Hetrick Harmonica Customer Testimonials
We Strive to Create Excellence and Precision with all of our Products. 100% Satisfaction
Guarantee or Your Money Back.
"I echo the positive feedback for Hetrick combs. I asked Hetrick to make me
a Corian version of the Suzuki Overdrive comb, which is slightly thinner than normal (about 5.5mm) with crisp edges to the
tines, but with all the screw holes of the Manji. We tweaked several batches of samples until I was happy and I made an order
for 15 in black. I received them to me at SPAH. The combs are beautiful, polished and re-polished to a
super gloss finish. But more importantly, they sound sweet and play really well."
- Brendan Power
"I
was one of the 5 players chosen to do the diatonic harmonica comb experiment at the SPAH harmonica world convention a few
years ago. They said they picked me because I am a combination tongue blocker, pucker and overblow player. The day of the
experiment they said the listeners couldn't hear any difference between all the different combs we tried. And I'm glad all
those great players could make each comb sound good, but we all agreed, the amount of effort it took to make each harmonica
perform, was substantially different from comb to comb. As a player, I could absolutely hear and feel large differences. As
a matter of fact, if I had to pick only one customization to do to my harmonicas, it would be to add a custom comb. After
the experiment I was on a mission to find the perfect comb. I have found two! My favorite is the Hetrick Diamondwood comb,
and the other is the Hetrick Corian comb. They both are solid and perfectly flat. My harmonica is louder and takes less air
to play. And those whispery little nuances come through like a breeze."
--Jimi Lee www.jimileeband.com
"As a professional player,
I need my harmonicas to be as airtight and responsive as possible. Hetrick combs accomplish that goal with stylish flair by
providing many different color options. With the different comb material options that they have avaliable, I am able
to fine tune the tonal characterestics of my instruments, which I consider to be an extremely important feature. I am proud
to put my name behind Hetrick combs, a company that really gets it."- Brandon O. Bailey
"I've had nothing but good dealings with Mathew Smart of Hetrick Harmonicas and he has
my unqualified recommendation for sure. He has been helpful and gone out of his way to make certain that I was satisfied with
the quality of the products that he sold to me." - Modernbluesharmonica.com
"I received my third Hetrick Comb(Blue Dymond wood) yesterday. One for a Seydel Solist
pro and it fits like a glove and its very smooth." - Modernbluesharmonica.com
"I can also say I got a few Hetrick combs from Hetrick at SPAH, and ordered more afterward.
They are all perfectly flat and smooth. The material used is impregnated with resin and does not require any further sealing."
- Greg H. Blows Me Away Productions
Hetrick Black Nocturne DuPont™ Corian® Harmonica Comb Review
| BLACK CORIAN HARMONICA COMB |
|
|
| Courtesy of Serge Dalex |
I received yesterday the 3 ordered combs and an extra one "pure black corian"
high glossy . What a nice surprise! The high glossy pure Black is very, very attractive and so "classe". This comb
is quite perfect.I have quickly completed with a GM key A harp and.....whaou!!! So beautiful! - Serge Dalex, 4-2012
Hetrick Bamboo Comb Review
"Hetrick
Bamboo combs on my Custom Special-20 Pub Kit: These SP20s scream now, 100% improvement over stock combs. Tuned 19LJI, embossed,
profiled, sanded, gapped w/ 1896 covers :) Changing the comb was the last thing I did, but it should have been the first thing
I did; the performance improvement is that dramatic." - Jim Duke, 4-2012
"I was lucky enough to win a custom comb for a Big River from Hetrickat the SPAH seminar.
I was not missing the extra screw. I did only a very little sanding on the draw plate. After putting on the custom
comb, it made a huge improvement to the harp. I know this was a free upgrade, but if I wanted/needed a new harp and
had a Big River lying around, it is a good way to get a really nice harp." - Fred S 9-12-12
Hetrick Harmonica Comb Reviews
"My Hetrick 's Custom Combs. (White Corian and DymondWood)
And
I have to say that are just amazing, are really comfortable, they change the performance of the harps to a next level and
make the harmonica more airtight (100% flat).
I
would highly recommend Hetrick's combs.
By
the way, the service it's completely awesome."
