. You’ve given great reviews of a number of live performance set ups. What’s your go to rig for performing live?
@goldenteledy20022 ай бұрын
I always had a bad taste in my mouth for the original Marine Band. Mainly because most of the player-base is filled with some of most stuck-up and rudest people I've ever met online. As a Golden Melody player who hates wooden combs, I get barraded all the goddamn time by these people because they hate the tuning on them and say that I should never play them and switch to a Marine Band because it has "blues tuning" compared to the Golden Melody, which should only be used for melodies according to them. Some even had told me that if I were to play my Golden Melodies in a band situation, the band will tell me to switch to a different harp entirely. And also they are also strong tone comb and embouchre purists too. They are the main reason why I will never become a Marine Band player because they think that harmonica is the dog's bollocks when it's just terrible.
@miamistomp2 ай бұрын
Good job . I would suggest checking guitar/amp settings-kinda tinny- Voice and harp sound fine
@Tim481032 ай бұрын
I actually like that crisp guitar tone - that said, this was direct to PA via DI box, so tone was in the hands of the sound guy (but again, I thought he did fine).
@miamistomp2 ай бұрын
@@Tim48103 I guess what I am saying is , it sounds like an acoustic guitar with an 80's sounding pick up and not a natural , warm acoustic sound like is possible now. But all that matters is you are happy
@bonedaddy66002 ай бұрын
Lawds mercy!
@bonedaddy66002 ай бұрын
Man... this is so good. I felt that fellas. Bravo!
@peteaustin53272 ай бұрын
NICE !!
@landztranz2 ай бұрын
You guys are great! I'm not as thrilled with the audience. You did get some applause from the folks who were listening to you.
@Tim481032 ай бұрын
Well, yeah, but at least there was even MORE conversation going on BEFORE we started playing, lol. Thanks tho!
@landztranz2 ай бұрын
@@Tim48103 LOL! Small consolation. Well-deserved praise...pass it on.
@rubsalsero2 ай бұрын
Can you bend notes like on a regular?
@Tim481032 ай бұрын
Yes! Regular bends and OBs without using the slide.
@WolfsBlues2 ай бұрын
Sounding killer guys..loving ya work.
@danieljones86392 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@pbenson56fran2 ай бұрын
👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏🎹🎵🎶🎼if I were there I would have a smile on my face. I love live music especially Jazz, blues, and soul. ❤❤❤❤❤
@Tim481032 ай бұрын
Too bad you weren't there - we'd have loved to play for you!
@pbenson56fran2 ай бұрын
@@Tim48103 what a nice thought. (Smile) Y'all keep playing till you choose to retire. Have a wonderful day
@pbenson56fran2 ай бұрын
Such a real emotional soulful way of singing this song. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. Love the harp player's portion to this classic song. 4:17 ❤❤❤❤❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
@Tim481032 ай бұрын
Thank you! And yeah, Danny has a great voice - unique. It's excellent to be playing with him.
@heinzdieb25262 ай бұрын
Love this song and you guys too! Great!
@tnysteph2 ай бұрын
Wow! What a great job covering this classic song.
@tnysteph2 ай бұрын
Great job guys. The harmonica is why I played the video. I play a harp also. Five stars to both of you. Please post more videos.
@Tim481032 ай бұрын
(be careful of what you wish for, lol...)
@EleniEliades_2 ай бұрын
Oh wow, I absolutely LOOOOVE Ann Arbor! Spent many amazing years there then eventually lived and worked there. That city is full of memories ; wonderful and some not so much. For the most part, beautiful feelings of people and occurrences that will stay with me forever. Great rendition of this song. I really miss Ann Arbor ~🎉❤
@bonedaddy66002 ай бұрын
Hell yeah fellas! have mercy!
@bonedaddy66002 ай бұрын
Love this!
@danmarchuk36172 ай бұрын
My Bb is on the way!
@guit8132 ай бұрын
That was a Puck you compared it to. Not nearly as large as Marine Band. But, aside from that...good review.
