[Harp-L] MB 364 and 365 modifications

[burket@xxxxxxx]

 (Thread renamed)- (was) Re: [Harp-L] solo vocal and 14 hole marine band in C
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Thanks Larry:

I appreciate the feedback and tips.  More things to try out!  I look forward to trying new methods to make these harps more responsive.  The low C is really nice and growley, and the upper scale notes nice to have.  I assume the D 364 model is a low D and does not start the scale where a standard Marine Band in D would and goes up from there (Like the G does) ?

In comparing a  C 364 to a 365 yesterday, I found the immediate reaction to be that the 364 sounded a bit tighter and more responsive OoTB, but maybe that's the extra length of the 365.   The 365 cover plates feel better on my lips though.

I have not been convinced to buy custom combs, although I may try oneïsomeïday. 
ïI do like my metal combs but do not believe audiences hear the difference. 
ïActually I love to disassemble a 364/365 harp, flatten the pear wood comb, 
round the teeth edges, re-mate to the reed plates, round the corners, reduce the 
brass edge height where the lips touch, ïdisassemble and hone the brass edges 
very smoothly, ïcarefully clean and polish the brass,ïwax and/or treat with 
Liquid Glass,ïïtuneïthe reeds, ultrasonic clean, stain and thoroughly seal the 
comb, reassemble with stainless bolts, ïclean & polish the covers, sometimes 
open the cover backs, ïreassemble, admire, get a fresh cup go Joe and-------ï
Breathe Music!!!!!ï
Lockjaw Larry

This is a great road map and I'm sure it can't take you very long before you are rewarded with 
a fresh cup of joe :)
 
Keep me posted on your adventures in taking a C down to a low A. 

Regards-
Burke T.



Message: 11
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 04:30:45 -0800 (PST)
From: Larry Sandy <slyou65@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] solo vocal and 14 hole marine band in C
To: "burket@xxxxxxx" <burket@xxxxxxx>
Cc: harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Message-ID:
	<1330605045.27005.YahooMailNeo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Hi Burke T,

My brother ( who introduced me to harmonicas six decades ago did not like 
364/365's. ïHe played Marine Band 10 hole and Bushman's exclusively. ïHe claimed 
they were too thick for his liking. ïI play several makes and models with my 
CBH2016 being a favorite, along with 364/365's.

Most of my playing is first position and the SBS365's are better suited for 
second position. ïI actually bought them by special order with the hope they 
were tuned lower and could be enjoyed in first position, joining my C, D, & G 
364/365's. ïNOT. ï

I have a few solo tuned 364's and do enjoy them when in my chromatic frame of 
mind. ïLOL ïI have considered retuning but that is a future adventure.

I have not tuned a C to a D because the 364 is sold in D and I already have a 
few of them. ïD 364's sound great after modifying and fine tuning them. ïThey're 
easy to play, if a little slow to respond at low volume. ïI love them.

I have not been convinced to buy custom combs, although I may try oneïsomeïday. 
ïI do like my metal combs but do not believe audiences hear the difference. 
ïActually I love to disassemble a 364/365 harp, flatten the pear wood comb, 
round the teeth edges, re-mate to the reed plates, round the corners, reduce the 
brass edge height where the lips touch, ïdisassemble and hone the brass edges 
very smoothly, ïcarefully clean and polish the brass,ïwax and/or treat with 
Liquid Glass,ïïtuneïthe reeds, ultrasonic clean, stain and thoroughly seal the 
comb, reassemble with stainless bolts, ïclean & polish the covers, sometimes 
open the cover backs, ïreassemble, admire, get a fresh cup go Joe and-------ï
Breathe Music!!!!!ï
Lockjaw Larry
________________________________
 From: "burket@xxxxxxx" <burket@xxxxxxx>
To: slyou65@xxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 2:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] solo vocal and 14 hole marine band in C
 
Hi Larry:
I saw you post on Harp -L.
I too am a big fan of these harps and have several 364's and 365. 
I have found them New or Like New on ebay for very low prices
as a lot of people don't appreciate this model so much.
I love to hear about any mods or custom approaches 
you may have found successful to making them less leaky.
I think the extra holes and comb length are mostly the culprit.ï
Also where you may have taken these in your tuning adventures.
Great adventure
I would like to make a Low D (pitched up from a low C)
And maybe even a low A from the same.  (Would probably need to add some solder).
Anyway, my usual approach:
Sand, seal the comb, open the edges of the mouth holes
(I also have two nice custom combs I plan to add to the best sounding mods.
Add screws and bolts to reed and cover plates.
Flat sand the draw plate.
Emboss (though I haven't determined if this helps or not).
Gap, Arc, and Retune to my style of playing.
If repair and customizing harps didn't take so much time
I would really like to dive in.  But for now, its a great way to 
make my harps sound a lot better, and help out a handful of
players who need a quick repair or want to try a re furbed custom.

What didn't you like about the SBS versions?  Have you ever
tried the Solo tuned version?
Thanks
Burke T.
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