Upgrade Marine Band 1896
Hello Kinya,
My marine band key of A harp has a flat 5 draw. I figured if was going to open it up I might just as well replace all the nails with screws, and do something about the cover plates as well.
I saw reference in an old forum post in 2011 that you recommended "Marine Band 101A". There is probably something more up to date by now. Is there a "kit", or parts list or video of instructions?
Thanks,
Hank
Thanks Kinya, I want to do this myself. I thought I saw a video of you replacing nails with screws somewhere. It would be helpful.
Icould post the Marine Band 101
And I will check with Richard about the kits.
Oh, I did see a screw kit by Zijak on rockinronsmusic.com.
Thanks,
Hank
Hi Hank, I should have the Marine Band 101 episode posted to HARPSMITH Bench in about a month... stay tuned!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hello Kinya!
Just wanted to chime in that I too would be very interested in any and all Marine Band 1896 harp info, upgrades and modifications you care to share. I enjoy them from a historical/restoration perspective.
Thanks so much!
LL
Here's a Marine Band upgrade kit from Blue Moon: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/collections/tools-and-kits/products/marine-band-screw-kit
Thanx AC
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Today I finally ventured to remove the draw side cover from my A Marine Band. That was easy.
I wanted to tune up the 5-draw reed, it was flat, of course. I think the reed was beyond repair before I even tried to raise the pitch on it; it was pitched lower than the 5-blow before I touched chisel or file to it.
As I attempted to raise the pitch from it's position lower than Db, instead the pitch kept lowering towards C. So I gave up after a few trys. I am new at this, pretty sure I am doing it properly by filing, chiseling on the free end of the reed.
Looks like I need to replace the reed and that job sounds more daunting than simply tuning the reed to pitch, but I will do it anyway.
It doesn't seem likely that I can purchase single reeds but will start looking. Any suggestions about any of this?
Hank
Hello Hank, your diagnosis is spot on. To purchase new factory minted single reeds (5 per pack for $9)
https://www.hohnershop.com/harmonica-reed-marine-band-and-progressive-se...
A more immediate and economical approach would be to look for healthy "donor" reeds from a host harmonica (shoebox inventory;o). Here are your choices for reeds tuned to D that will fit exactly in the 5 draw slot of your A harmonica:
- A Harp: 5 draw
- Bb Harp: 5 blow
- Eb Harp: 3 draw
- High G Harp: 3 blow
Dr. Hank, before you proceed with the operation, please review Episode 9 of the HARPSMITH Bench, Easy Reeding, "4 Methods for Removing and Replacing Harmonica Reeds"
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thanks AC Harper, I checked them out. FYI: Rockinronsmusic.com also has some upgrade kits.
Hank
Thanks Kinya, for the thoughtful and helpful reply.
I found the site you mentioned for replacement reeds, on my own, so thanks anyway.
I don't have any donar harps available at present, but THANK YOU, for that information; i.e. that those reeds from other harmonica keys can be substituted. I would never have thought of that.
And I have looked at your Episode 9 a few times and will do so a bunch more times before I proceed. Your instructions are so good.
I still have to gather the necessary tools and get my "I can do this" attitude in place. And as said, it looks daunting to me. But, I'm gonna do it anyway.
I think I mentioned elsewhere that this is my first Marine Band Harmonica and I really like it, or I wouldn't be going to so much trouble with it. I have to say that I was surprised that the reed blew out so quickly, about 6-7 months.
Hank H
Hello Hank, you are not alone. The most frequent reed I replace for Andy Just is the number 5 draw on his harmonicas.
I believe the reason for this is that the 5 draw is only 1/2 step away from the 5 blow. Technically, this means with normal bending techniques, there are NO BENDS available. However, we bluz aficionados think there is more "wailing" to squeeze out of the reed (alittle bit for effect is alright, but...). This stress is why the number 5 draw gets fractured near the base of the reed and goes flatttttt.
My advice is to throttle back on your air when you play the 5 draw. Don't worry, in 2nd position playing it will sound terrific, as it is already a flatted 7th ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hello All, for those of you interested in customizing a stock Hohner Marine Band 1896, I am in the process of creating my outline and gathering materials for the next shoot. Stand by!
Your Harpsmith,
Hello Hank, oh that ol' post ;o)
With the availability of the high quality Hohner Marine Band Deluxe, Crossover and Thunderbird harmonicas, the interest in modifying the legacy Marine Band 1896 has waned. I would recommend contacting Richard Sleigh rrsleigh@gmail.com and see if he is still offering Marine Band kits. If not, let me know and I will put the subject of Marine Band 101 on the HARPSMITH Bench film list.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya