STRETCH HARPS: Any Length, 11-17 Holes

Sometimes the 10 hole diatonic is not long enough, as you may want extended range or a tuning that will not fully fit on the 10 hole format. To answer this need, I make my own extended length Stretch Diatonics. These are completely new and unique harps, only available from this website.


Size Comparison: the standard 10 hole Marine Band 
compared with my custom 12 and 14 hole Stretch Harps


Ain't telling no lie, these things are addictive...
I make my Stretch Harps using the combs and reedplates of two Hohner Special 20 models, which are cut and then joined together seamlessly in the size and tuning you want. I add funky covers from large Hohner Marine Band models to give them a cool final look and crisp traditional tone.

The five big advantages the Power Stretch Harps have over the stock Hohner 364 and 365 models are:

1. EXACTLY THE SAME HOLE SPACING AS A NORMAL 10 HOLE! 
(This makes them easy to adapt to, unlike the wider hole spacing of the big Hohner models).
2. Smooooth plastic combs, very comfortable in the mouth, no warping
3. Shorter overall length, for easier cupping and hand effects
4. Available in any key and practically any tuning you can think of
5. Available in any length from 11 to 17 holes

You can order them in any size and tuning you want! For example, Solo Tuning suits the 12 hole, and Extended Richter Tuning (SBS) would suit 13 hole models - but there are infinite possibilities. I have also made them in Diminished Tuning, Augmented Tuning, and other specialist scales. The ones shown here are in 12 and 14 hole versions, but I can also make 11, 13, 15 and even 16 or 17 hole lengths. It's really up to your imagination to create the key and tuning you need. Just email me with your conception. 


 12 Hole Stretch Harp


14 Hole Stretch Harp

My custom Stretch Diatonics have these features:

1. PLASTIC COMB: Smooth, no warping
2. SCREWED CONSTRUCTION: Many screws at the front and rear ensure good airtightness and easy disassembly
3. RETUNING: To the key and scale of your choice. Anything goes!
4. DETAILED REED WORK: Slot Embossing and Gapping for great response
5. COVERPLATES ADJUSTED: For lower profile, better comfort with good reed clearance
6. VALVES ADDED (Optional): I add valves if you want them
7. FINE TUNING: Tempered (for solo playing), Justified (for chords), or Compromise (between the two)

PRICES & MODELS
TUNINGS
: Diagrams of Common Alternate Diatonic Tunings are here
Making these babies requires a lot of time, trouble and the parts from 3 harps: hence the cost.
(If you want to see the price equivalent in your home currency, click here))

Any Key, Tuning, and Length, 11-17 Holes

£225 

Valves (Windsavers) Added 
(Full valving suits some tunings (eg Solo, Bebop); Half-Valving suits most others (eg. Paddy Richter, Diminished, Augmented)
£250

SPECIAL ORDERS
If you have a special diatonic in mind (eg. a different brand of Stretch Harp, such as Lee Oskar, Hering or Suzuki), just email me and I'll let you know what it would cost to make up. 


ORDER YOUR POWER CUSTOM HARMONICA NOW


PLAYERS COMMENT

"I own Filiskos, a Pat Missin, and a Richard Sleigh double plated 10 hole. 
I've also bought various lesser known harmonicas from various
builders.
The Bb Power Stretch Diatonic I just received ranks right up at
the top of this list. 

I asked for evenly tuned octaves and received a superbly tuned full chorded very playable instrument. 
Even response top
to bottom. Cleverly conceived and expertly assembled and crafted. 

The Power Stretch Diatonic represents an extreme value in the custom harmonica world. 
Couple the price and quality with the level of service, response
and a very quick 
turn around time and you have a combination that's hard
to beat."

F.J.M, Tucson Arizona, USA 
Stretch Diatonic, 13 Hole SBS Tuning 
email: 2738540@brainoil.net
 
 
 
"I received the stretch diminished in the mail the other day, I'm already bustin' up Charlie Parker licks on it. 
I've already learned the heads on "Blues for Alice" and "So What". 
They lay out really nice on the diminished tuned stretch. 
I play the shit out of that stretch harp.  I love it!
Today I used it in the studio for ornaments and fills. It works great.
Thanks a lot.
Sincerely, Richeblue"
RICHIEBLUE, Professional Harp Player, San Diego, California
15 Hole Stretch Diatonic, Diminished Tuning, Half-Valved
Check out Richieblue's band here:
www.richieblue.com



"HI BRENDAN,, the harmonica arrived. IT IS PERFECT! thank you, FABRIZIO"

FABRIZIO POGGI, Professional Harp Player, Italy
15 Hole Stretch Diatonic, Two Keys:  C and F
Check out Fabrizio's music at his website:
www.turututela.com
 

"Hi Brendan - harp is excellent, many thanks!"

MAT WALKLATE, Professional Harp Player, Manchester England
12 Hole Stretch Diatonic, Solo tuned in Low D
 

"Hi Brendan,

My stretch harp arrived about a week ago, and I was about to email you to let you know, 
but I thought I'd wait until I'd used it in a session at our Club and
then write. 
I am very happy with it; it doesn't seem to have the weak areas
that other harps have. So much so that I'd like to order a similar one in low D. Can do?

All the very best from Ron"

RON ANGEL, Middlesbrough Yorkshire, UK
12 Hole Stretch Harp, G Solo Tuning