'NAME THAT TUNE'

 Chuck MacLeod

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I learned how to play the harmonica about forty years ago, as a lowly private, in the Army, during the Vietnam War. I  didn't  play well then, and unfortunately, I don't play well now, so you can't call me an 'accomplished' player. On the other hand, most people 'can name that (harmonica) tune' that I might be trying to play at any particular time!

Like most, would be harmonica virtuosos, my first harmonica was the ever popular, always affordable, and most importantly, not bad sounding, Hohner Marine Band harmonica, in the key of (C). It cost me $6.99 in the Army PX located in Vung Tau Vietnam. That was in late 1966, or early 1967. After being wounded, I was shipped back to the Valley Forge Army Hospital near Philadelphia, PA., where I spent many an hour trying to hone my musical skills. During that time, my harmonica capabilities did not improve greatly, but however, I did learn how to play a mean game of Ping Pong! Since the late 1960s and early 70s, I've rarely picked-up what I like to call 'my instrument of choice'.

More recently, due to a drastic decline in my health situation (2 triple by-passes, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, multiple amputations, loss of most of my eye sight, and the need for kidney dialysis 3 times a week) I've become pretty much house-bound. On a positive note, my situation has given me the opportunity to re-kindle my long forgotten interest in the harmonica! I still can't play that well, but EBay has given me the opportunity to buy and sell harmonicas on a very large scale. Since April I've bought (won) about 150 harmonicas and I've sold about 35 of them. I've learned quite a bit about buying and selling harmonicas, and I'm going to try to give other Ebayers the benefit of some of my newly acquired knowledge and expertise, along with some of my personal beefs that came along as a result of those purchases and sales!

First of all, every used harmonica is not a 'vintage' Harmonica!  Believe me, you wouldn't know this from the titles listed under 'harmonicas'. Here's an excellent example from a current listing; 'NEW HERING VINTAGE 40 CHROMATIC HARMONICA HOHNER'  Can anyone tell me how a harmonica can be both new and vintage simultaneously, or be both a Hering (brand name), and a Hohner (brand name) at the same time?  The word 'vintage' should have a specific meaning, if it doesn't have one already.  I think from poking around in different categories, 'Vintage' should be defined as an harmonica that was manufactured pre-1980, and that can be described truthfully as being in either good, excellent, or mint condition.  I must admit that cosmetics, and sound quality are purely subjective in nature, and one man's 'mint' may be an other man's (or woman's) 'good' condition. But, I think we all can agree that a Marine Band Harmonica, with several dents, some pitting, and a little rust along the mouthpiece area, made in 1995, is neither 'mint', 'vintage' nor  in 'excellent' condition! This is especially true when 3 of the 10 holes have blown-out reeds, that emit no sound at all! A more appropriate title for this item would have to be, for bid is an old broken rusty harmonica w/ moderate pitting' Believe me, this is one title you'll never find in a search! So, I've developed the practice of questioning sellers as to their definitions of the terms they have used in their listing'. I especially like to hear their definitions of the terms 'Vintage' and 'Antique.' I get a kick out seeing a listing that advertises a  'vintage Hohner Harmonica NEW'. I hate to break the seller's bubble, but Vintage in the same listing as new is an impossibility! At very best, the term 'unused' or 'never played' would be the more accurate description to use in the rare case of a 'new vintage' item!

Another common problem I find in listings is the term 'old' and/or 'antique' I almost always ask sellers how are they determining the approximate age of (especially) Hohner harmonicas. I have found that most casual harmonica sellers, those who aren't collectors or players, base their opinion on the intricate, albeit beautiful, engravings found on Hohner harmonicas. Almost all Hohners have  World Fair awards on the harmonica's back side. They include awards won in 1918, 1927, 1937 etc. Many sellers figure that because the last date on a harmonica is 1937, or 1938, their wonderful harmonica must be worth a lot because it probably was made during or soon after the latest award date. This is seldom the case. An harmonica with the last date of 1928, could have been manufactured as recently as the 60s, 70s, or even the 80s! One way to approximate the age of a Hohner Harmonica is to take a close look at the Hohner trademark on the rear side of the harmonica. If it bares a 'Star' in the circle held by the hands, you cane date it as being made prior to WW2 or at the time the Nazis took control Germany. Although many refer to it as a Star of David, it's actually a six pointed star that many believe that  the points represented  the number of Hohner's children. Other then the 'star' it can be difficult to give a harmonica a hard and accurate date. Although, you can pretty much truthfully say that if it looks very old it probably is.

     An example of the 'star'                   An old harmonica

       The 'awards' on Hohners                        The author!

My next major beef when it comes to buying or selling harmonicas, or any item, for that matter are names. It seems that every seller or buyer has about 12 different names! They have EBay IDs, email addresses with their regular IP, email addresses with Yahoo, Google, and other free email providers. They have full names, nick-names, Nome DI-plumes, you name it they got it, and it's all in the name! You have no idea how hard it is to figure out who you're dealing with! you buy or sell using the eBay ID. You pay Pay pal using their real email. The payment is made to a real name, and your package is received marked with a nickname or initials! Additionally, very few packages are delivered that contain the receipt! I get 'SO CONFUSED', because I may be waiting for 10 or twelve similar items at the same time! In closing, I'd  like to say, 'CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG... WITH ONE NAME?'

CHUCK MACLEOD

CHARLES MACLEOD

Charles M. MacLeod

Chuckie MacLeod

Charlie MacLeod

Mac

Big Mac

Chuckles and on and on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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