Re: [Harp-L] Plastic machined combs

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

Although he is recovering from an illness, you should inquire of Bill Romel. 
He is the only current supplier of plastic combs that I know of. 
romel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

There is a syndicate that is currently in the process of making some 
stainless steel 270 combs.  Contact Greg Dyer gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for more 
information about possible future availability.

In the past, Richard Farrell and John Infande have made plastic combs but, 
AFAIK, neither does so now.

Replacement combs for 270s are difficult to offer to the market because 
different amounts of sanding by the factory and subsequently by repair 
technicians give every set of 270 reedplates an unique set of dimensions. 
The user must be prepared to drill out the nail holes to accept screws and 
sometimes file/slot those holes to accommodate the screws which have a 
standard position on the comb.  Sadly, one size comb does not fit all 270 
reedplates.  This is not a "show-stopper" but it can be an annoyance if you 
don't expect it.

Because of the above problem, you might wish to find a technician who will 
supply the entire harp with the plates already installed.

I certainly agree with you that the wooden combs with nailed-on reedplates 
are an abomination.

The Hering 5148 & 7148 12-hole chromatics have plastic combs and cost less 
than 270s.

Vern