Re: repairing a wooden comb

[wmharps@xxxxxxxxx]

Fernando wrote:
> I own a Hohner MS Blues Harp. Maybe because of the use, the cover paint
> of some parts from the wooden comb is gone, something that does a little
> harm to my tongue, especially while tongue blocking some holes. I wonder
> if there's a way to repair this, if there's a special paint, wax or else.

I have a friend who plays MS Blues Harps exclusively, and he has noticed that 
the newer ones seem to deteriorate at the tips of the tines after some use.  I 
haven't had that problem, but I've only owned a few of this model, and they 
were purchased some time ago.  

I would suggest that *before the harp is played* the tips of the comb tines 
should be rounded slightly, and the comb sealed with a water based sealer or 
wax.  Once the harp has been played the deterioation process has started, and 
it may not be possible to completely seal it, though it certainly can't hurt to 
try.  

There are lots of resources on this list's archives and others' web sites for 
appropriate sealers (I use beeswax, but others prefer water based sealers 
approved for contact with the mouth).  Don't use too fine a sandpaper on the 
wood or it makes it difficult for the sealer to be absorbed properly.  

If the combs are too far gone you should be able to get replacements from 
Hohner, though I have never tried.  That is one of the advantages of MS, though 
in practice it seems to be more for the replacement of reedplates than combs or 
covers.

- -tim