@Tim481032 ай бұрын
^oO^
@Dustin-xp7xq2 ай бұрын
Is it harder to bend notes on the orange one. I play seydel lighting but also i play rocket amp cause depends on song. I also play seydel orange ones. But joles are so small. It bad. Its better with larger holes for me to bend notes for longer time and but the green ones for me i blow the reed on 6 hole too much. Lol. Ok great video thanks for you time. Sounds great.
Пікірлер
Here in the UK they are even more expensive. Even the Fender Deluxe is the equivalent of $20. Lee Oskars are prohibitive at around £50 - that's near enough $60.
Don’t short change yourself brother you are a baddass player too! I’m trying to decide between the Wilde tuning and the powerbender. Both have pros and cons but I’m trying to make my mind up since I’m dropping $110 on the 1847. Have you played the powerbender? Do you find the Wilde tuning is pretty intuitive? Thanks
@@cincinnatipedalsteel4347 hey, thanks. I have not played the power bender, no, so I can't comment on their relative benefits. Yes, the Wilde tuning is intuitive and easy to learn. But, get a low key. In the vid I use an A, and even that is hard to use in the upper octave. I would imagine a C harp would be a bear. So if you're gonna go for it, get a Bb or lower.... Cheers!
Welded or riveted reeds?
I got that A one and it doesn’t sound ANYTHING like that. Maybe cause I suck but still 😭
This is awesome!
Thanks man - are you THE Bluesdad opening for us in August at Crazy Wisdom? If so - pleasedtameetcha!
Yes, excited to meet you and hear your set-big time.
So soulful-this song
Q U E S T I O N - I've been looking for a standard-tuned (NOT blues) VALVELESS chromatic harmonica in the keys of G or any other EXCEPT C (which I already have way too many). Are all the Trochilus chromatics sold on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, etc. ONLY in blues tunings??? Any info will be greatly appreciated.
No, they also come in something they call "pop" tuning, which, I'm told is a variant of Paddy, as well as a pure chromatic version. However, you'd have to dig into it a bit to see how the latter would compare to a more traditional chromatic (which I don't play). You could probably get some info from the folks at Bushman Harmonicas here in Michigan - they also sell a stenciled version under their own brand called "the game changer". They'd probably be able to send you tuning charts and such. Good luck!
Thanks man! Was thinking of splashing out on one of these now I don't think I will lol
And the Signature model is supposedly even better, is it not, Tim?
Well, the Signature model uses Hohner Crossover reedplates as opposed to the Kongshengs that the Origin uses. Beyond that, there may be extra tweaking and such. But one presumes that there would be performance differences given the near 2x increase in cost.... I haven't saved up enough nickels to find out tho.
Thank you!
Now with the recent price markdowns, the Suzuki Bluesmaster is now in the $30 range. I absolutely love playing them as much as my signature harp, the original Hohner Golden Melody. Not only are they comfortable to hold, but they have a bluesy sounding rasp to their timbre. I especially love how I can control the hand-wah and make that little harmonica 'cry' in combination with its big tone and the Terry McMillan style licks that I play. I'm more of a country player, but these Suzuki Bluesmasters rock!
I agree. The Bluesmaster is a wonderful harp!
This fellow mumbles to much as he lets his voice trail off. Speak up! Step up to the mic! I am interested in what you're saying.
