bean4130
1 post
Oct 10, 2008
9:43 AM
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I normally play special 20's, but I bought a MB because that is all the shop had in D at the time and I had too. The problem is when I get into my session with it the comb gets wet and expandes. Now this is fine, but after awhile of TB techniques the individual comb fingers get soft and move around, creating i.e., a wide slot for the 3 hole and a narrow slot for the 4, creating a sort of inconsistency. Am I just useing too much pressure with my tongue to comb? Whats the deal?
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wheezer
39 posts
Oct 11, 2008
3:26 AM
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The inherent design deficiencies of the Hohner Marine Band strike again!
The only cure for this problem is to seal the comb. For this you can use salad bowl oil, butchers block oil, I use an acrylic varnish.
When I seal an MB I also bolt the reed plates down to make it airtight. If you do not want to bolt the reed plates you can seal the comb, sand it flat (lay a piece of flating paper on a piece of glass for this) then apply another coat of sealant
and while it is still tacky re-nail the reed plates. This will give you a good seal.
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bean4130
2 posts
Oct 13, 2008
12:16 PM
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Thanks for the help! I like the way the mb feels and sounds but what a pain!
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Preston
Guest
Dec 19, 2008
5:14 AM
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Go back to Ace Hardware in their Paint section and ask for Beeswax. It is usually with the wood stains and wood refinishing, because it is primarily used for lubricating wood drawers and wood window sashes. Melt beeswax in a pan on very low heat on your stove top, drop your comb in there and flip it over a couple of times. Use toothpicks to get it out and toothpicks to prop it up on something to let it dry. I usually do 3 coats of beeswax. You will have to scrape some buildup off here and there when you are done, but it feels nice and smooth. Don't touch the wax in the pan until it is cool! I believe if you search around this forumn, there is a link to what I just described in in-depth detail.
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Oliver
37 posts
Dec 19, 2008
5:19 AM
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Just remeber that heating wax over a naked flame can be dangerous!
I bet the beeswax makes the harp smell pretty nice when finished?
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Tyrahrp
Guest
Dec 19, 2008
5:29 AM
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Yeah,
I do that, the same as Preston. It smells and tastes nice. Its not a pain if you look at it as a bit of a challenge, and its very rewarding when you do it. I bought enough wax on ebay to last a lifetime of sealing for about $10-.
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oldwailer
386 posts
Dec 19, 2008
11:55 AM
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I stole my wife's crafting heat gun to melt the wax--it works great.
The salad bowl finish works better--but the process takes about a week to get enough coats and to sand it out. I only use the salad bowl finish method on used harps that I am cleaning up.
One note--once you wax it--you can't go back and use any other finish--it just won't stick.
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SMOKEY
17 posts
Dec 19, 2008
4:00 PM
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Awesome guys, thanks!!
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Tryharp
53 posts
Dec 20, 2008
5:08 AM
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Preston,
You're a funny man!
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