tarnish removal
Hi Kinya,
What can you recommend to remove tarnish from coverplates that is non-toxic. I've used Semichrome polish in the past, but I didn't think it worked great and I'd like to find something non-toxic.
I have a Dremel I coul duse for polishing and buffing although I have never tried that.
Thanks, Pete
Kinya,
Here's what I find.
I had to use regular paper towels. Lots of black comes off on the paper towel. Parts of the cover plate look like new but parts of it don't. Looking closely I discover that the parts of the cover plate that are in constant contact with the hands are pitted and rough. For example, on the bottom cover where the left thumb and heel of right hand make contact.
Does this mean the coating has been worn through?
Hello Pete,
Yeah, in a nut shell, the material has degradated past the point of no return. I found it easier to replace the cover plates with the newer types of cover plates.
Prior to 2000, I believe Hohner used a thin Nickel Steel for its cover plates. This material was not desirable because the cover plates would tarnish, rust, and was easy to crush.
Currently Hohner cover plates are chrome (chromium) finished over a slightly thicker gauge metal. For the most part, it minimized the short comings of the Nickel Steel.
For a tarnish and crush free solution (although expensive to retool the punches and dies) stainless steel is hard to beat. Just ask anyone who plays Suzuki, Seydel and/or Lee Oskar.
~Kinya
Just a heads up... the new Seydel 1847 cover plates with vents are matte stainless and they don't tarnish or get finger prints or stains. I've played a couple of harps for several months now that look like the day I put the covers on them. These covers come stock on the new 1847 Noble and you can order them as a spare part to retrofit your older 1847's. For some the price is a factor but I'm one of those gearheads that has to have every toy. I truly believe what I had inscribed on my iPod "You just can't have too many harmonicas!"
Hey Jon,
A couple of days ago I checked the Seydel site, and couldn't find them. Was I looking in the wrong place? How much are they?
~ Kinya
Kinya: If you go to the 1847 Noble page and look at the top right hand corner there's a link called "Spare Parts" You'll find the covers there. They cost $29.95 a set or 5 sets for $99.95.
Jon
Thanx Jon
I'll check it out ... now in fact ;o)
~ Kinya
Hello JW,
Since the 70's, I have experimented with many tarnish/polishes, including Mr. Metal (www.mrmetal.com) I have not found any product nearly as effective as the one you had mentioned. The Happich SIMICHROME Polish from Germany (#390050) distributed by Competition Chemicals, Iowa Falls, Iowa is fabulous. This is how I use the product:
(1) Apply a small and even amount of the paste onto your cover plates
(2) I would not recommend using your Dremel tool, but instead, use the Scott brand blue "Shop" duty paper towels to buff the surface to a brilliant luster.
(3) It will leave a slight metallic taste that you can rinse off with mild dish washing soap and water.
Give it a try and let me know ...
~Kinya