The Dannecker Blues Optimus - The Stratocaster of The Harp World
Having spent over 40 years building, customising and repairing harmonicas, including 100 years of Dannecker family expertise passed down through generations, I now present the pinnacle of our achievements -
Optimus Chrome 360° View
The Dannecker Blues Optimus Features:
Constructed and hand crafted from Chrome plated solid Brass
Comb and cover plates crafted from solid metal - Eco-friendly components designed to last a lifetime
A totally new internal Opti-Chamber™ within the core of the instrument acts as a tonal chamber which projects resonance and tonal volumes to levels so far unheard of from a blues harmonica - even when played acoustically and at low volume
'Opti-Chamber'™ further enhances cupped hand expression, vibrato and deep draw and blow bends like no other harp on the planet
Comb and cover plates accept Hohner's top of the range Meisterklasse MS reed plates as well as the heavy gauge Hohner MS brass reed plates (especially suited to the low/tenor keys)
Available in the full set of keys and tunings from low D to high G
Weighs approximately 215 grams - slightly more than the original Dannecker Blues due to the solid metal construction
Entire mouthpiece and reed plate edges honed and smooth
Unique concept round comb mouthpiece section - for supreme playing comfort
Unparalleled volume from a solid brass construction
A totally unique and innovative harmonica exclusive to Antony Dannecker
Huey playing a Dannecker Optimus Chrome key A major (Intonated tuning).
***Also available - Optimus Brass Limited Edition Collectors Model***
For The Serious Harmonica Collector
In addition to the full production Optimus, finished in chrome plate, Antony has manufactured a Collectors Limited Edition Model in raw brass - highly polished and laser engraved with individual serial numbers. This collectors edition pure brass instrument will acquire a 'patina' on the surface of the brass over a period of time. This will further enhance the individuality and uniqueness of the instruments. To help prevent tarnish whilst the Optimus in storage I will enclose a small 1" square fabric anti-tarnish tab which uses the latest 'Intercept®' technology. This tab should be kept next to the Optimus during shipping and storage. *A limited edition of 1000 instruments only*
Optimus Brass 360° View
Also Available In The Online Store - Special Presentation Cases
High quality German made carry cases are available for purchase which were designed specifically for the Optimus (but will fit any Hohner harp as well). When purchasing quantities of 4 or more of the Optimus models these cases will be free of charge.
Personalise Your Optimus
Personalised laser engraving (to the bottom cover plate) will be free of charge with all purchases of 4 or more Optimus harmonicas. Simply email your requirements to Antony at the time of purchase. A small charge is made for personalisation to single harp orders. Contact Antony for details.
The Dannecker Blues Optimus Custom Built Harmonica
A totally new internal 'Opti-Chamber'™ within the core of the instrument acts as a tonal chamber which projects resonance and tonal volumes to levels so far unheard of from a blues harmonica - even when played acoustically and at extremely low volume.
Like no other harp on the planet
......"Tony, Just got home to receive my new Optimus harps.....slammin".....see you in London for my new CD launch.....looking forward to meeting up for lunch!"......
Huey Lewis
....."I've never played a harmonica that is as good as this ever!!!!! Just so easy to play and sure is the loudest. I'm definately a Dannecker man now, no more sloppy harps for me !! He's made playing the harmonica a joy again, not a constant struggle . Thanks Antony :)".....
Giles King
......"Christ alive Tony! That's a killer harp {Optimus} especially up at the top register and great for fast country and bluegrass licks. It's going straight on stage now and, as with all your harps, needs no playing in. It's ready, loud and to go. Would love to pay you a personal visit soon! Until then thank you for your passion"......
Mark Feltham, Nine Below Zero
.......(when playing an Optimus prototype for the first time) “It's f***ing amazing”......
Paul Lamb, Paul Lamb & The Kingsnakes
“.......this harp takes my playing to another level. I need to order a complete set right now. You've achieved an unbelievably fine harp - and that's saying something - I thought you'd achieved the ultimate with your first Dannecker Blues......”
Ben Curtis, Stir Crazy
“.......The Dannecker Optimus is the Leica of harmonicas, form superbly fitted to function and function unparalleled.......”
Alan Sheldon
“.......Having jut taken receipt of a complete set of your new Dannecker Optimus harps I have to tell you that these are clearly the best blues harmonicas I have ever seen or played and I have a personal collection of favourite harps I've built up in over 40 years of pro playing. The sounds the Optimus produce are simply light years ahead of their time. Truly a blues harmonica for the new age. A genuine pleasure to talk with you.......”
Darius Bana
“.......I'm in the process of writing an accolade about my Dannecker Optimus you tuned to A harmonic minor. So far, I haven't been able to find the words that would match it's supreme excellence - two words that underestimate it's performance at very best.......”
