Converted Marine Band cover plate screws
Hi Kinya,
I've been wondering why Marine Bands converted from nails to screws often only have two screws securing the coverplates? I can see some advantage in it making it easier to assemble/disassemble the harp in that it only requires dealing with two sets of screws/nuts rather than four. Some might argue it's an aesthetic thing and that it 'looks cool'...
Ok, but, it seems to me that the need for a tight seal between comb and reedplates is paramount, and using four screws on the coverplates will always help ensure a better seal. And, after all, the new Deluxe and Crossover models use four screws, not two.
I'm curious if you have any insight how the two screw conversion came about in the first place? Am I missing something?
Much thanks for all the great information!
LL
Thank you Eddy, sharing is what this site is all about ;o)
Hi LL, when I spent the afternoon with Master Builder Gunter Beyer (39+ years at Hohner) at his home shop in Germany, I asked him the same question. His response was, "... to secure cover plates with two machine screws, four nails, or four machine screws would be an aesthetic (fashion) choice".
As long as the reed plates are secured (properly) to the comb, only two fasteners would be required for the cover plates. Need proof, check out the Trossingen, Germany Harmonica Museum to see numerous vintage models that match those of the Hohner Thunderbird and Suzuki Manji, and of course Joe Filisko, Richard Sleigh custom Marine Band harmonicas.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thank you Eddy, sharing is what this site is all about ;o)
Hi LL, when I spent the afternoon with Master Builder Gunter Beyer (39+ years at Hohner) at his home shop in Germany, I asked him the same question. His response was, "... to secure cover plates with two machine screws, four nails, or four machine screws would be an aesthetic (fashion) choice".
As long as the reed plates are secured (properly) to the comb, only two fasteners would be required for the cover plates.
Need proof, check out the Trossingen, Germany Harmonica Museum to see numerous vintage models that match those of the Hohner Thunderbird and Suzuki Manji, and of course Joe Filisko, Richard Sleigh custom Marine Band harmonicas.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Great answers, thanks! Good to know, since I already built a set of 1896 MB's using the Filisko two screw style. Now I can leave them alone and understand why I built them that way!
LL
Hi Lizardlips,
I asked Joe Filisko the same question in Northampton a few years ago. In fact, I asked him : "Why do you remove the two coverplate back screws from your crossover?". He answered : "Because it's easier in a maintenace point of vue and the reedplate back screws are enough to insure that your harp is airtight."
When you customise a Marine Band replacing nails by screws, you don't only replace the coverplate screws but also the reedplates screws. So, the same principle applies.
Btw, Hi Kynia, I don't want to step on your toes. I just wanted to share. ;-)
Best regards,
Eddy