Over recent years, JDR have been building a reputation for high quality, easy to play harmonicas, and following on from the success of the 'game changing' Trochilus models, I thought I would investigate their popular Assassin range.
Originally only available in black, they have recently introduced the 'silver' version, which is the model I have available.
The Assassin is a standard ten hole diatonic harmonica, in 'compromised' Richter tuning, which means both single notes and chords sound fine, while neither are absolutely spot on A4 tuning (or they are, but tuned at 443Hz for the technically minded). Many modern harmonicas are tuned similarly, to get the best out of both worlds - these are great for playing the blues!
They weigh in at 89g, and measure 106mm x 24mm x 29mm (that's my measurements with my old school rule, so allow a mm or so either way - we are both beyond the spring of youth!)
The cover plates are really smooth, and JDR say they are un-coated Stainless Steel, with an ABS comb, brass reed plates and phosphor bronze reeds, which have a "suppression patch" fitted, to prevent "unwanted whistling".
In play, they seem pretty airtight to me. They are not the loudest harmonica out there, and have a very smooth sound, but I'm sure you blues specialists out there can take it down into the dirt. The large vents at the rear are supposed to help supress unpleasant high frequency sounds (they HAVE heard me playing...), while the fact that the reeds were treated at low temperatures apparently means they are flatter and closer fitted than many of their competitors. I'm not sure about all of the technical stuff, but I will say that I have produced my first over-blow (not exactly perfect, but with practice...) using this harp!
Bottom line, it is a nice harp to play, comfortable to hold and, while not the cheapest on the market, is not hideously expensive and I believe pretty good value for money.
