Bob Cohen, Principal

About Gear

My approach to harp gear is buy and try it. Reviews and recommendations only go so far. And just because Rick Estrin (or some other pro) says the gear is great doesn't mean I have to take his word and then, after I buy it, wonder why I don't sound like him.

We all know why I don't sound like Rick Estrin. He's got giant talent. Mine's small. Music is his job and he works at it all the time. I sneak in as much practice as my life allows. Oh, and did I say he's got talent and i don't?

Lack of talent doesn't stop me from buying harp gear. You never know when a jinni (or maybe Barbara Eden, on whom my dad had a crush) will pop up out of mic or an amp if it gets rubbed the right way?

Musical goals and personal taste have become my GPS. Unfortunately, in addition to having been shortchanged in talent, fate has left a little too light in the pocketbook. My family and house and a . . . well you know the story. The universities, my kids, the electric company, the fuel old man, the credit card companies, they have dibs on most of my money.

That means I've got to keep the gear moving if I'm to fulfill my quest of enjoying the golden age of harp gear to the fullest.

Harp Gear For Sale

Here are the latest offerings. Cash is good. Make an offer. Shipping is extra. I'll also consider trades for similarly valued equipment.

[ Next ]

Custom Blues Blaster

I didn't trade the Bluesmobile for it, but back in the 80s, I really dug the blue paint and convinced Washtub Robbie, who was working at Sandy's Music in Cambridge, to swap a Shure Green Bullet in an even trade.

In 2003 or 04, I sent the BB to West Coast harp mic doctor Fritz Hasenputsch for a CM element and a switchcraft connector. It went back to Fritz again in December of 2006 for another element swap.

This baby has:

  • An MC-151 cyrstal element
  • A switchcraft connector
  • a milspec OHMITE 5MEG volume control.

It's a great mic but in that same order Fritz built me a T-3 with a CM element which matches my SJII perfectly.

The BB with the MC-151 is a great mic. $185 or trade for something harp related of equal value and condition.

Buy It

Shure 545-L

A while back on harp-l, there was a lot of buzz about this mic. It's the style that Paul Butterfield used. I had to have one. Harp and Sax master, Michael Peloquin was thinning his mic herd and a match was made.

Very nice. Very versatile You can go from jazz clean to Southside dirty in a Chicago Minute--contrary to popular belief, the pace in Chi-Town is just as fast as NYC.

These come in Hi-Z (plug into an amp) and Low-Z (plug into a PA).

This mic is Hi-Z. Note the switchcraft connector. If you don't have a screw on cable, I happen to have one or two lying around, and I have a few switchcraft adaptors for 1/4" jacks.

[ Next ]

I don't recall pinning down the age on this--maybe mid-70s. I don't know who did the work on this mic, but if you've ever heard Michael Peloquin play, you can bet he chose this with great care. $150 or trade for something harp related of equal value and condition.

Buy It

[ Next ]

Harmonica Stage Case

This is a sturdy harp case that's built to take a beating, though mine was handled with kid gloves.

It holds up to 20 harps and three microphones. Though I fancy most blues musicians could do with one less mic and put the empty slot to good use, as I've done here.

The top lid comes off completely and and the bottom mounts on to any standard microphone stand to make a boffo stage tray and beer coozy--bottled only.

This case is about two years old and a little old lady drove it from home to church and back. Well maybe not. It was a middle aged guy who kept it in his home office except for jam sessions at Chan's, Lou's Cafe, and Fat Boy Bill's.

The rivet mount has been upgraded with a screw mount.

And yes, that's my Sonny Jr. II. And the harps are by Joe Spiers. Be jealous, be very jealous.

This case retails on the Harmonica Masterclass web site for $199. My price: $150 or trade for something harp related of equal value and condition.

Buy It

Fender Mississippi Saxophone Harp Case

What can I say? This is one "bad" looking harmonica case. It's got the 50s style tweed to match your tweed amp, your tweed Fender guitar case, and your tweed sports-coat.

It has room for lots of diatonic harps, (Hohner says 18), a chromatic, and a couple of microphones. This was used even less than my Dave Barrett Stage Case. Lately it's been clocking a lot of time on a shelf and is seeking a loving home with a talent harp player who can't say no to cool gear.

Doesn't hold enough stuff for me but maybe it'll be perfect your you.

[ Next ]

$100 or trade for something harp related of equal value and condition.

Buy It