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]

From: Anita Nalley
Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 21:44:11 -0700
Subject: Availability of different manufacturers

Warning: newbie to Harp-l (and fairly new on harp!)
So many questions I would like to ask, but let's start with diatonic
first:
I have gone through the usual assortment of harps--Pocket Pals and Blues
Bands, then Marine Bands and one Special 20. All by Horner.
I've been wanting to try Silvertones by Huang. They've been suggested
as a good starter harp, and inexpensive. (I've been thinking about a
less expensive harp to pack in the purse, and to recommend to kids.)
Also wanted to try the Star Performer.

Now, when I've gone looking for Huang models, I've been told a variety
of stories. I spoke to a wholesaler who thought they were wonderful.
Called back later to put in an order, and was put off this idea by the
customer service rep who told me that Huang were just knockoff imports
of lesser quality than Horners.

A local store told me that they did not carry Huang harps for the above
reason. They told me I should try a Big River instead, described as
"very inexpensive". (According to your FAQ/Brands the Big River is a
harp with replaceable reeds--which hardly sounds like a beginner's
harp!) Another local store told me several months ago that Huang had
gone out of business.

OK--what's the deal? Did Huang go out of business since the FAQ was
designed? Are all of their diatonics regarded as poor quality? Or am I
running into a problem with brand/supplier loyalty of the individual
store. (I can't attribute it to personal preference--most of the sales
personnel told me they do not play harp.)

BTW--when I visited family in San Jose, California, I visited one of the
top music stores in the area. Big favorite among Nor. Cal.
musicians--at least guitarists. When I inquired about the models and
costs of Huang chromatics, I was informed that they had never heard of
Huang. The clerk told me that as far as he knew, Horner was the only
company who ever made chromatics--and inquired as to why I would want
anything else! Help!

Anita Nalley
Vacaville, CA