- Ivan Arg Rdz 5/3/12
Hetrick DuPont™ Corian® Comb Review:
"I just can't believe how glossy it is!" - Colin H., DuPont™ Corian® Harmonica Comb
Hetrick DuPont™ Corian® Comb Review:
"It feels like glass..is this made from glass?" - Paul N., Black DuPont™
Corian® Comb Review
Hetrick DuPont™ Corian® Comb Review
"below are photos of a platinum Hetrick comb. this is a white/grey color but i've seen a blue/white
color also labeled as 'platinum' on the Hetrick site. The photos don't do it justice. these are gorgeous combs!
this
SP/20 comb is drilled for 8 screws (stock SPs come w/ only 6 screws)--so i tapped the the extra holes in the bottom reed plates;
they aren't tapped to accomodate the 2 extra screws.
there is a little extra weight with the corian as opposed
to the ABS plastic. i think corian may be even heavier than dymond wood. maybe not..
this C SP is definately a
'go to' harp. i've semi retired my '30s MB which was my main C harp previously.
i don't like to bother w/ debates
about the tonal differences between different materials. what i will say is that i believe the corian is flatter than the
injection molded ABS so therefore the harp is more air tight.
i believe Hetrick combs are still on sale for $20.
if so, friggin' deal!
even though my favorite Hetrick combs are the natural woods and dymondwood..these are sweet!"--
Mark Prados, MBH
Hetrick
Bamboo Harmonica Comb Review
"I just got them all done yesterday - what a huge difference! I'm a believer - I'll take some pics
this weekend and post them on Facebook. Many thanks for making awesome products." - Jim D., 4-13-12
"The performance of the bamboo comb in my Seydel 1847 Classic
was absolutely phenomenal...what a big difference! The maple is out, and the bamboo is in. The craftsmanship was also impressive.
I look forward to receiving the other combs so I can transform my entire 1847 collection into the ultimate harmonicas."
- Carl, 3-20-12
Recent posts from modern blues harmonica:
Hetrick DuPont™ Corian® Comb Review
"Just an update that I got some more combs from
Hetrick including Corian. The Corian combs now come in some solid colors like red and black as well. They are now polished
and have a glossier finish. This is the result of several rounds of polishing as part of the finishing process. I found the "new" combs to be even flatter from the shop and noted
that there is an option of having MB combs with rounded tines that are pre-drilled for three screws.
Hetrick Wood Comb Review:
The combs are $30 or less (most around $24) and come with a flattness guarantee. This,
IMO, is a tremendous value. IME, they carry a lot of combs for immediate shipping, but if your order something they don't
have in stock, they cut new combs on weekends and ship on Mondays. I make ZERO money from plugging these combs. I am just a very satisfied customer who is very impressed with the
turnaround and value of what I've ordered. I did pick up a black dymonwood comb, which is also great. I've had no problems
with dymonwood, but realize that some people prefer a glossier looking comb comapred to their matte dymonwood finish."
- Mike, Quicksilver Harmonicas
Hetrick DuPont™ Corian®
Harmonica Comb Review
'I ordered a "cobalt blue " corian comb from HETRICK .It really upgraded my D SP20."
Hetrick DuPont™ Corian® Comb Review
"Been
using hetrick combs for awhile, I love em, they work great right out of the box. I've replaced ALL of the factory combs on
my LO's and SP20's with them and some of my MB's. as for washing I just soak the harps in warm water with a couple of squirts
of antibacterial soap in a tupperwhare dish and let the stuff soak off, rinse them and thats it."
Hetrick Harp Case Reviews
A Brief Video Introduction to the Case
Read Planet Harmonica's Feature Article
"During the Harmonica World Convention (SPAH) in Denver, people were carrying
harmonica cases that were much larger than my new Hetrick harp case and could not carry as many harps as I now can. Anyone
at SPAH that looked at this new case realized immediately that it could hold more harps than cases more than twice its size.
