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.
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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)
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PRICES
& MODELS |
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| 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."
"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"