I wanted to do a short post about custom Harmonica’s after I saw someone asking about Deak Harp and his custom pieces.
When purchasing a custom Harmonica one must consider what they are trying to accomplish before spending the money. The style and overall breath force that a player usually uses is also a huge factor. A good customizer will talk to you about your style of play and how hard or soft you really play. He will also ask you about your experience with bending, overblows, and overdraws.
There are usually several tiers a customizer will offer. The price will increase depending on how much actual work you want done on your new custom Harmonica. Setting the action for your breath force and style, as well as setting up the Harp for over blows (if you wish to get them easier) is critical. Do not buy a prebuilt custom Harmonica that has not been adjusted or tailored for you personally. All of the best customizers offer several levels of customization as well as many different options for setting up the action.
You also will get a Harmonica that takes much less breath force to produce sound. This is a huge bonus when spending money on a custom Harmonica.
I agree as my ability should always be the weakest link in my chain. A good harp tech put in years to really be able to set a harp up right. I also like a harp that plays without excessive force.
I really enjoy playing a harp but do not care to try to get one exactly right as I do not have years of knowledge or the equipment to tune a harp, up just right. Some notes vary of from say 442 ctz. Air leaks, bends in reed plates, etc can be very frustrating to deal with. I pick the best I can found and never regretted it. I am willing to pay to et it done right.Like many on this forum my tech goes out of his way to help me with things you need to learn and he does it because he is doing something he enjoys. I/M/O getting a harp set up right will save you time and help your play.
The tech I use takes care of the big boys that travel to play and have been recorded. He has a back log and why he takes time to deal with a never will be is a mystery but all his clients get the same level of service.
Just like reputable car customizers, the good stuff is expensive cause it takes expertise and time along with reliable parts. Your level of playability (years of experience) makes a huge difference in whether a customized harp is of notable benefit. That’s my 2 cents worth LOL.
I am the one who asked about Deak. Thank you for posting this. I am in no way ready for a custom harp but I wanted something to work up to. I have several harps. A Special 20 a Crossover and a Suzuki Promaster are the ones I use the most. I wasn’t really ready for the Crossover. It’s in a league of its own. I actually accidentally bought it on EBay. I got a great deal though. I like the finer things in life. Custom stuff is great. I’ve seen a lot of people here today gone tomorrow.(example distracted drivers, medical issues etc) So I figured I better go ahead and put my order in just in case. Or I could lose my job or become unable to work. My custom harp will be for special occasions until I feel comfortable to show off my skills. It’s also motivation! When I get the harp I will have a piece of art from a man who has played and learned from some legendary harp players while also building harps for some legends. There are some great customizers out there. I picked Deak because he is a legend himself. I lived in Mississippi for several years and fell in love with the blues. Got to stand at the Crossroads, explore Clarksdale and Memphis. Those are my reasons. It’s only money! I can make more if that. Hopefully I made an investment in my future. Don’t spend money you don’t have though it’s never really smart. On the other hand live each day like it’s your last.
Hey @Screamingchicken - to be honest (and I’m not advising you to not buy one of Deak’s harps -I definitely think you should when you’re ready, but) one of the most fun parts about getting a custom harp is choosing a beautiful custom comb.
I recommend just buying a Marine Band Deluxe or Special 20 from Todd Parrott and having him install one of the combs for you. I think he’ll do it for you for like $100 out the door. And I tell you what: he says he doesn’t customize them, but every one I’ve ever bought from him has played, sounded, and looked amazing. I would take one of those over a Crossover any day of the week.
I’m sure he’s super busy right now with his North Carolina Harp Fest having just ended, so I’d give him a couple weeks before reaching out, but that’s how I would recommend delving into the world of custom harmonicas.
