Re: [Harp-L] improving the harmonica (SBS harps)

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

I'm a fan of the 364/365 series, but two things I always do are to sand
and seal the comb (with spray acrylic) and replace the nails with
screws, either 0-80 or the self-tapping MS-series screws.

Winslow

--- fjm <mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I've got a full standard set of the SBS's.  A G C D and F  I've also
> got 
> one of those rare low A's and an F# that was superbly retuned from an
> F 
> by Pat Missin.  My D is mounted on a composite comb but other than
> the 
> F# mine are all stock.  SBS's are pretty much the only harmonicas
> I'll 
> play stock out of the box.  I started playing them when they first
> came 
> out and I've always kept a set.  They play well for me and they are 
> extremely long lived.  I might be on my second set.  I don't find
> them 
> at all leaky and the wider spacing doesn't encumber my playing at
> all. 
> Other than a Low F 10 hole I never ever play a standard pitch 10 hole
> F. 
>   I got the first SBS and never looked back.  The only thing I'd
> change 
> about this harmonica, other than the worthless hole 14, is I'd put
> them 
> together with screws instead f the nails.  They'd be easier to work
> on. 
>   by the way Steve Baker conceived this layout as a 13 hole.  I
> actually 
> had a 13 fole version with standard spacing made.  I don't like it
> any 
> better than the off the shelf ones I usually use.  I've never
> understood 
> why this tuning scheme wasn't more popular.  I do think that being a 
> tongue blocker allows you to exploit some of the advantages.  Because
> of 
> the octave layout on the low end being able to play out of either the
> 
> left or the right side of your mouth yields some interesting 
> possibilities.  Definitely my favourite stock harmonica.  For some 
> reason I think these and the 365/364 series harmonicas are much more 
> expertly assembled.  The reed tolerances are always very tight.  The 
> preceding is an opinion and in no way is it intended to represent
> your 
> thoughts or feelings.  Any resemblance to truth is merely
> coincidental 
> and the author makes no claims, express or otherwise,  as to the 
> veracity of the previously expressed opinions.  fjm p.s. or ymmv but 
> personally I always exceed the EPA estimates
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