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So it's time to give these guys a second coat of clear..... Now that the pu's are here we can get back to working on the Cali.... Brand new router bit.....sweet Newman says it's one of the first i-pods in the background..

It's time. One more 2013 party at the 4-3-2-1 Club occurs on Saturday, November 16. We've got a special reason for celebrating, which will be revealed in due time. I'd love to have some celebrity guests at this party too. Any takers? Traditionally, the 4-3-2-1 Club definition of a celebrity guest is someone who travels to attend, and who has never been here before. However, due to the dearth of celebrities at recent parties, we'll redefine to include anyone that drives over 60 miles, regardless of whether they've been here before. ha! And you locals, you're all celebrities in my book, but you already know that, right? And remember, if you don't make this party, your next opportunity won't be until the traditional Frozen Jam, which typically happens in January. I hope to see you all soon!

It's not the slow speed or going slowly so much, but how much you are removing. And a new bit is always a plus.

The burst on that Standard is perfect.

Can I get a refin for the wife?

No wonder I've never been able to figure the blinkin' thing out! I've mucked through with a 'stache for decades. But you can get the occasional surprise, no doubt.

Start with an "A" harp (special 20, etc is great - not that important at first) and the Jerry Portnoy Blues Harp Master Class. I've seen unbelievable changes in casual players who've used this, and become killin players. It's a method taught by the player from Muddy Waters' and Eric Clapton's bands. Designed so you don't have to read any music or tablature, and you just listen to the track and play examples. Starts butt-simple and gets effective immediately. If you email me, I'll send you mp3s of the first disc. I guarantee you'll be hooked. geoffhartwell@geoffhartwell.com Oh, and if you have a mustache, get rid of it first...

Cross-harp? It's because if you try to play it in the same key as the guitar player, he'll become quite cross with you. Or you'll get all crossed up trying to remember whatthehell key you're really in. HellifIknow. Let me see if I can 'splain this without getting you further crossed up. Your basic 10-hole diatonic harp has its key defined by the note that is produced when you blow on the first (lowest) hole on the harp. As you blow and draw on successive holes going across the harp, you'll create (more or less) a major scale. BUT, if you start by drawing in on the second hole and using that as your key defining note (or, let's say the Do, as in Do, Re, Mi), you'll be able to access lots of accidentals and blue notes that weren't available when playing "straight" harp. That second hole drawn note is five notes up the major scale from the first hole, blown note. That is why you use an A harp to Play in E. etc. Because you're starting from a different point of reference than whatever is stamped on the top plate of the harp. But WHY???? Because there's more important notes that can be easily "bent" available to you when playing cross harp, not to mention blue notes, etc. Because it's just more awesome. And Brootalz Special 20 for me too, after decades of Blues Harps. In about 1970 I was working and teaching in a music store and I'd get the question all the time: "What's the difference between a Marine Band and a Blues Harp?" I'd answer "About 50 cents".

Hohner in C was good enough for Warren Zevon when He bought one from me while working at American music in fremont

From the harp player in my band, who's older than dirt and has done it forever: Hey there Tim As far as good affordable harps are concerned Hohner is still the best choice (easy to remember for a Hamer guy - Hamer/Hohner) anyway they make lots of harps -I like Golden Melody or Special 20's they sound great and hold up well. They're the standard 10 hole diatonic harmonica great for bending notes. There's basically 3 styles of play" Straight" "Cross" and "Slant" . I play cross harp which is the standard for blues. I always carry 7 harps A, B flat, C, D, E, F , G. Cross harp means you're playing in a different key from the tonic being played by other instruments like guitar , keyboard etc . example : if they play in A you're playing your harp in D. They play in E you play in A. They play in G you play in C. etc. Starting out I guess I would get an A harp because a lot of blues guitarist like to play in E. and a D harp for when they play in A. If he's a country guitar player he would simply play -straight harp in the same key as the guitar. Hope that helps. Tony D He's good, too.

The pix .

Oh sure, NOW you guys are ready to buy.