Why is it that Lee Oskar can sell replacement reeds for half the cost of a new harp, but Hohner charges more than the price of a harp for their reeds? Hohner's MS reeds are $50, yet you can buy a new Blues harp for around $42. And forget about Sp 20 reeds.

Lee Oskars are good harps, I have several minor keys, but I'm not real fond of them. If Sp20's still made minors or low tunings that is what I would have bought instead.

I bought my first Seydel Blues Session in low D and am very impressed. As my 20's fade away I may be changing the look in my harp box to be more Seydel friendly.

Hohner just doesn't seem to care about the customer anymore. They still own the market and I guess they believe they always will.

FWIW,

I'm not a diatonic player so I'm not familiar with the different models names, prices etc., but looking at Hohner's parts price list it looks like it's $50.00 for the complete reed-plate...it seem's like they've got the price of replacement reed-plates at approx. half the cost of buying a new harp??
I bought a whole bunch of screws, valves etc., for 280's about a year ago and they certainly charge a premium, but I found the customer-service real good (they threw in extras of just about everything!!) Since then I have found alternate sources for screws etc., and I make my own windsavers.

GeorgeIII

$50 for new reed plates is not a good deal. I can buy a complete Special 20 for $40 or less. Same with a Blues Harp. Buying new reeds is supposed to save you money, not cost more.
Also, why can't they sell just the upper OR lower reed plate? Most of the time I blow a draw reed. The blow reeds are fine. I've only had one blow reed go bad. I've asked Hohner this, with no reply.