Celebrity Testimonials
The Great Larry Adler
- The one and only - ( 1914 -2001 )
" When my mouthorgans are out of tune I need Antony Dannecker who, besides being Chief Hohner Repairer, is also my friend. "
Charlie Musselwhite
- Legendary US Harmonica Star
" The Dannecker Blues is truly an amazing harmonica. It has such a great tone and feels good too. What a thrill to know I'll have these fine harmonicas to record my next CD with - I hope this will show what a great harmonica the Dannecker Blues is. I am honoured to have such a fine instrument. "
Bruce Willis
- Hollywood actor & lover of Rythmn and Blues
" I've had a passion for playing blues harmonica for as way back as I can remember. My new Dannecker Blues harmonicas sound awesome. Grateful thanks Tony, especially for all the info on the special tunings we spoke about. Bruno. "
Sandi Thom
- In 2006 Sandi Thom’s infamous debut single ‘I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker’ topped the charts in seven countries. Her latest album ‘Merchants & Thieves’ has also been a global hit and showcases a new sound from Sandi, bringing to light her passion for the blues.
" Hi Antony, lovely to meet you backstage at the Great British Blues Festival and thank you so much for the custom built {Dannecker Optimus} harmonicas. They really are very special! "
Jamey Garner
- One of the World's most talented and respected musicians who carved his career playing with some of country and rock music's biggest and brightest stars. His tour dates seem to sell out before the paint dries on the tickets - not surprising - his performances on stage are mesmerising.
" Hello from Dallas, TX! Dear Antony, the Optimus Harp is absolutely amazing and is flat out the best harp I've ever played. It's crazy responsive and completely air tight. Brilliant tone and the tuning is dead solid perfect! I must say, it is the equivalent of driving a Ferrari. Without question the best harp to ever touch my lips. I AM SHOOTING A VIDEO TO SING YOUR PRAISES THIS WEEK! I'll let ya know when its up! You're the BEST, Antony Dannecker! "
Andy Garcia
- Hollywood actor, director & musician
" The Dannecker Blues harps are the best I have ever played. Amazing, clean, true, easy and responsive. Thanks again for your support. "
Arlo Guthrie
- Musician, Composer, Story Teller and Son of America's most beloved singer/writer/philosopher Woody Guthrie.
" Love my Dannecker Blues harps Antony. I'd love to have the chance to say hi when I play my next gig in the UK. "
Jean "Toots" Thielemans
- International Jazz Harmonica Celebrity
" A fellow harmonica player suggested I call Antony Dannecker. Right away, I realised Antony knew the instrument (Chromatic, in my case) inside out: adjusting pitch, tone, warmth of sound all over the range, especially the higher register - which I always avoided except for a short "dramatic shout". He sent me one of his tailor-made "babies", just to my preferences....Tony, how can I thank you? "
Huey "Power of Love" Lewis
- Musician and Hollywood/Broadway actor
" Great talking to you the other day and congratulations on your harmonica. You’ve done a great job. I’ve tried customised harmonicas for years but nothing compares to the Dannecker Blues - hey man you’ve got it right! I love it. The action is tight and fast and the tuning is spot on. "
Charlie McCoy
- A Living Legend in the World of Country Music
" I've used the Dannecker Blues on my latest album 'A Celtic Bridge' this album explores my Irish roots. Your harp sounds great !! Thanks again Tony. "
Hugh Laurie (aka House)
- Actor, Comedian, Author & Musician
" Huge thanks for the harmonicas. I'm really enjoying playing them! "
Marcus Bonfanti
- Britain's Blues Guitar Hero
" Hey Tony, I've definately got to grips with the Dannecker Optimus harp now. I'm getting a beautiful sound out of it and turning some heads because of it. Spoke about you with Paul Jones too. Have a great night tonight mate, sorry I can't be there. Let's hook up soon for sure. Marcus. "
José Cabello Garcia
- Creator of one of the net's most popular harmonica resources www.todoarmonica.org
" Hi Antony, I have just received my new Dannecker Blues harmonica in A. I have no words to describe it, incredible, awesome !! ... When I have time I will write an article about it in my forums. Thank you very much and best wishes, your friend José."
