Comparing Crossover, Rocket AMP & special 20????
I have played special 20s. I'd love to hear your comparisons of the Crossover, Rocket AMP amd Special 20 in playability, bendability, tone, fit for blues, durability, ease of maintainance or any other thoughts or comparisons you have?
I learned to play on SP20s but eventually bought a Rocket in A just for chucks and grins. After playing it for a while, I found that I like it substantially more than the SP20s. Comparing the two, the SP20s just look Ed and felt like unfinished prototypes. The only issue is that the holes do take some getting used to as they are slight bigger than the SP20s. Since buying my original Rocket, I've since bought a 1/2 set in the keys recommended by David: Low F, G, A, Bb, C, and D.
As to the types, the Rocket (grey comb) is the standard harp and has side vents like the Marine Band harps. The Rocket Amp (green comb) varies only in the absence of side vents Like the SP20s. Bothe the regular and the amp are offered in all keys. The Rocket Low (blue comb) have vents just like the regular Rockets but are one octave lower. Rocket Lows without side vents are Not manufactured but can made DIY by swapping covers. Rocket Lows are offered in a limited number of keys. The SP20s are great, really, and if you like them keep them. For me, I think the Rockets offer a better experience than the SP20s. YMMV
I bought an SP20 but the corners are so sharp. I like the look of the rounded edges of the Rocket. I'm looking into a harp in A and I'll probably go Rocket Amp. The fact that it's quieter is good for me as well since I practice in my office at work occasionally.
ixnay66:
I'm not sure that the Rocket Amp is actually quieter than the regular Rocket. I play various Hohner models, and with the same reeds and plates (e.g., MS Series or MB series) there isn't that much overall volume difference between side-vented and non-side-vented covers. I think Hohner markets the "Amp" (and the Special 20) as being better when playing amplified through a harp mic, as no sound goes out the sides, and it all goes out the front.
That said, if you have a way of muting the sound going out the front, you have less worry than with a side-vented harp. There are a bunch of aftermarket "mutes" out there, but I've never been that interested in picking one up. When staying in a hotel, or playing on family visit when folks are asleep, I've found it effective to just hold a bunched-up hand towel as though it were a mic, and play into it. (But if people at your office object to harmonica playing, be thinking that maybe you're not working in the right office? E.g., 15 years ago I changed places of employment from one where my co-workers didn't like music of any kind, to one where they generally said "play more!")
One other plus for the Rocket Amp: That bright green color. Much less likely to get left behind in one of those black-hole consoles or glove compartments when you return a rental car. (I know from personal experience.)
Thanks for the reply, UkuleleRob65
I'll definitely remember your technique for playing quietly!
I play Special 20s but have one low F Rocket, which seems like the Rocket Amp.
The Rocket has nicer fit and finish (like smooth edges). I also like the fact that the key is stamped on it more clearly. The holes are wider (because the openings are beveled). Other than that, the Rocket seems very simiilar. I've read they have the same reed plates as the Special 20. My bottom line: I like the Rocket a little more but not enoough to justify switching out of a perfectly good collection of Special 20s.