Jon Harl

Hello Harp Techs,

On Sunday, September 8, 2019, the Harmonica Community lost a good friend. Jon Harl and I first became friends in the early 2000’s at a David Barrett Harmonica Masterclass event in San Jose, CA. I remember how upset Jon was that day, because while he was inside the main room listening to recording artists like Mark Hummell, Rod Piazza, Magic Dick and Lee Oskar, he missed out on being a part of a small Harp Tech workshop group with the USA Hohner’s Master Technician, Rick Epping (retired from Hohner in 2005).

Jon and I spent many hours in each other’s workshops sharing techniques that we had discovered and learned … reverse engineering a blown out Joe Filisko harmonica that I traded Gary Primich for … good times.

Soon after, Jon became a student and close friend of Master Harmonica Customizer, Richard Sleigh. Jon’s reputation expanded with his relationship with Seydel Harmonicas.

I clearly remember the day I learned first hand, “how good” Jon’s work had become. A student of mine invited me to play her John Harl customized Hohner Marine Band---Wow, it was perfect. The voicing, the playability of that harmonica was world class.

May you Rest in Peace as you Ripped in Life. We will miss you Brother.

Your friend always and Harpsmith, Kinya