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Tested Model: Prototype in the key of C.
During the Saint-Aignan harmonica festival, I've been fortunate
enough to try a prototype of all-bending harp made by Brendan.
The principle of this harp is to provide the player with the
notes missing from the regular diatonics (see the Richter harps
page) through regular bending. The approach differs from the
XB-40 one as Rick Epping's instrument provides double bends
on all the draw and blow notes, while Brendan's only adds the
missing notes, resulting in less choice notes available to the
player.
These specifications have somehow allowed Brendan to build
a very small harp. The harp is based on the Suzuki Pro Harp,
with slightly larger holes. When holding it, the sensation is
exactly the same as holding a standard bluesharp.
The playability is excellent. The harp is airtight and all
the usual bends are easy to obtain. The additional bends are
as easy to obtain as the traditional ones.
It so easy to adapt to this new harp that after 5 minutes I've
forgotten it was not a standard bluesharp.
This harmonica is simply amazing. It gives access to the missing
notes and allows to forge a beautiful tone, in a pocket size.
I don't know if this harp will be commercialized one day. It
would really be a shame if it is not.
Laurent Vigouroux
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