From: Debbie Hamper Temple Date: Wed, 19 May 1999 03:16:30 -0400 Subject: Bass Harp Blues
Hi Group,
If I don't blow off steam somewhere, there will be no sleep to be had tonight. A few months ago, after my mother's estate was settled, I was determined to spend a portion on myself, my mother's last special gift to me, you might say, and it was to be on a bass harp. I think she would have liked that as it was her and my late father's influence that brought me into the harp world, playing chromatic.
Well, I ordered a new one from Farrell's to find it backordered from Hohner Germany. This was early last March. For those of you who don't know, Hohner Germany was bought out by a Taiwanese company who has laid off personnel and is currently in process of moving the German plant. These details come from Farrell's and Harp Depot.
Here it is over 11 weeks later and still no sign of my bass harp (Oh but Farrell's did immediately charge my credit card back in early March). Also on backorder are reed plates for my MK, also prepaid and no sign of the goods months later. Now I know Farrell's is an excellent company and it isn't their fault, but I'm upset for other reasons right now, so allow me this steam-blowing.
I started checking other sources that listed nearly the same price for a bass harp: Harp City---going out of business, Harp Depot and Joe's Virtual Music shop---more equipped than Farrell's right now and also excellent service, but no one has a bass harp in stock.
No offense to our Taiwanese harp players, but I trusted the Germans in making harps; I don't know if the quality will remain the same with this new takeover of Hohner. Add to this that I have been waiting for over 11 weeks, and I'm mighty insecure about this purchase from them.
So I've been watching the e-Bay auctions. Saw an excellent shape old bass go for the price of a brand new one. Tried to bid but it went way out of my ball park for a used harp.
Saw an old 'student' bass; not sure if I wanted this and dropped out when the price of it went way over its worth.
Saw another 265, well used but nicely customized, dropped out of the bidding when it went over the price that I knew the seller wanted for it. Inquired about a 2nd bass this same seller had and it was too well used IMO. (I really want one that is in good enough shape that it doesn't defeat me before I learn how to play it!)
Had a kick in the face when a member of our harp band who buys harmonicas for the sake of buying them, bought a 265 bass in immacculate shape from an aquaintence of his, for $25. He wasn't even in the market for one. No, he doesn't play nor does he intend to learn, but its his new toy and he's not interested in selling it for any price. It is his prerogative.
So earlier today I checked e-Bay. Another 265 is listed, half day left, no bidders yet, starting price $99! I was excited. Querried the seller (from New Zealand yet) answers were positive and harp was practically immaculate. I bid. Checked in later in the evening and found a little competition. My last bid was $136.00. I got up at 1:30 a.m. to follow the last 20 min. of the auction. I had been outbid. Placed a meager follow up bid, willing to go quite a bit higher but didn't shoot the whole wad in that bid (my mistake). Well, it was mine...almost. I watched the last minutes click down...38 seconds left and a new bidder surfaces. I couldn't type fast enough to make the next bid and lost (and I would have gone $50 more). The price the winner got it for was a damn steal.
So, I sit here writing about this at 3 a.m. I am a patient person and not usually so easily upset, but this is torture! I was sooooo close, I could feel it in my hands!
So I remain (bass) harpless. :-{{{{{{{{{
Best wishes and better luck on your harp ventures, Debbie (theharper) Temple
