I would like to bang the drum for the "Dannecker Blues Harmonica" here in the U.K we have Antony Dannecker harmonica specialist. My wife got me one of these for xmas and its a joy to play and hold. Pricewise its higher than Seydel 1847 you will be looking at paying £80 I think thats now around $115. This Harmonica is loud, feels good in the hand, solid in construction, is smooth on the tongue and lips. Take a look at his website www.antonydannecker.com He can also upgrade your Hohner special 20's. I may not be the best harmonica player but I can tell the difference between a Rolls Royce and a Ford. When your a Dannecker customer your Harmonica is serviced to the standards of a Charlie Musslewhite, Larry Adler and many others.

Just for info, Antony Dannecker has upgraded his website and now offers loads more models of harps for modification, if you're into custom harps that is!

Website is - www.antonydannecker.com

IanKnights, "If I am into custom harps that is" seems like a statement of slur... I happend to find that my early purchases of factory line models let me down so frequently I figured that these professionals, the leading players, had a trick up their sleeves, and it is, they play the best, have them serviced regular, and probably purchase more Harps in a year than I will in the rest of my life. I think we all know the top violinists strive to own a Stradivarius. Thats the trick, all performers use the best tools and no way will us lesser mortals get near their performance. If you want to be as good as them get on a level playing field. Hope you get my jist.

Not sure YOU got my jist, Cliff!

I hardly think me pointing out AD has a new website on a harp forum is a slur - quite the opposite in fact!!

I merely added that comment as I am certain many harp players on this forum will NEVER buy a custom harp as they will not feel the need to. Indeed it would seem to me that many good players out there swear by 'out of the box' harps and don't purchase custom harps but do their own tinkering instead.

And if you dig around in this forum you will see I have actually purchased one of Antonys custom harps - Special 20 (C), since my original post.



Post Edited (2010-05-10 12:01:25)

Ian, nothing wrong in any thing you have said, just set me wondering is there a thing about custom harps being a put down. As for Antony Dannecker, I would not put him in the slot of a tinkerer or a customiser. He is a professional Harmonica specialist running his own business with a great pedigree. No harm done to me or you I hope . Thanks for the communications.

No harm at all.

But, to clear the matter up, I said that "many good players out there....tinker..." I DID NOT imply Antony Dannecker is "tinkering" with harps, he is indeed a "Professional Harmonica Craftsmen".

P.S. My SP20 from Antony is awesome!



Post Edited (2010-05-11 11:41:11)

Antony has come on a bundle, his revamped web has an enlarged retail list, but I am sorry to see the Hohner 580 Meisterklasse MS has been dropped.



Post Edited (2010-05-12 17:59:34)

He still does the 580 Meisterklasse MS - look under Harmonicas (57), Dannecker Custom MS Range (5) - it's the last one listed.

Thanks Ian, I must have missed it, I have three Miesterklasse harps and was thinking of adding another key F, I have found them very smooth to play. I'll get back on to his site.

You are most welcome!

Are your Meisterclasse harps from AD or will your next one be the first from him?

Ian, the M.Hohner 580 Meisterklasse cross MS. combination Harmonicas I bought from A.D in 2009 were fitted with a gold plated synthetic comb Meisterklasse reed plates and chrome covers were £35 + vat. I see that his new catalogue shows this harp now features a Hohner anodised aluminium combination comb fitted with either Meisterklasse chrome or brass reed plates (customers choice) this model is a Dannecker custom build said to exceed shop bought instruments but the cost now is £80 + the harps I bought at £35 + seem to me to be spot on, no trouble with them at all. One of my main reasons for buying the £35 harp was that it was exactly same shape as his own Dannecker Blues model that I already had (now £95) and that harp I was also pleased with, feels lovely in the hand and I have not had any trouble with any of his harps regarding leakage or difficult to play notes. Keep on Harpin. Harmusman

Thanks for the feedback Cliff. He does produce quality instruments - I am well chuffed with the SP20 from him. Maybe, just maybe, at some point in the future I will invest in one of his higher end instruments, once my abilities can justify such an investment!

Just something of interest here Ian, saw Paul Jones a while back, and gave him my Dannecker, asked him to sign the box, on opening he exclaimed "wow! that's some harp and some weight, its just like the Meisterklasse" I just wondered......... Why doesn't he recognise the Dannecker, he promotes it for Antony. That's why I wanted him to sign it, cheeky me.

Forgive my ignorance Cliff, but what do you mean by this chap not recognising the Dannecker? Is he an endorser of some other manufacturers harps?

Apologies if I should know the answer but I am in the middle of cooking a late dinner and don't have time to google him!

Edit: Of course, Manfred Mann front man....plus harp player of the year in the British Blues awards 2010 and currently, President of the National Harmonica League!



Post Edited (2011-01-20 15:37:12)

You got it Ian, and also prominent on Antony's website (or was) stating what a wonderful harmonica the Dannecker Blues is (I agree) thought it was strange that he did not recognise it, but then I suppose he has so many harps. Though he got it right about it being like the Meisterklasse.