Spreading Tine
Sun, 09/04/2011 - 20:25
Hi Kinya,
One of the tines (is that the right word?) of my Marine Band Deluxe has shifted over to one side, so that one hole is now wider than the others, and the adjacent hole is smaller. I have 3 questions:
1. What causes this?
2. How do I fix it?
3. How do I prevent it from happening in the future?
I'm guessing the cause is swelling? I tried just pressing it back into place but it slides right back. If the cause is swelling, then I guess fully sealing my MB deluxe combs would help prevent it?
Thanks,
Steve
Hey Steve,
Good to hear from you.
1. Yes, swelling causes the distortion. It is the nature of the type of wood (pearwood I believe) used in the combs of the MB Deluxe. Although Hohner seals the perimeter and inside the tines, they do not seal the mating surfaces (top/bottom) of the comb.
2. Once the comb warps, I recommend replacing it. After-market comb manufactures do a "better than factory" job. Check out theses sources and be prepared to be impressed:
* Randy Sandoval of Genesis Harmonicas http://www.genesisharmonicas.net/
* Hetrick http://www.harpcase.com/id27.html
* Chris Reynolds http://www.builderofstuff.com/harpsforsale.html
3. If you want to keep it "factory", then a good preventative strategy would be to seal a straight and flat comb with Zinnsser Bulls Eye Shellac. Three coats work well, with light sanding between coats.
Let us know how it works out for you.
Your Harpsmith,
~Kinya