lol. you and my wife could have a long and meaningful conversation. Most of OUR conversations is me saying deep and meaningful things and her saying SPEAK THE HELL UP, MAN - Your coffee isn't' the only thing in the room wants to hear what you're saying!!! (I'll make a note, tho)
Hey, there. OG Golden Melody player here. I have been playing the original version since 2020. I bought one because 1. I thought the design looked cute; and 2. Terry McMillan played them all the time and I wanted to sound like him. I always loved the shape and tuning of the original, however many "players" on Facebook wanted me to play a Marine Band or a different harmonica that isn't a GM because they think it's poorly tuned. I have been told this for many years because I play more than just melodies on them. I do a lot of Terry McMillan's repertoire, which is mainly blues scale-based country and gospel licks, and he knew how to get the most out of those harps with the limited range he could play with only bends, not knowing how to overblow/overdraw. He gave them such an iconic sound that made him stand out from other country players. So I kept buying them because I love the sound and feel of them. I was originally skeptical of the harmonica's recent design change, but I found it to be pretty good out of the box. I haven't tried taking it apart because I don't have a torx screwdriver, so I can't testify about the cover plates. But it has a slightly brighter sound than the old one. I loved how sweet and raspy the old one's timbre was so it seemed like there was a slight tonal change about it. The only complaint that I have with it is what the divet in the back is for. It was marketed as "a place to hold your fingers at", but I find that to be BS. If it was to keep the cover plates crushproof, they should've said that than the latter comment.
Hey man, thanks for the review. I'm just wondering, can you use the slide to get the flatted 5th in hole 2, and the natural 6th in hole 3? So, on a C harp, that would be Gb on hole 2, and A on hole three. I'm looking at the tuning chart, and despite it saying the richter version is fully chromatic now with the slide, I don't see those notes on their tuning chart at all.
I am 25 getting in to the harmonica and i am mad that i cant Get a old one in c in Norway anymore. Expensive to import anything 😢
I just pulled the trigger on getting a Fender in key of G. Debating now to get the A or Bb one
I’d like East Top a whole lot better if it weren’t for that nasty taste the paint leaves in the mouth. I heard a lot people complain about that. When I was buying my first chromatic harmonica I went for an East Top Forerunner as it was so affordable. They seemed to get good reviews. But as soon as I tried it I thought “there’s that horrible taste everyone was talking about with the diatonic harmonicas”. I don’t thinks it’s even a matter of cheaper materials. If you don’t use paint at all, there would surely be no problem? I’ve never tried Kongsheng or Fender. The name ‘Amazing 20’ is a turn off for me as it sounds like a cheap Special 20 knock-off. But I’ve toyed with the idea of getting a few Baby Fats just for fun, so I can have something relatively cheap as a carry-around harmonica. That way I don’t have to risk sitting on my MB Deluxe or 1847s, or accidentally leaving them on the bus!
lol - the Baby Fats ARE fun little harps - but not toys - they're put together well and play well, too. I just can't get around not having the upper octave, feels like I'm missing something.... but for pocket harps, they're great.
@@Tim48103 to clarify, I don’t think they’re toys - I was toying with the idea of getting some. It’d be nice to have something compact and relatively inexpensive that I can carry around in case I get the urge to play something, without having to carry around my more expensive harmonica’s.
@@GrilloTheFlightless Then these will do you just fine!
Dayum you can toot those! I'll never be that good BUT I might just buy this set. It's been... 40 years since. Time flies.
It does. Don't blink.
You are awesome, I'm just about to buy them
When I heard about the American Sound pedal, I kept an eye out for a used one and got it. Still trying it with an amp to get the settings right, but took a screenshot of your settings. I know you can use the same mic and harp and get nowhere near the same sound, but at least it's an idea. I know I've written this before, but this is the stuff I need to hear before I drop big money - you are giving people a much needed guide to things and letting them make up their mind. I wouldn't have bought a Lone Wolf product, as they are even more expensive. The Jason Ricci microphone alone is $500 here in Australia. The Hohner HB52 will do me - that was just over $200 here, though I did buy a King Bee Mic from Bone Daddy and I'm happy with that. I like small mics - was never going to buy a Green Bullet just because of its reputation as I like everything to feel good so I can concentrate on using the instrument itself and that mic is quite large, I believe. I like to feel like the mic and harp are one thing, as opposed to feel I'm juggling - otherwiset, I'd join the circus (if they'd have me back, that is) - did you know petrol is flammable ? We live and learn....
