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Dynamics and quality of the individual parts: The covers are the traditional shape. I have no complaint with that, in some situations the old shape is more pleasant to use than the new one.
After approximately 60 hours of practicing no changes in colour or signs of wear were visible. The main body design is extremely accurate. Very thick. However the slide package will require further testing. The reed-plates and reeds (in straight order) are 1.2 mm thick. The reed gapping is very well done. When playing very loudly however, some correction is necessary.
Tuning - Standard A440
All reeds are well centred and no corrections are necessary. The slide-package is of a very agreeable design, very flat. However the edges of the holes are far too sharp and become a problem for the tongue when playing for long periods.
Slide movement approximately 5 mm).
After approximately 60 practice hours, the rubber buffers showed no visible signs of wear. Excellent spacers positioned equally between the reed-plates and equipped with four spare-rubber buffers for the slide. Mouthpiecescrews:
Fixed without nuts, (woodscrews only) durability would need to be observed over a longer period.
Total appraisal:
"Out of the box" performance:
Very good.
Quality of the assembly:
No deficiencies were detectable. Basic tuning (A440) is of middle quality, the pitch wavers over several octaves.
Repair ability:
For normal demands it is sufficient. Rear reed-plate screws are very good, however the use of Torx or Allen screws would be better, the 2 fore-screws break very easily and it is easy to slip with the screwdriver, thus damaging the reeds and valves.
Valve exchange:
Good, however the 4-piece slide-package assembly is relatively difficult to work on. Mounting the covers requires patience...and luck. They are difficult to centre and hard to fix into their correct positions, therefore ensuring the mounting is accurately centred is absolutely necessary or the screws turn in the mounting without engaging.
Comments:
Behaviour over all octaves:
Behaviour is outstanding over the entire instrument, the third octave being the best.
Air consumption:
Very little air consumption.
Volume - at highest:
The "out of the box" volume possibilities are very high.
Volume - at lowest:
Very quiet playing is equally possible.
Tone plus volume-Subjective:
Somewhat thin and light.
Flexibility:-Subjective.
Very pleasant over all octaves - outstanding response.
Stability of reeds:
With normal application it is sufficient, however reed consumption may be high when in constant use.
Stability of valves:
Comparable with all other harmonicas.
Stability of the slide package:
At the professional level regular cleaning and lubrication is advised and is also recommended for those periods when the instrument is left inactive for a long time.
Feeling when playing:
The "out of the box" feeling is outstanding . The cover design at first sight, in my opinion is equivalent to the new covers. Very pleasantly constructed, so performing for long periods therefore presents no problems. However the very sharp edges of the mouthpiece holes are a big problem.
Total evaluation: Subjective.
Even for beginners this is a very commendable instrument just so long as spare parts, like reeds, etcetera, are available. The instrument is suitable for high burden performances and difficult works can be managed easily without too many adjustments. Improvement suggestions: The edges of the Mouthpiece holes (drillings) need to be made rounder, softer, and easier on the lips,(softer polished radiuses must be created) The two fore-plate screws are too fine and very fiddly when repairing. Application of Torx or Allen key -screws is recommended. When attaching the covers, absolute centralisation is vitally necessary, so a centralising device (maybe a pin or a bolt) would be of great assistance.
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