You get 25% more harmonicas in a case that is 1/3 the size; I really need that because I play in a lot of keys - minor and
low harps included - and its nice to have them all in one small package." www.JIMILEEBAND.com
"I have many different harp cases including the Fender Mississippi Saxaphone case and a brief
case that I reconfigured with petitions which holds alot of harps.The main problem I have had with all of them is harps falling
over and not staying in their place so they can be easily identified.Hohners case solved this problem by putting slots in
the foam of their case.The only problem I have with this case is that it only holds 12 harps. I recently purchased Hetrick's
case and they solved the major problems for me.The harps stand vertically in their own space and don't fall over.My case right
now has 56 harmonicas in it including 3 tubolids and best of all in only measures 11 1/2" x 7 1/2"x4 1/2" and
is very sturdy. This case can be reconfigured to hold chromatics and a mic but I prefer to have it packed with diatonics because
I use alot of different tunings.This case is a great advancement in the realm of harmonica storage and I highly recommend
it" Paul Shapiro, NM
"The Hetrick case is awesome! I love mine and find it to be much more useful
than the black hohner case or even those tweed harp cases made by a guitar company. The case was designed by a gigging harmonica
player and is well thoughtout for even the pickiest of harmonica players. I love the customization capability and how I can
carry more harps within a smaller space." Chris Michalek www.thebuddhasgroove.com
"I recently reached out to the Harp-L list for a harp case referral other
than the Hohner-Fender-Masterclass options. I have the Hohner and it is good and cheap but not big enough for all the diatonics
I need access to when playing out . I have the Masterclass set up on a mike-stand in my apartment and it is good but to big
to bring around to small shows, jams, etc. I don't own or like the Fender. While I'm still working on the fine details of
the case I received from Hetrick I'm liking it very much. It's smaller but deeper (diatonics stand vertically in the case
compartments) than the hohner and similar in size to the fender. It's black with a silver faceplate and solidly built. There
are strong plexiglass dividers for 24 diatonics (I'm working with him on making it accommodate 30 with an added row of compartments)
with some room left over for a bullet and maybe a short cord, card case, or whatever. A little tweaking will be required to
get this particular case to accommodate a 64 chromatic but Hetrick are being very generous in their responses to my requests
to specialize the case for me. I just wanted to quickly acknowledge enjoying the prototype and thank all that responded to
my requests for case suggestions." Dennis Moriarty, NYC
MORE Hetrick Harmonica Comb Reviews:
Hetrick DuPont™ Corian® Harmonica Comb Review:
"And corian - my first impression picking the comb up was
"wow, that is dense material"! I thought it would be like plastic, but it's really heavy and sturdy... and loud
when in the harp, very strong tone. I admit, I ordered it mostly out of curiosity, but now I'm understanding what all the
fuzz is about!" - 3-13-12
Bamboo Harmonica Comb Review:
"I bought some Bamboo Combs from Hetrick Harp Co for my Delta Frost and Harpmaster harps. The Bamboo
wood is very pretty with 3 coats of lacquer and is loud." - 2011 Harp-L Forum Member
Hetrick Bamboo Harp Comb Review:
"If you put a Hetrick BAMBOO comb on a Crossover after sanding the draw plate, the compression
improves dramatically. The Hetrick BAMBOO comb is like magic the way it improves air tightness and response on Crossovers
and MBDs--much better than the stock combs and better than any other Hetrick combs. Dunno what it is that's so special about
Hetrick BAMBOO Crossover/MBD combs, but they really perform excellently." - Modernbluesharmonica.com 2012
Hetrick Special 20 comb Review:
"These combs
really improved the tone and playability of my Special 20's. Feels good in the mouth and responds beautifully to every bend."
- Jon Gindick http://www.bluesharmonicajamcamp.com
Hetrick Special 20 Harmonica Comb Review:
"I also
just wanted to mention how pleased I've been with the comb I previously recieved (Special 20). The build quality is awesome
(coming from an engineer) and the tone is great! I'm very impressed with how much the air tightness of the harp is improved
with your combs. I'm able to easily overblow on a stock harp that I've done nothing to but replace the plastic comb
with yours. Keep up the great work, and let me know about new products coming out." - Brian
Falther
"Yes, I got the combs and immediately put them in a couple of Bushman Delta Frosts. They
fit perfectly and add a different feel to the harp. It feels kind of like a Marine Band with it's wooden comb. They are a
little different to play compared to the plastic comb. Feels great but still has the ease of playing and bending that I like
in the Delta Frosts. Thanks for the great service and a great comb!"- R. Nowlain
Hetrick Harp Comb Review:
"I received the comb
today and just wanted to let you know that it is really nice. The fit and finish is all first class. It's only been on for
a couple of hours and life has a way of getting in your way, so I haven't had too much chance to use it. From the little use
that I put it to, though, I have no doubt that I'll be completely satisfied with it."
-
Paul N.
harpcase.com harmonica comb review:
"I really like the combs for my Special 20s! I've converted 3 harps so far and really like them for amplified
playing. All I did was replace the plastic combs with the new maple ones and open the backs up on the coverplates. These combs
allow a lot more air to go through the reeds. They seem a bit louder to me and the sealed combs really make them airtight.
Keep up the good work!"- Jay Thompson
Hetrick Dymondwood Comb Review:
"Received my new
wood combs for my Sp20 harps the other day and have now installed a couple of them. My biggest concern was how they would
fit and I can say these combs fit like the originals, had no problems installing. The different types of wood are visually
pleasing and unlike the standard MB wood comb these have not swelled at all and are very comfortable to play. That's again
for a great product and outstanding service!!"
