Mark LaVoie
and the Search for the Holy Grail:

For more than 37 years, professional harmonica player Mark LaVoie has been on a quest for the "Biggest" tone. About 12 years ago, he had the opportunity to experiment with a series of harmonica combs made from several different metals.

When he played the harmonica containing a titanium metal comb, he knew he had found what he was looking for: the cleanest, clearest, biggest tone he had ever produced...

the "Holy Grail" of harmonica sound.

NEW!  Visit Mark's MySpace page at  http://www.myspace.com/theharmonicaman 

The Holy Grail is precision  wire electron discharge machined of pure titanium, one of the strongest and lightest metals known to man.  For the consummate professional or serious amateur harmonica player, this comb produces a truly awesome presence.

(check out the professional testimonials)

Laser-Cut and sealed with pure beeswax, Mark personally hand-tweaks the leading edge for the ultimate reed plate alignment. 

What the Professionals Say

Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds,
(who has purchased six combs), called and said:
"Titanium produces a sound that is mellower than any other metal comb.
In fact, the sound is reminiscent of pear wood. When you pick it up
you feel like you have a real instrument in your hand."

Jerry Portnoy (who now has seven combs) said,
"The LaVoie Harmonica, is a beautifully machined
professional instrument. I love it, and carry it everywhere."

Junior Wells said, after a live performance using the titanium comb for
the first time, "I really like this harmonica.  This is something.  When
other musicians get a hold of this its really going to take off.  When I
play it I can taste it."

Phil Wiggins said: " I like the full rich tone of the LaVoie Titanium
Comb, and the way that it resonates similar to the soft wood comb of the Marine
Band.  With Big River covers, I find the brightness projects more with the titanium comb, and that's a bonus with my cupping technique."

Huey Lewis said:  "Wow!  Very Nice. I really like it."

Rob Paparozzi ( who has purchased two combs) said: I LOVE these Titanium
combs. The reed plates really sing...airtight, brilliant but still with the
"Warmth" and "Depth" that I only was able to get from Marine Bands for 30
years. With the MS-system..it's gonna make my life much easier in the
studio and on live gigs.

Robert Bonfiglio said: " The LaVoie Titanium Comb has a wonderful feel, and produces a nice mellow tone.  You can get at the reeds easily to set the gaps.  Mark LaVoie has given us a real solid professional MS: comb option!   Buy Blues Harp or Cross Harp reed plates and slap them on this comb, and  you have a real professional instrument."

Mickey Raphael, Willie Nelson's harmonica player,
bought one and said, shortly after purchasing it,
"...harp's really cool.  I love it!  Sounds great; I'm really happy with it."

Don Brooks (who has purchased five combs), in a note to Mark said:
"I have been using your titanium combs
with the Hohner Cross Harp reed plates for several months for all of my
work, both acoustic and in the studio and on-stage, and I now feel that I
have an instrument that does everything I require. I have played the Marine
Band for thirty five years and this is the first harp that I have ever
played that is clearly superior across the board. The tone is large and
warm with no hint of metallic or plastic overtones and I can play as
delicately or aggressively as I want without failure at either end. I don't
make casual recommendations, but I urge any professional or amateur to
check out your harps. The issue here is music, not money.

Kirk "Jelly Roll" Johnson said, "It's Happenin', Powerful Harmonica".

Chance Browne, cartoonist and blues harmonica player, said "Its great!!!
It gets right to the Fat. You hit this one out of the park."

Red Archibald said, "Yeah, I love it - I'm using it with Low D plates -
(Huge Tone.  The tonic / draw chord can be heard for miles...very warm.)"


And John Hammond summed it up for everyone when he simply said "Wow."

Please Note:
Mark is now offering
Harmonica Technician Services:
Diatonic ONLY

Tuning and  reed adjustment on the following 10 hole Diatonic harmonicas:

Hohner Harmonicas: Marine Band, Special 20, Golden Melody
Hohner MS Series: Big River, Blues Harp, Pro Harp, Cross Harp, and Meisterklasse.
Lee Oskar, Heiring, Bushman, and Suzuki harmonicas.

NOTE: Due to health concerns, harmonicas are not returnable for credit or exchange.

Mark is a Hohner endorsee
and has played harmonica
professionally for 32 years.