Click and Clack on a lower tuned Hohner harmonica / Tip of the Week 5.27.13
Hello Harp Techs,
Many of you are aware that I love swapping cover plates--between different harmonica models and manufactures. This is a "no brainer" for altering the voicing of your harmonicas (Note: drilling of the combs will be required on some applications).
For example, I recently transplanted the "sexiest" and most comfortable cover plates on planet earth--the Suzuki Manji cover plates--on to my Hohner Special 20 harmonica. The non-vented cover plates of the SP20 was designed to project a muted (browner) sound, while the vented Manji cover plates are more reminiscent of the Hohner Marine Band. Now I have a harmonica that responds well, sounds acoustic and is über comfortable.
Another terrific cover plate marriage is to swap any Hohner Marine Band harmonica, including: MB Deluxe, Crossover, 1896 and Special 20 (yes, the SP20 is apart of the Marine Band family), with the lower cover plate from the Hohner Thunderbird. This Joe Filisko influenced design will enhance the voicing of your harmonicas, and eliminate the annoying "click & clack" of the lower tuned harmonica reeds. The extra space allows the longer/weighted reeds to swing in/out of the reed plated, without hitting the cover plate. Very cool.
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Hello Homer
Good to hear from you Brother.
Hmmm ... I'm suspicious now. Typically we don't find this occurrence on a Bb harmonica. Do me a favor and remove the cover plates and check under the hood.
My guess is one of your reeds on the lower end is not aligned properly within the reed plate slot ... possibly one of the reed plate screws is torqued down tighter than necessary--causing the plate to flex/distort, allowing allow the swinging reed to hit the reed plate--not the cover plate.
Let us know. My curiosity has been piqued!
Your Harpsmith
Kinya
Hi Kinya...Is there a fix, other than changing the cover plate, for a harmonica that clicks on one of the lower reeds? I have a B flat Special 20 that clicks on one of the lower holes.
Homer.