Todd Parrott - Meisterklasse Harmonicas (Non-MS)

[8ittermand]

I have one non-MS Meisterklasse in D still sounding strong and remember when bying my first MS Meisterklasse (around 1992-93 I think) that they sounded inferior and they were not as comfortable to play. But I have to disagree with you on the Suzuki ProMaster. When I first played one I found it even better than the non-MS Meisterklasse - just as great a tone but better and easier and more precise in note bending.

[nkowacich]

Todd, there is a non MS Meisterklasse on sale at auction on Ebay. Might check it out.

[AceOfHarps]

@nkowacich - I looked, but didn't see it out there....

[builderofstuff]

I wonder what meisterklasse plates would sound like on a GM comb with GM coverplates? hmmmm LOL

[17silence]

Hello Todd. I used to play with a hohner blues harp. I have two, and they both got detuned with time. My sister lives in germany and she bought me a meisterklasse ms. I'm a little affraid of being dissapoinment when I have it. and also what MS means? and what is the wrong thing with this armonicas? thanks

[AceOfHarps]

@17silence The "MS" stands for Modular System, which was a line of harps they began producing to allow replacement reed plates and parts to fit interchangeably into all of the MS models. I was never a fan of the MS Meisterklasse - I prefer the original, non-MS version, but ssdly, they have been discontinued.

[nkowacich]

Todd, I have anoriginal Meisterklasse. Will the MS replacement reeds work on my harp?

[AceOfHarps]

@nkowacich Unfortunately they will not - they are too large. I wish Hohner still produced the old Meisterklasses.

[ReedBender1]

Todd thanks for your presentation, it is most informative and well appreciated.My MS blew out faster than my regular blues harps,pity cause it cost so much and just looked and felt so good to hold...ha ha.. Nice playing btw ! It is great to hear someone like yourself who comes across as well informed, friendly and sincere....and talented.........thanks.

[08shanmarie]

I miss you bestest Uncle in the world lol i can't wait to see you!!

[fattrucker01]

i've got an original meisterclasse 580 in C, funny you used the word stiff, it's the word that's always come to mind for me in describing it. i play mostly spec 20's.

[vvvultrasz2]

I've got since today also a hohner meisterklasse classic...unbelieveble!!! Good playing!

Greetings

Konstantin

[SuperCat]

I have two MS harps a blues harp and a pro harp, never thought much of them, they just didnt have that oomph...

[sora10003]

where did you get the harmonica i want one of thoses p.s. you rock man

[AceOfHarps]

Thanks! These harps have been discontinued for more than 10 years now. I've had these for some time. You may be able to find a few pieces left at harponline.

[ryankb1234]

Hello todd. I have a few qeustions for you. Have you tried the brass replacement reed plates in the new MS instead of the plates it comes with? I think the tone will be better, but your more of an equal temperment than just player( just an idea). I have a harp dilema myself. I played lee oskers for 8 years, special 20's for 10 and now merine bands for 4. I love the sound quality of a good M.B.,but the consistency and durability of these harps is terrible! Durability wise what do think?

[AceOfHarps]

Nope, haven't tried replacement plates for MS harps, because I don't play the MS harps in general. I don't think any out of the box harmonicas are too durable anymore, though Lee Oskars (which are really Tombos) seem to outlast them all. I stopped playing marine Bands around 1991, and switched to Golden Melodies. Custom harps may be something you're interested in, as they tend to last longer as well. Try Joe Spiers' harps, or Brad Harrison. Both are great.

[harpo10]

The M.S. plates are not very good. Even though they have thicker reedplates, they dont have very good response, Even with extensive reedwork.

They can be improved on but they are not anywhere as good as the classic series. All opinion in the end. The old giant rivets were horrible. If you moved the reed sideways they were a nightmare to get centered. They would spring back from the point you moved them. Very aggravating But the machining quality was awesome visually. Cant judge a book by its ...

[Diggsblues]

Great playing! I'm not a fan of MS anything.

[AceOfHarps]

Me either! They used to claim that the MS series was for the purpose of changing reed plates, but other manufacturers offer interchangeable reed plates without the bulkiness of the MS harps.

[slingger3]

I just love the way you Toot. The High notes are Awesome.

[dangerousdaveT]

You must be right about Meisterklasse -F# never usually sounds so sweet-could be your great technique though!

[sarkastica2007]

Great job, man keep up the good work.

[shaunwaggy]

I was also inspired to play by David Mckemy. He came to our church in 1992 (I was 12) and I've been playing ever since. Since then, I've been heavily influenced by Terry Mcmillan. I really like your style also. I just found you by looking up some stuff on Buddy Greene. I went to your website and saw you have an album coming out. When will it release?? I will definitely buy a copy. Keep up the good work.

[AceOfHarps]

My project has been evolving very slowly, as I am doing all of the production work & playing most of the instruments myself. Stay tuned for updates....

[shaunwaggy]

David Mckemy is the one that inspired me to play also. He came to our church back in 1992 (I was 12), and I've been playing ever since. The first thing I did was learn every song on "straight from the Harp" lol After a couple of years, I started listening to Terry Mcmillan a lot and started picking up a lot of his riffs.

[AceOfHarps]

David is a great guy & a great musician. I will always cherish his album, "Straight From The Harp". Now, Terry McMillan was the man... Sure, there are other players who could do more fancy licks, but Terry had them ALL beat, just by his style, which is something many harp players don't understand. Terry didn't play to impress harp players, he played what people liked to hear & did it with such passion. He was one of my heroes & will surely be missed. He definitely influenced my playing.

[paltieri11]

Todd thanks for the video....question.....any method you recommend to start playing the harmonica...i do play a bit of guitar....so looking for videos...etc..and dont know if to go for the diatonic or chromatic...just love the idea of getting those sharps and flats..need some help here...keep the good work!

[AceOfHarps]

Well, as for sharps & flats, you should be able to achieve most of the notes you need by bending the notes on a diatonic. I personally don't play much chromatic, mainly because I just prefer the sound of a diatonic. As for instructional methods, I would suggest harmonicalessons (dot com). If you already play the guitar, you have more of head start than I had when I started, as harmonica was my first instrument & I knew nothing about music. Just e-mail me if you ever need help with anything.