Tris Imboden
- Drummer and harmonica player for the US legendary supergroup Chicago
" It truly was great finally getting to speak with you yesterday. I mean it when I say that my playing immediately improved the first time I played a Dannecker Blues Harmonica. The feel, the action, the tone, it really is the Ferrari of harps! I can't thank you enough my friend. "
Sigmund Groven
- Norway's International Harmonica Virtuoso
" It is good to know that Tony is there to service my reed-plates when necessary.
He always does an expert job, and he is extremely prompt, which is essential in many cases. "
Paul Lamb
- B.B.C. Blues Award Winner for 7 years
" Because of my heavy touring schedule, I must have complete confidence in my equipment. With Tony's dedicated commitment to servicing all my harmonicas, that satisfaction is guaranteed. "
Paul Jones
- TV & Radio Personality. A 60's legend with Manfred Mann and now The Blues Band.
" Antony Dannecker's service is absolutely invaluable. I've lost count of the number of rescue operations he's carried out on my harmonicas, but what I can't forget is how grateful I am. Bless you for all you've done, and long may you do it. "
Brian "Licorice" Locking
- Former bass guitar and harmonica player for Cliff Richard and the Shadows
" My repaired harmonicas came back better than the original with all the notes balanced and even - they play like a dream....thank you Tony. "
Tommy Boyd
- Talk Radio Presenter / Journalist. Former presenter of 70's UK Childrens TV Programme "Magpie"
" Many Many thanks for the most wonderful harmonica. It will truly give me enormous pleasure. "
Kenny Baker
- Actor, plays R2D2 from "STAR WARS"
" The best harmonicas I have ever played - and I've played them all! "
Martin Shaw
- One of England's most popular and celebrated TV/theatrical artists. With numerous starring roles spanning over three decades.
" Thank you so much Tony for the beautifully made harmonica. As an old Dylan fan and occasional guitar strummer, it will be used. Regards Martin. "
David Suchet O.B.E.
- Actor best known as "Poirot"
" Many thanks for the harmonica Tony. I'm using it at the Royal Court Theatre starring in the stage play 'Oleanna'. "
The Yardbirds
- Laurie Garman of The Yardbirds and now the Blue Aces
" Antony's knowledge of the harmonica together with his tremendous craftsmanship are a resource that all serious players should use. "
Vivian Stanshall
- The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band (1943 - 1995)
" My sincerest thanks Tony for one of the finest reeded instruments I have ever had the pleasure to own. "
Justin Sandercoe
- Musician, Songwriter, Recording and touring musician with Katie Melua
" Antony makes the best harmonicas I have ever played, by a long way. Serious about harmonica playing? Get a Dannecker Blues! ".
Visit Justin at www.justinguitar.com - Free online guitar lessons with over 35000000 hits in just three years.
Joe Brown
- Musician, actor and songwriter
" Many thanks Tony for all the tuning work on my instruments - they sound terrific! "
Geraldine James O.B.E.
- Acclaimed British Actress
" Very many thanks for supplying the harmonicas for our charity event on behalf of Unicef. Your recommendation for a suitable harmonica player ( Paul Lamb ) was spot on. We had a great evening, many thanks. "
Simon Hickling
- One of the UK's top harmonica players
[The Dannecker Blues]...."It looks fantastic, beautifully made with clean lines....easy to play, very comfortable in the mouth - especially when tongue blocking and there is a noticeably greater deal of control over the reeds, especially when holding long bends with vibrato. All in all FANTASTIC! "
David Turner
- Harmonica player for the UK Ska band 'Bad Manners'
" Antony Dannecker is responsible for ALL my harmonica repairs, modifications and requirements. He combines World beating craftsmanship with an excellent professional service and the highest quality assurance. Most of my harmonicas are over ten years old and, after the Dannecker magic, they sound better than when I first bought them. You only live once so treat your harmonica to the best service around - the Dannecker Standard. "
Peter Golding
- World famous fashion designer and passionate blues harmonica player
" Thanks Tony for the Dannecker Blues - a great responsive harp. The rounded mouthpiece is perfect for both comfort and speed and the combination of materials is a spiritual trail to harmonica heaven. "
Rolf Harris C.B.E.
