Special 20 Comb and Printing Reed Storage
Hi,
Regards the flatness of the bamboo and other wood-type combs I get the sanding and flatness. I couldn't find how to get the progressive/composite combs flat? The Special 20 has a lip that goes around the comb but although getting the reed plate(s) flat themselves. Any ideas on how I can verify the flatness of the recessed portion that butts up against the reed plate? I have tried a light box but the lip of the comb is shadowing the image. I am assuming using a small block of wood with wet/ dry sanding paper that fits in the comb/ plate recess.
Also, the medicine storage for reeds is cool. My label printer just won't cut the three rows of reed/ Harmonica/ location. What label printer / interface did you use?
Great ideas in your forum, Thanks
Inky
One reasons customizers prefer to work with sandwich style harps is that the comb is much easier to sand flat and verify due to the lack of the limiting perimeter present on lipped combs.
You're correct that the only practical way to sand them is with a block smaller than the area inside the lipped perimeter. But with the lack of a reference surface, such as the milled granite block used by many when sanding non-lipped combs, it's impossible to tell what effect your sanding has - does it make any difference, make the flatness better, or worse?
Custom comb makers, such as Tom Halchak at bluemoonharmonicas.com, have ways to use CNC milling to ensure the greatest flaness possible on a milled lipped comb, while stock combs are at the mercy of any flaws in the mould and any variations introduced during the cooling process after release of the injection mould.
Jumping in with my two cents re Tom and Blue Moon. I've recently replaced the original combs on three Hohner Blues Harps with one brass and two aluminum combs from Blue Moon. Really excellent workmanship that I can hear makes a difference. Added to that, great customer service from Tom. The harps look cooler, and the brass-combed one is now heavy enough to be used as a defensive weapon, if necessary. (But not so heavy as to be uncomfortable to hold - it feels great.)
As always, thanks
Please ignore the 2nd part of the question. I found the brother link in a previous question i asked. Would enjoy getting your feedback on the comb tho.