Re: [Harp-L] Small mp leak

[Music Cal <macaroni9999@xxxxxxxxx>]

Smo-joe

Well, then I will give the paper a try.

I have contacted a rubber company and asked them for a sample of their .005
inch and .011 inch silicone sheet rubber. I will let you know how that
works out. I imagine that cutting the silicon will be more problematic than
cutting paper.

I really appreciate your comments and I sure would like to hear from others
as well.

Music Cal



On Fri, Mar 9, 2012 at 6:09 PM, Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>
> On Mar 9, 2012, at 7:54 PM, Music Cal wrote:
>
> > Thanks Joe. Sounds like you are addressing leaks between slider apparatus
> > and comb rather than slider apparatus and mouthpiece (my present
> interest).
> > Is that correct?
>
> That's true. I should have added that to cure leaks in the myriad of
> mouthpiece parts, I use a wipe of Vaseline on the seams. For stubborn
> leaks, I use Elmer's glue. After it get's tacky I wipe off the excess. For
> really OBTUSE leaks, I use caulking compound.
> >
> > Your general construction of the gasket is in-line with what I am
> thinking
> > except for the material.
> >
> > I clean my harps regularly by dripping water on the slider and by placing
> > the harp mouthpiece-down in a shallow pan of water.
>
> I also dip. I only take a mouthpiece off after many months. And I play a
> couple times a week.
>
> > IMO maintaining a clean
> > slider is important for hygiene and slider function. So a paper gasket
> > seems out-of-the-question as a long-term solution. When it gets wet it
> will
> > fall apart and while intact the porous material will be a nice milieu for
> > bacteria.
>
> Correct on the bacteria. I am not too concerned. I would eat something I
> dropped on the floor if I thought a quick shake would remove the ooglies.
> lolol
> But the paper does hold up. In my case, for years. I have harps 16 years
> old and my old wooden Hering combs were never truly flat.
>
> Oh, and so I don't forget ...again, while on that subject, you needn't
> worry too much about leakage from hole to hole via the slide on any
> chromatic other THAN a Hering. Herings are SOOOOO sensitive that the reeds
> will sound while you are holding them 1 1/2" (38mm) or more FROM your
> mouth. With a normal breath. None of the other brands will do that. Ergo,
> ANY overshot or slur or smear onto a hole you don't want to sound WILL
> sound. They are NOT forgiving. Other brands are. So,m learning on a Hering
> will force you to be a cleaner player..accuracy wise. But enough about that.
> >
> > Therefore I am presently considering using 1mm thick (hopefully thinner
> if
> > I can find it) silicone rubber sheet and cutting it in the manner you
> > outlined.
>
> That's what I would use...today. But back in my time these modern
> conveniences weren't available. I would soak combs in a 50/50 mixture of
> Vick's Vapo Rub and mineral oil, Use #2 safety pins for springs, cut reeds
> from various electrical components..(automobile points...electrical contact
> relays, etc.) A lot of what I do (but not all) has been covered in several
> books. Blackie Schackner's 2 books 'What you wanted to know about
> harmonica, but didn't know whom to ask'  & 'Harmonica repairs'. And Doug
> Tate's books on repair and maint.
>
> I don't claim to be the originator of anything. I don't think any one
> knows the originators. Harmonica players have always been ingenious when it
> came to maint. & repairs. I always said: "Unless you learn to do your own
> work, it could cost you a small fortune to PLAY harp".
> >
> > Has anybody here worked with thin silicone sheets? Any suggestions?
>
> I have used 1mm closed cell foam, mylar, cellophane, card stock, and my
> current favorite is something called Hypalon (used for repairs on
> inflatable boats). . But several techs should have some excellent answers.
> smo-joe
>
>
> >
> > Music Cal
> >
> >
>
>