- Musician, artist, animal lover and TV/stage entertainer
" Many thanks Antony for all your tuning work on my reed plates. Best wishes, Rolf. "
Dame Evelyn Glennie O.B.E.
- Musician, Composer & Percussionist
" Thank you very much, the Dannecker Blues is wonderful. Very high quality of workmanship and I'm honoured to be in possession of one. Evelyn. "
Tom Byrne
- One of Irelands best loved harmonica players
" The Dannecker Blues is an astounding instrument in every sense. It combines every facet required by serious musicians to allow them to break musical boundaries.It's tone, responsiveness and overall power, as an instrument, places it in another league in the harmonica world and it enables me to play some of the more intricate and demanding pieces in Irish traditional music with ease and confidence. In addition, it is an instrument of beauty with lovely balance and feel. Congratulations on the design of such a magnificent instrument. It will be first choice for me for performance and recording. "
Rick Hatfield
- Rick Hatfield and the jumpin' bobcats
" The Dannecker Blues is a beautiful harmonica. The quality is superb. The tone and intonation are terrific! The volume and clarity are outstanding I will treasure this instrument. The mouthpiece is the top! This instrument is head-and-shoulders above any I've seen! "
Paul Von Mertens
- Composer, arranger, musician and member of Brian Wilson's 'Beach Boys' touring & recording band
" Tony, I just got the Dannecker Blues in the mail and wow, it's beautiful. Feels good to play, very comfortable, and I love the heft of it. Superb tone and intonation. Great response and absolutely even throughout the range. A really superior instrument that makes you feel like playing! I'm definitely going to get some more. "
Mark Feltham, Nine Below Zero
- Harmonica Player Supreme with copious session, touring and film credits to his name.
" Engineered like a Rolls Royce yet singing like a bird, these top end Dannecker Blues instruments are a must have from Antony. I was delighted to have on board a new Dannecker Blues in the studio yesterday and it's beautiful. Thank you Antony. "
Mitt Gamon
- Harmonica Player and musician who has performed with artists including Nasher, Joe Brown, Boy George, Godley and Creme, Soul II Soul many many more.
" I've played a lot of harps in my time, but the Dannecker Blues is in a class of its own. It's a loud and powerful instrument, and live, it sounds wonderful. I can't wait to put it to good use in the studio. Good work Antony! "
The Levellers
- World Famous Folk-Rock Band
" If you play harmonica you have to own a Dannecker Blues.” Many many thanks, Simon Friend:The Levellers. "
Mike Harding
- TV & BBC Radio celebrity
" Dear Antony my Dannecker Optimus harps arrived safe and sound. The harps play like a dream, full and responsive - and the tone! Brilliant. I'm going to give them their first outing tonight. Thanks again Mike Harding - BBC Radio 2 "
Mark Nesbitt
- Award winning Irish cartoonist caricaturist and passionate harmonica player
" Thank you very much indeed for your exceptionally fine repair of my harmonicas. I've had them for years (some had travelled during extended periods in Africa and Australia) and though old friends they'd ended up rather neglected. You have restored them beyond measure and I promise to take better care of them this time! Also having the range of keys you've now created I have never been so well set up. I've had a short blow on the Melody Maker in D and can sense a whole new world of more unusual, atmospheric possibilities opening up. "
William Kotzwinkle
- Author, Screenwriter, Novelist and musician.
Works including novelisation of E.T. ( Spielberg's The Extra Terrestrial ) and Nightmare on Elm Street
" I was amazed by the Dannecker Blues Harp. What an incredible sound and so sensitive. I can do things I've never been able to do before. There's absolutely nothing like it that I've ever played and that includes Seydels. It's truly a masterpiece. "
Errol Linton
- Errol 'Blues Dadde' Linton
" Remember when we used to meet up when your workshop was in South London? Great harps Tony! "
Pete Anderson
- Little Dog Records, California USA
" Received your harps safe and sound here in California - they are terrific - I’m on my way back from the studio after a successful recording session…..thanks again and a great job. "
DJ Slate and Rocket 88
From the DJ Slate Blues Band, California USA
"Good news, I received the set of harps I ordered from you today. I am very delighted with them - the tone is nice and full. I wish I lived close to you so I could scope out your shop! "
Marc Breitfelder
Award winning German harmonica musician.
