Re: [Harp-L] 64 Chromonica

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- 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