-Mark
www.suncoastharmonicaclub.org
Hetrick Marine Band 1896 Comb Review:
"Hello,
I wanted to give you an update on the combs I just received. We've all had a Marine Band 1896's that played poorly from
the start. I had replaced nails with bolts, opened up the back, sanded and sealed the comb, tweaked the reeds, and still
it lacked volume and was leaky. After seeing and reading the reviews for your products I decided to dust it off and try your
comb's. I noticed right away that it was slightly longer from front to back than the stock one and it allowed me to
mount with the comb even or even slightly protruding from the front of the reed plates. I think this alone would have helped,
but the entire comb was stronger, smoother and more robust. To make a long story short I couldn't be happier,the harp
looks and plays better than any custom M.B. I own. I'll be back for more." - Steve Thompson
Hetrick Sealed Wood Comb Review:
"The
Mahogany comb is absolutely perfect. It looks every bit as good as it plays." - John Shults
Hetrick Marine Band Comb Review:
Quote of the Week: "Hi, I finally got time to install my Bocote and Bamboo
MB combs and I can't believe the difference. Sounds better, looks better, feels better. They're great!" - Phil M.
"The combs are very beautiful and they really change
the sound of the harp." - Paolo, Italy 4-2012
Hetrick Custom Harmonica Review:
I received my Hetrick Harmonica Hohner Golden
Melody today and I'm very pleased!!
Thank you very much for your
fine work.
Greg.M
“Just wanted to say that I have known and dealt with Matthew Smart (Hetrick) for
over ten years. His professionalism as a both a harp player and a harp coach are top notch!When it comes to a true eye
for perfection…he is on it. He has that ability to catch the smallest details. I have been to his shop many
times and seen him work up close. His combs are exacting. His quality and attention to detail are the best. If there
is something that is not right… he fixes it. I have purchased over two dozen combs from Matt and will continue
to do so because I trust the man.Nuff said! - “Big Al” Robinson (Harp player—The Loose Shoes
Band)”
"Hi Matthew, harps arrived the other day, you've done a great job on both,they
play like a dream. All the best." - Chris F., UK 11/2011
"I was getting good sounding overblows on the first try with the Lee Oskar. No squealing noise.
My Seydel responds much more quickly now and the buzzing low notes arehistory. It also overblows easily. The combs will give
a big improvement to playability even if you just install them without changing anything else. All the excess holes and gaps
have been eliminated." - Tom, USA
Customized Hohner
Crossover: "Thanks for the harp. It sounds great. I find it easier to hold bends now. I'd been having a lot of touble
getting accurate bends before. It helps a lot." Ian C., UK
Customized Bushman Delta Frost: "Received the harmonica on Friday. Our mail delivery has to be
the world’s worst. Great job once again, delighted with the result, plays superbly, great sound." - Colin
H., Canada
"Every diatonic harmonica player
knows that some harmonicas are harder to play than others. I usually struggle with the E, F and G. Matthew set up my Marine
Band Deluxe in G. It is louder and the bends sound much better. What a difference! Here is a sound file. It is a backwards
shuffle played in A on a my customized G harp." - Patrice C., Australia
Click to Hear Custom G Marine Band
" Mathew your harp is superb. My first impressions are that it is just as smooth
as smooth can be. The responsiveness seems to be sweet and even all the way around and it seems to play too easily to be a
Db. I have a custom Bb that is harder to bend on certain notes than your Db. What I really like is that all of the bends (including
the 10 blow) are easily had. I'm in no way any kind of advanced player and yet I know exactly what i'm after in the 3 hole
bends and you seem to have pretty much nailed it. Thanks for this. I have to try and buy some digs here in Mn but after that
I want to buy another one of your harps. First order would be for a replacement of that aforementioned custom Bb. Many Thanks."
- Greg G. 4/2011
Quote of the Month:
"I've been a Hohner Endorsee since 1989 and have always played stock Marine Bands exclusively. Never really considered
custom harps at all till I recently had Matthew Smart do his thing on a MB Deluxe and a Crossover. He did a real fine job
and both harps are easier and smoother bending as well as noticably more airtight and generally quicker action and response
not to mention louder. Anybody else out there wanting to see what the custom thing is all about ought to look up Matthew over
Hetrrick Harps. They make an array of custom combs for just about any harps too." - Mike Wesolowski
"Wezo" www.megatoneamps.com, www.bluesworldorder.com
"I purchased Two MBD with corian combs from Hetrick. MBD Bb
and F and received the first one yesterday the Bb, all I can say is WOW, UNBELIEVABLE!!! I am very awe-struck about my new
harp... I never thought that it would be so loud, easy to play and very, very responsive compared to my non customized harps.
Great customer service, Matthew kept me informed and made me feel very comfortable. And the looks of the corian combs are
outstanding."
-Eric Helms,
5-2-2012
"Mathew, Hi. Just wanted
to tell you for the first time ever a member of the audience came up and told me the harmonica sounded especially good, and
wondered if it was something new.....yes the harp is going through its paces and is creating a splash."
- Custom Golden Melody, Fred Figueroa, 4-12-12
