Low keys
Iv been playing low keys recently and every once in awhile the reeds on the low end hit the cover plates. is their anyway to adjust the reeds so that wont happen ? I have this same problem with my Bb harp whats going on? am i over bending the low end reeds or something?
My low D marine band has no click and clack anymore!!
I used a file boosted up the cover plate and kind of pinched the plate with pliers bowed it out a bit and no rattle i did have to bend out the corners of the cover plate on the low end so the nails would fit back into the holes but it worked!!
Thanks for the tips i really appreciate it
-Austen
Austen,
Yeah! I'm please the strategy worked for you.
~Kinya
I have the same problem with my marine band deluxe (G). Not really following your description of the fix, perhaps I'm more of a visual person, any chance we could get some pictures?
I also read that the updated marine band deluxe has a redesigned cover plate to help eliminate this, do you have any experience with this?
Hello Wheels
Try this ... create a cushion for your reed to dampen the sound.
Here is how you do it:
> Cut 1/4" x 1/4" pads out of medical tape (you know the stuff they use to hold I-Vee needles in place). I prefer 3m Micropore. Apply on the inside of the draw cover plate, directly onto the point of impact. This may take a little trial and error to line up at first. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of tape!
> As for the new low tuned Marine Band harmonicas, David will be sending one my way to review in an upcoming issue of Mel Bay's "Harmonica Sessions".
Let me know how the surgery goes for you ;o)
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Hi Austen11,
You are not alone, particularly with the low draw notes. This is one of the reasons why Joe Filisko and Richard Sleigh re-form the draw cover plate--on the left side--with their custom Marine Band harmonicas. This provides enough clearance for the "weighted" reed to swing in and out of the slot without hitting the cover plate. Hohner recognized this brilliant solution and will be offering this type of cover plate on their new low tuned harmonica model, called "Thunderbird". We should expect the Thunderbird harmonica, based on the Hohner Crossfire platform to be available in the United States within the next few months. I randomly searched for a photo and found:
If we're talking about Hohner Marine Band, or Special 20, I have been successful with the following techniques:
Jack the cover plate up (like raising your car when changing the tire ;o) to clear the swinging reed. This is accomplished by curling the leading edge of the cover plate slightly inward--from a side view--essentially closing the gap between the lip of the cover plate and the front side of the cover plate.
OK, this is how you do it:
With blue painters tape, protect the leading edge (lip) of your cover plate. Next with a #8R Vise Grip, clamp about 1/16" x 3 3/8" (length of cover plate lip) and bend downward, until the gap disappears. Remove the tape, re-attach the cover plates, and test it out. Photo of tool:
Let me know how it worked out for you.
~Kinya