Re: [Harp-L] Repairs

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

 Electric & phones were out for a couple hours.

On Jul 19, 2005, at 7:51 AM, Leon & Gail Albin wrote:

> This might be helpful information for beginners.  I had revealed that 
> I was
> technically challenged.
> Recently I wrote the Harp-Ls regarding a Super 64 Chromatica.  Its 
> slide
> would stick on the release.  I received several very welcome messages 
> of
> advice.  Thanks for the help.  I started with least aggresive method 
> first.
> I finally took it apart after reading several harmonica repair sites.

 "Jewel" the slide. Take an exacto knife and holding it at a 45 degree 
angle to the slide, scrape ever so gently around all the holes (on both 
sides). Easiest way (if right handed) is to scrape all the hole edges 
on the right, turn the slide end for end, scrape all the holes on the 
right, turn the slide at a 90 degree angle to your belly, scrape all 
the holes on the right, give it a 180 and scrape all the holes on the 
right.

 Flip slide over and do the same thing. For a 64, you will scrape 128 
edges. Finish off by polishing with auto rubbing compound, then use a 
paste wax, and buff.

>   There
> were 2 tiny hollow plastic or rubber pieces that seemed to be just 
> floating
> around inside the works.

 The fit OVER the mouthpiece screws and should be put back in place. If 
chopped up, you can use insulation off of #12 or 14 electrical wire, 
depending on how stout the insulation IS. Lamp chord works even better 
as it is usually softer. The tubes cushion the 'clicking' of the slide 
bottoming out against the screws during spirited slide work.

>   I got it back together and the slice works fine,
> but I didn't get those tubes in.

 Go BACK two giant steps, you didn't say "May I". Put the tubes back.

>  They surely must go around a screw for
> increased air tightness

 No not for tightness...noise reduction

> , but I couldn't get the plates back on with them
> around the screws.

 Yes you can, wet them with baby (or salad, sewing mach., mineral, 
olive, etc) and push them through the holes. After working the slide 
several times, they should 'set'.

>   The direction I am heading is that I had an old 10 hole
> chromatic in my harmonica grave yard that had some stuck notes and a 
> stuck
> slide.  I took it apart to carefully study it and learn more.  Good 
> news, I
> cleaned it in warm water as I read to do and it appears that I 
> repaired it.
> My Super 64 seems fine, but has a very slight wheeze.

 Look for splayed wind saver

Hope this helps....Smokey Joe

> I was thrilled to get the 10 hole revived.
> Less technically challenged Gail