Crossover Comb Seal
Kinya! How are you? It's been a while since I posted here, and I have a question.
I had a basic set of Crossovers back when they first came out. Since then, I've replaced a few and added a few, and I've noticed a difference in the comb sealing. The Crossover harps I've bought recently have nicely sealed combs with a smooth, glossy finish on the mouthpiece. My older harps (first gen Crossovers) don't have this, but instead are rough. I'm switching over from playing Seydel 1847 Classics, and I've gotten used to the smooth, glossy feel of those, and I've also found I like the smooth, glossy Crossover mouthpieces as well.
So...
Was there a change to the comb sealing on the Crossovers after they first came out? And also, how can I seal these myself so they have the same look and feel of the newer models?
Thanks ahead, and glad to see you're still here!
Varathane? Wow, I haven't seen that stuff since I took wood shop in high school. I'm pretty sure I used it on the crappy chessboard I made to pass the class and convince the teacher I didn't spend the whole semester sleeping!
I'll give it a try. Do I spray the whole comb, or just the mounthpiece?
Hohner's philosphy regarding sealing wooden (includes bamboo) combs, is that if you seal everything except the top and bottom mating surfaces (makes contact with the reed plates), you will retain some of the wood's porous attributes that contribute to the classic voicings of the instrument.
I say experiment, try one of each: the Hohner way, and the other way--which is to seal everything--including the mating surfaces.
Let us know how how your project turns out. BTW, you don't have to convince us, we know you slept the entire semester ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Would you recommend the oil or water-based version, Kinya? EDIT: I found another thread where you posted the link to the water-based version. I would have just deleted my question, but I didn't see a way to. : )
Hello Sing Song, in my shop now is the water-based brush on Varathane. Much easier cleanup.
I just completed filming HARPSMITH Bencraft Episode #9 and in the process of uploading to my YouTube Channel. Check back here tomorrow and I will have a link for you for an excellent upgrade strategy for your Marine Band Crossover (Marine Band 1896, Deluxe).
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thank you!
Hello JJudson, Good to hear from you as well!
I am a huge fan of the aerosol Verathane Semi-Gloss Interior Polyurethane
Before applying, sand the combs to "baby butt" smooth (remove all dust and debris) ... two coats works well.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya