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Suzuki MR-200 HARPMASTER
Suzuki have added a new 10-hole diatonic to their range. It
is called the Harpmaster MR-200 and in many ways is similar
to their Bluesmaster model, the most obvious difference being
that the Harpmaster has a more traditional cover shape than
both the Bluesmaster and the ProMaster. The covers are made
of stainless steel with minimal engraving and feel very comfortable
in the hands, all the corners and edges being nicely rounded.
The reedplates are plain brass of fairly standard thickness
(.9mm or .035") and are recessed into the comb, which is
made from black ABS. The reedplates are secured with three screws
(although they have seven screw holes) and the reeds are spotwelded
to the reedplate. The sample I have is in the key of C and the
reeds are similar to the those used on the MR-300 Overdrive,
comparable in length to the short slot reeds of both Hohner
and Tombo and . Tolerances between reeds and reedplates are
very good and reed adjustment is very consistent, all reeds
being set with a fairly average offset. Tuning is very good,
Equal Temperament at around A=443Hz. The tuning appears to have
been done by scratching near the base with perhaps a rotary
tool, rather than the laser tuning that Suzuki use on other
models. This is done very neatly and mostly along the length
of the reed, rather than across it. Another difference between
the Harpmaster and the Bluesmaster is that the reeds themselves
are of a
brass alloy, rather than the phosphor bronze used on the latter.
The Harpmaster is very responsive and sings with very little
player effort. It probably wouldn't be the first choice for
hardcore overblowers, but it handles traditional bending techniques
with no problem at all. The tone is clear and bright, perhaps
a little too bright for some, but if you like how the other
Suzuki harps sound, you'll like this one too. It's a little
early to tell what the reed longevity will be like, but Suzuki
harps generally have a good reputation in this regard and it
is certainly holding up well so far. Although there
is nothing earth-shatteringly innovative about it, all in all
this is a very good quality diatonic harmonica. About the only
thing I didn't particularly like about was its plastic case
- it would have been nice to have had something in which the
harp fitted more snugly, rather than rattling around a little
loose inside it. Hardly a major gripe, though.It will be available
in all 12 standard keys, although it is not certain at this
point whether replacement reedplates will be available. I am
told that the UK retail price will be
£15.95, including VAT. Retail prices for other countries
have yet to be set, but the Harpmaster will be a little lower
in price than the Bluesmaster, making it good value for money.
Pat Missin
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