Re: [Harp-L] 64 Chromonica



----- Original Message ----- From: <Aalprice@xxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 6:14 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] 64 Chromonica



Hi all. I was recently given an old 64 Chromonica by a local taxi driver.
When i went to dismantle it to clean it i was surprised to find it had
leather valves instead of the usual plastic ones. The harp comes in a faux
walnut box with a peach coloured padded interior....by the way the harp has a
wooden body. I want to try and restore it.

Chances are good that it is a pre-war harp.


I recently restored an identical harp in the box that you describe. You are very fortunate if the wooden comb is not broken. Mine was and I had several problems fixing it.

The reeds all seem to be
ok,slider is ok and all the relevent bits and bobs are there. What i could do with
from the very knowledgable bunch who frequent harp-l is any tips or indeed
any info in general about this harp...when manufactured and how do i restore
the leather valves?

Mine had leather valves that were backed up with steel springs. Because many were in bad shape, I removed them and replaced them with teflon. I checked the tuning and gapping making minor adjustments where necessary. I had to work on the inside of the reedplates several times and the nails were getting loose. I replaced several of the nails with screws and threaded inserts glued into the comb.


Because the harp that I worked on was a treasured souvenir originally used by a deceased relative, I didn't replace the badly worn mouthpiece and slide. The result was functional (which is what the owner wanted) and sounded OK and in tune but not a harp suitable for frequent, sustained use.

I have been feeding them with minute amounts of olive oil
with some success...... Or do i take all the leather valves out and put in
a set of the plastic ones?

I would replace any defective valves with plastic. However, I don't have any experience obtaining, making or using leather valves.


OH...What would you fix them on with if i
removed them?

I attach valves with Goodyear "Pliobond" or an equivalent contact cement.


Vern
Visit my harmonica website: http://www.Hands-Free-Chromatic.7p.com






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