This is just the sort of thing I need to know before I order something unfamiliar. One thing I would really appreciate is to find out where to buy these things - I know that will vary depending where you are in the world, but when I can't find them in a music shop, it becomes a guessing game. Here in Australia, people are selling the Chinese Easttop Harmonicas on Facebook Marketplace, though I haven't purchased any that way. This is one of the downsides of harmonica playing - you can't try before you buy. This is where you come in, Tim. I get the feeling that there is not someone in shades standing next to you with a small bag of unmarked notes saying 'remember... only tell 'em the GOOD stuff now' - this is appreciated. The answer my friend, is blowin' in the wind...or is that OUT ?😄
Wondering what your settings are on the Joyo American?
They're shown in the video at about 1:35.
Yeah I thought about that after I wrote and sent “duh”. Thanks for the quick reply just the same. Great harp playing. I just picked up a Monoprice. It came a couple of days ago. I’ll have to pick up an American now. Cheers -
@@HardToBeSomeone No worries! Also helpful with that Monoprice is a speaker swap - I tend to put Weber Alnicos in mine. Do the Joyo first tho and see what you think - way cheaper than a new Weber - especially used, you can get a Joyo for like 20 bucks anymore. Cheers!
Playing a football, ha-ha!
Thank you Tim. Always honnest and balanced reivews. I trust you. ✌️
ha HA! My evil plan is working! (but thank you!)
you rock man!
I have very large hands and often wish I had a bit more harp to hold on to, so the big size of this assassin might actually be a plus for me
Are they responsive like the special 20 or do you need to force air through em?
They are not quite as responsive as the Special 20, not straight out of the box anyways. If you're willing to tinker with the reed gaps yourself, they can be made to be just as responsive, or more so, with about 5 minutes of work or less. However, the stock responsiveness per dollar ratio is excellent.
@@Tim48103 thanks for responding. I’m torn between one of these, a bushman delta frost, or a Stagg BJH-B20
@@VEXG32 The "new" Delta Frosts (Woody or Steelie) are really, really good, but kinda expensive - the "classic" Delta Frost with the plastic comb aren't all that great. I don't know the Stagg tho.
Hey Tim nice review! Yeah I think that harp is just too large. Did you try to cup it with a JT30 or something like that? Because I think my hands would get tired.
No, I haven't tried it with a mic, doubt I will. This is a good practice harp for overbends, and yeah, it's playability is very good, responsive, all that - but that's about it for me. Too much iron in the gob, ya know?
I just got a Hohner Blues Bender today in the mail. This is probably the best budget harmonica that I've ever played. I was scared to go for Easttop since I know they aren't very sturdy when it comes to reeds. My two Kongshengs play well, but they're over $30USD ($29 and under is what I consider to be budget). When I bought this from Rockin' Ron, I received a call from him and said that he was looking out for me and my satisfaction with a budget harp. He knows I play pro-grade harps so he was worried that I'll be disappointed with it. But I have serious good luck when it comes to OOTB harmonicas and this one is no exception to that. It plays really well as it is super responsive and airtight for the most part, but I don't like the tuning of it. I prefer my Golden Melodies's tuning more than the Blues Bender's tuning. Other than that issue, I like it.
Good topic and video. Have you tried any of the other Easttop models - T002, T009 or others?
I've tried their upper-level "Blues Standard" which at the time had poor quality consistency. The good ones were great, the bad ones awful (I have a youtube vid about that somewhere, too). But beyond the 008 and the 003, I haven't tried any of their other inexpensive models.
@@Tim48103 I have a feeling the Easttop t009 would be like the Conjurer WH1006(the black dragon) you already reviewed. Conjurer and Easttop both look exactly the same in the WH1001-T10(same as the free blues look), WH1002-T002(the seydel session style), WH1005-T008K, WH1006-T009(shonrry) , and they rate them in the same order with that weird "quality high/low" bar on some of the inserts. I'm still not certain if Conjurer is assembling Easttop parts or actually having them made in the Easttop factory or simply making really high end copies. But I'm leaning towards Easttop making them or at least the parts because I've got two nearly identical pack in slips, they look that same except for the company name, the presence of FALA BLUES note chart(conjurer doesn't have that one), and the model names. Heck, they're identical wording and layout, even to a weird extra space in the "PL AYING" section.
