270
What is the difference between the 270 Super and 270 Deluxe?
My 12 hole harp has nails to hold the reed plates in place. Can I replace the nails the same way I did with my Marine Bands or are there other suggestions?
Yes, you can. Most people who do this use the 2-56 size screw. Follow the nail pattern on one of the reedplates, making sure that widening the hole won't drill through a reed pad on the opposite reedplate or through a chamber wall in the comb.
There's plenty more detail about how to this, but I'm assuming that if you've done it before you already know the procedures.
Thanks for the reply. It looks like I'll be using the 2-56 threaded brass inserts; that way I won't have to drill all the way through the comb.
I'm also thinking about sealing the comb with two coats of Fletco Varathane Diamond Semi-Gloss Wood Finish per Kinya's Comb Over article in HarmonicaSessions, April 2008. What do you think?
As Richard says, Harpe Diem!
I'm not sure you can get the threaded brass inserts embedded satisfactorily in the soft pearwood. Acrylic or ABS are more robust than wood for this sort of thing. You may have an easier time of it just drilling through the comb and using bolts from top reedplate to bottom. Or perhaps you possess the woodworking skills to pull this off.
I'm not sure you can get the threaded brass inserts embedded satisfactorily in the soft pearwood. Acrylic or ABS are more robust than wood for this sort of thing. You may have an easier time of it just drilling through the comb and using bolts from top reedplate to bottom. Or perhaps you possess the woodworking skills to pull this off.
The two most important differences are rounded hole mouthpiece and all-screw construction on the 70 Deluxe, versus nailed-together construction and square holes on the standard 270.
HOLE SHAPE
The 270 has square holes in the mouthpiece, while the Deluxe has round holes.
Benefit: Some players feel that the edges of the square holes in the 270 mouthpiece abrade their tongues (I personally do not experience this problem). Thhe rounded holes have the potential to offer a smoother surface for the player's tongue.
REEDPLATE-COMB ASSEMBLY
The 270 reedplates are fastened to the wood comb with tiny nails, making it hard to dissassemble to service the inside reeds and windsaver valves. Such needed service might include clearing obstructions from the reeds, tuning the reeds, and un-gunking, straightening, or replacing windsaver valves.
The 270 Deluxe is held together with screws, making disassembly (and reassembly) easy
There are a few additional differences, but those are the most important ones. For a detailed run-down you could read my review of the 270 Deluxe at harmonicasessions.com