Hohner Service Kit Issue
Hello Harpsmith,
I purchased a Hohner Service Kit. There's a problem with the screwdriver. The slotted end does not fit the little screws on the cover plates of the Marine Band series. Can you shed any light on this issue?
Thank you Harpsmith,
Well the #5 blow reed broke. I don't have a tool kit to replace at this point. Your detailed response really makes sense for the future and I will re-read.
I don't think the Pozi screwdriver is the answer hear. I am using Marine Band 1896 and the fasteners look like slotted nails. Is there a tool or process to allow for the cover plates to be removed?
Thanks
Hello Anthony,
Oh! I see now. You did not indicate Blow/Draw, but my hunch it was the 5 draw reed.
The upcoming Harp Tech series that David and I will be filming here shortly will be focusing on the Hohner 1896 harmonica. This will include detailed instructions on reed removal/replacement.
In the meantime, you can slide a coin (or large washer) in between the back opening of the blow cover plate and reed plate--closet to the end with the nails, then give it a twist. The nails will easily pop out. Repeat this step for the draw cover plate.
To get a sneak peak at the upcoming segment on reed replacement, check out my back issues:
http://archive.harmonicasessions.com/jun04/h-workbench.html
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Hello Anthony,
I'm remembering your original post was regarding sticking #5 hole reeds? ... maybe you rectified the problem. If not here are my recommendations:
Assuming you remounted the reed plates in their proper positions. The blow reeds on top of the comb with the reeds hidden beneath the reed plate, and the draw reed plates on the bottom of the comb, completely exposed ... alright then, let's trouble shoot this issue by the numbers:
1. Disassemble the harmonica, hold the blow reed plate so that light can pass through the slots. Do you have an even amount of light surrounding the reed? If not, grab your reed wrench and gently torque (to the left or right) the rivet end of the reed until you do see an even amount of light around the sides and tip of the reed.
2. Now plink the reed with the opposite end of your reed wrench and you should hear a nice clear pitch. If you hear clicking and/or a thunk thunk noise, the reed is still out of alignment--or you have a chunk of Harmonicoccus stuck in between the reed and slot.
3. Use shim stock or feeler gauge in the .002" range and slide it between the reed and reed plate--all the way back to the rivet end to clear out any of those nasty small foreign radicals. In fact, use the shim stock to gently lift up on the reed to set your gap.
4. While your at it, hold the reed onto it's side and site the reeds. Is the tip of the #5 reed buried in the slot? or does it have a nice gap (.004~.006) at the tip?
5. Repeat this step for the draw #5 as well.
As for the cover plate bolts, it sounds like you are working on either the Hohner MB Deluxe, Crossover, Thunderbird or anything from the Hohner's MS (modular system). This will require a Pozi drive type of screwdriver--similar to a Phillips tip except it has extra small tangs embedded between the larger tangs.
The Hohner tool kit (now you tell me)! does not include at Pozi screwdriver. Thank goodness they are easy to obtain:
http://www.wihatools.com/200seri/262serie.htm
Let us know how this works out for you Anthony.
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya