Re: [Harp-L] Custom Quirks

[Chris Reynolds <c_reynolds2571@xxxxxxxxx>]

I can't speak for anyone else but as far as screw patterns go, on the marine bands I do I put 9 screws in the reed plates, 4 along the back, 3 at the front, and one on each end. Plus the two cover plate screws. On harps like the blues harp, or marine band deluxe, or big river I only use the screw holes that the manufacturer has put in, just because it will make it easier for the person to replace the reeds on their own without needing to drill new holes in the reed plates, I just figure it would make it easier on them. 

As far as putting the two screws near the front for the cover plates, I can't answer that one, it could be to use existing holes. I prefer them in the middle of the cover plate but I don't know as it really makes any difference, at least from my limited experience. 
 
Chris 

http://www.blowyourbrassoff.com
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Just a man, his shop, and a long list of unfinished projects...
> Message: 8
> Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:00:34 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Paul Bowering 
> Subject: [Harp-L] Custom Quirks
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Message-ID: <329956.53557.qm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> 
> Lots of talk 'bout their value. I have yet to bite; mostly for the reason 
> another lister stated. Once I get the one I'll want thirty or forty of them. I 
> really should get some but up till now I've concentrated on working on my own 
> harps. I have some questions about making them airtight.
> 
> 1) Have customizers settled on a fairly standard screw hole pattern or do they 
> all exercise their own preferences? What do you recommend?
> 
> 2) Any customs have screws at the front of the comb tines? I tried this with 
> (mostly) success using 0-80 screws but it is risky and if the cover plates are 
> sufficient for keeping the front of the reedplates flush to the comb then I'd 
> rather not use the screws.
> 
> 3) Why does Mr. Harrison use only cover plate screws at the front. Most others 
> seem to use four screws.
> 
> I hope pressing for answers to these questions don't ruffle any feathers. The 
> best customizers might like to guard the deep magic of their craft but I get a 
> general sense they don't mind divulging the principles because reed work takes 
> lots of skill.Knowing what we're trying to accomplish and being able to acheive 
> it is what seperates the pros from the rest of us hacks.
> 
> Paul