Rick,

If you don't mind, please give me your thoughts on my harmonica dilemma.

A. I feel that it is of the utmost importance that those of us who do Living History/Reenactments do the most accurate interpretation that we can.

B. I try to show respect for the 19th century people that we try to emulate,
the other reenactors that are trying equally as hard to do the very best "job" that they can do and the 21st century people who are watching [and hopefully learning] from what we are doing.

------ now, to the nitty gritty of my problem -----

C. The harmonica did exist in the time periods that I do [late 1840's-1872] -
BUT - There are no originals or reproduction harmonicas of that period available. Some people might disagree with me but, after alot of research I feel that the Hohner "Marine Band" is as close as I can get - BUT - it still screams FARB!!!!

D. I honestly believe that if I had been a musician during the 1800's that I would have intuitively gone to a blacksmith to figure out some way to put something around my neck to hold the mouth harp so that I could play the guitar or banjo at the same time - BUT - There are no primary source photographs or illustrations to back that up. Only a few things that were written about Lew Meyers and, what is most likely just a "tall tale" about Joe Sweeney.

E. I have made a big effort to make sure that my clothing , other musical instruments and everything else that I carry with me is correct for what ever time period that I am doing - BUT - will that harmonica turn the whole thing into a FARB FEST?

If you hear a noise while you are reading this, it is just me beating my head against the wall. Thanks for any thoughts that you might have either for or against de ole harmonica problem.

Chris