JDR Evolution Harmonica E20. Includes Free USA Shipping

Three things I have really come to appreciate and prefer in my harmonicareer are metal combed harps, JDR, and Rockin' Ron.

Some of the metal combed harps in my collection include the Kongsheng Mars, Suzuki Promaster Valved, and Bushman Delta Frost Steelie as well as 3 aluminum combed and one steel combed MBC/MBD/Crossover and 19 custom Rocket Amp/Rocket Low harps that I customized myself. i LOVE the loud, crisper sound that I get from a metal comb and wide open covers. my first was the Suzuki Promaster Valved, which was also my first aluminum combed disappointment. don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful, well made, and nice playing harp, but the cover plates are just too closed off to produce the sound I want. My customized re-combed Marine Bands put out that louder sound, but I have been less and less a fan of sandwich style harps since becoming accustomed to the Rocket Amp and recessed (or at least deburred and flush) reed plates.

I should mention that I have been very impressed with JDR harps, including their sandwich style. the edges are smooth and comfortable, they have been airtight, every reed works ootb, and their descriptions have been accurate and professional.

The Evolution is remarkably similar to the Suzuki Promaster (Valved or not) in size, shape, and feel. but that seems to be where the similarity ends. While the Suzuki Promaster almost seems partially muted (making it a decent practice harp), the Evolution, despite the somewhat tight venting of the cover plates is LOUD. This could possibly be a contributing factor in JDR's description of this harp, in which they use the word "LOUD" with every letter capitalized. Yes. It's loud - louder than most everything I have (except my beloved Rocket Amps).

I think that what blew me away the most about the Evolution is the price. At $50 I didn't have high expectations given the aluminum comb and full polished covers. The Evolution seems to be just slightly heavier than a Kongsheng mars with an aluminum comb and the Suzuki Promaster Valved, and about the same as a Bushman Delta Frost Steelie. I cannot compare it to my Marine band harps, as I have used aluminum and metal combs from different sources including the aluminum ones available from China today to a custom carbon steel machined comb from an estate that is the heaviest harp in my collection. The Evolution is "typically" heavier than a plastic or wood combed harp, but by no means excessively heavy.

The cover plates are fat in my opinion, not ideal to my preferences, but still fine, feeling almost identical to the Promaster Valved. The cover plates are not recessed, but are flush with the face of the comb and the cover plates. My beard is at 9 inches right now, and my mustache isn't exactly trimmed short, so I can say with certainty that he JDR Evolution is very good with facial hair.

Tone wise, the Evolution is bright and loud as you would expect an aluminum combed harp to sound. It is considerably louder than the Promaster Valved, slightly louder than the Konsheng Mars with an aluminum comb, but not as loud as my custom Rockets all with round holed aluminum combs (similar to the Mars).

At $50, I had low expectations just like I did for the North, but like the North the Evolution significantly exceeded my expectations. The Evolution plays as good OOTB as my Mars, and I believe is worthy enough to give the Mars a run for its money (and market share).

I am very impressed with the Evolution Harmonica from JDR. It is an excellent design for the cost, feels and plays like a more expensive harp, and is an excellent addition to any collection, definitely worthy of stage and studio time. It would make an excellent primary harp for performers, as well as be a solid choice for a backup given its price and JDR's reliability.

Hefty and reliable, a sweet clean tone for when it's needed.

Great 👍 harmonics thank you for supplying me with a great instrument 👍😄