@@Grimmwoldds I think you're right - I think these are made by Easttop start to finish and then "stenciled" to Conjurer. Not sure why - I can understand why Easttop would provide stencil service to somebody like Fender, but I would imagine that Conjurer wouldn't reach much of a "new" market than Easttop already owns.... Oh well.
Great playing Tim. You’ve given great reviews of a number of live performance set ups. What’s your go to rig for performing live?
I always had a bad taste in my mouth for the original Marine Band. Mainly because most of the player-base is filled with some of most stuck-up and rudest people I've ever met online. As a Golden Melody player who hates wooden combs, I get barraded all the goddamn time by these people because they hate the tuning on them and say that I should never play them and switch to a Marine Band because it has "blues tuning" compared to the Golden Melody, which should only be used for melodies according to them. Some even had told me that if I were to play my Golden Melodies in a band situation, the band will tell me to switch to a different harp entirely. And also they are also strong tone comb and embouchre purists too. They are the main reason why I will never become a Marine Band player because they think that harmonica is the dog's bollocks when it's just terrible.
Good job . I would suggest checking guitar/amp settings-kinda tinny- Voice and harp sound fine
I actually like that crisp guitar tone - that said, this was direct to PA via DI box, so tone was in the hands of the sound guy (but again, I thought he did fine).
@@Tim48103 I guess what I am saying is , it sounds like an acoustic guitar with an 80's sounding pick up and not a natural , warm acoustic sound like is possible now. But all that matters is you are happy
Lawds mercy!
Man... this is so good. I felt that fellas. Bravo!
NICE !!
You guys are great! I'm not as thrilled with the audience. You did get some applause from the folks who were listening to you.
Well, yeah, but at least there was even MORE conversation going on BEFORE we started playing, lol. Thanks tho!
@@Tim48103 LOL! Small consolation. Well-deserved praise...pass it on.
Can you bend notes like on a regular?
Yes! Regular bends and OBs without using the slide.
Sounding killer guys..loving ya work.
Glad you enjoyed it
👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏🎹🎵🎶🎼if I were there I would have a smile on my face. I love live music especially Jazz, blues, and soul. ❤❤❤❤❤
Too bad you weren't there - we'd have loved to play for you!
@@Tim48103 what a nice thought. (Smile) Y'all keep playing till you choose to retire. Have a wonderful day
Such a real emotional soulful way of singing this song. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. Love the harp player's portion to this classic song. 4:17 ❤❤❤❤❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you! And yeah, Danny has a great voice - unique. It's excellent to be playing with him.
Love this song and you guys too! Great!
Wow! What a great job covering this classic song.
Great job guys. The harmonica is why I played the video. I play a harp also. Five stars to both of you. Please post more videos.
(be careful of what you wish for, lol...)
Oh wow, I absolutely LOOOOVE Ann Arbor! Spent many amazing years there then eventually lived and worked there. That city is full of memories ; wonderful and some not so much. For the most part, beautiful feelings of people and occurrences that will stay with me forever. Great rendition of this song. I really miss Ann Arbor ~🎉❤
Hell yeah fellas! have mercy!
Love this!
My Bb is on the way!
That was a Puck you compared it to. Not nearly as large as Marine Band. But, aside from that...good review.
^oO^
Is it harder to bend notes on the orange one. I play seydel lighting but also i play rocket amp cause depends on song. I also play seydel orange ones. But joles are so small. It bad. Its better with larger holes for me to bend notes for longer time and but the green ones for me i blow the reed on 6 hole too much. Lol. Ok great video thanks for you time. Sounds great.
Just got one myself! Sounds fun!