"Hi Antony, The harmonicas arrived and are wonderful instruments, the best chromatics I've played.....Thank you."
Gary Murray
Musician, Teacher, Author, Broadcaster and former MI5 & US Government Under-Cover Agent
“For as long as I can remember, I have had a relationship with the Dannecker family, and instruments supplied and/or serviced by Antony and previously his father Willi, have always been of the highest calibre and never let me down. One mentions the word harmonica and immediately the name Dannecker springs to mind. "
- Antony highly recommends Gary to all his beginners and novice players who require some expert help and tuition along the way. Gary’s intimate knowledge of both the chromatic and blues playing styles as well as his highly regarded teaching technique makes him one of the most respected and sought after harmonica/music teachers available today as well as being one of the nicest guys you are ever likely to meet.
Visit Gary's website »www.garymharmonica.co.uk
Chuck Hansen ( pictured with Nas )
www.thetrackshack.com
"Your FedEx package arrived today…. one of our studio producers was mixing a tune in C and immediately plugged in the high end mic and Dannecker harp and recorded a new track!....Wonderful...."
Visit Chuck's »Youtube Channel
Nelsen Adelard
USA 'Blues Journeyman' who has performed with Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Matt 'Guitar' Murphy and Pine Top Perkins.
[ The Dannecker Blues ] "This is one sweet instrument and got to be the best harp I’ve ever blown. Tony you’re a true master!"
Dale Spalding
Harp player in the legendary Blues Band Canned Heat.
[ The Dannecker Blues ] "Wow, what a cool instrument. I really dig the tuning and responsiveness. I'm adjusting to the feel of playing it because it's so different than the wood harps, and I think that the more I play it the more I like it. You are a true artist, my friend."
Giles King
Giles King is regarded as one of the UK's top blues harmonica players. British Blues award nominee. Respected session player who is currently touring and recording with ‘Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys’ and Hokie Joint.
I have received the harp this morning, It looks gorgeous and plays beautifully. The Intonated tuning is so smooth, perfect octaves at last....! Can't wait to try it at the gig tonight. Thanks............Giles"
Matthias Broede
One of Europes most original jazz harmonica performers and composers whose unique harmonica style extends through swing, enthnic, contemporary and chamber music jazz.
Many thanks for being so fast with the {Dannecker Blues} Lex! I recieved it monday morning. It's a great instrument, great sound, fantastic tuning, very comfortable in the mouth and a beautiful design!!"
Shakey Joe Harless
Harmonica microphone guru Shakey Joe Harless of Shaker harmonica microphones produces some of the world's hottest and most performed with harmonica pickups for all of the top professional players including Norton Buffalo, Peter Madcat Ruth and Charlie Musselwhite.
"Dannecker hand crafted harmonicas. Works of art you can hear!".....Shakey Joe Harless, Arkansas, USA
Visit the » Shaker Microphone website
Adam Gussow
Award-winning musician, scholar and memoirist, Associate Professor of English and Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi and creator of ModernBluesHarmonica.com where he offers a series of engaging harmonica instruction tuition videos.
[ The Dannecker Blues ] "It is a gorgeous physical object. One of the best looking harps, considered purely as a work of art, that I've seen. It has a beautifully in-tune low draw chord (holes 1-4) and very smooth action on the high end. I love the way that it allows me to pull the 9 draw down slightly--an inflection off the flat seventh that I'm fond of using and that your harmonica makes sweet and easy."
Visit the » ModernBluesHarmonica.com
Rob Paparozzi
New Jersey-based frontman, singer, & harmonica player. Rob's musical versatility is reflected in the long and remarkably diverse list of major artists he's worked with, including B.B.King, Dr. John, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Carole King, Roberta Flack, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper, Randy Newman, Jimmy McGriff, and James Galway . Rob has been touring the world with the “Original Blues Brothers Band”, featuring guitar legend Steve Cropper and special guest Eddie Floyd 2000-2007 and since 2005 he is the Frontman-Singer for the Legendary "Blood Sweat and Tears" and "The Hudson River Rats".
"Dear Tony, I LOVE the Dannecker Blues Harp and the way you tuned it!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!"..... MusicallyYours, Rob Paparozzi















