gene
151 posts
Mar 26, 2009
2:00 AM
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I was thinking about buying Rupert Oysler's DVD, "Harmonica Repair and Modification..." so I could learn how to do that stuff. (Mainly for myself, but with thoughts of doing other peoples', too.) But aside from the actual work, it doesn't seem easy.
I read that if you tweak a harp to do "this", it won't do "that" as well. Different people want different gaps. To scoop or not to scoop? Polish reeds?! Round the comb? Etc.
Before I fork out 60 bucks + shipping, I'd like to know if that DVD explains all the ins and outs of the different tweakings. (Yes, "tweakings" is a real word. I just created it, so there it is. :) )
I'd also like to know how many harps I can expect to ruin while learning, if I dare to try.
I've read that it takes patience. Uhmmm...How much patience. :|
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MrVerylongusername
215 posts
Mar 26, 2009
2:26 AM
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It's worth every penny/cent/zloty. Some of the things covered you'll find on Youtube, but Rupert's video shows it all and often much clearer.
You'll ruin loads of harps, how many depends on what you're trying to achieve. Work on cheap crappy harps and blown out clunkers until you feel confident.
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gene
152 posts
Mar 26, 2009
2:52 AM
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Thanks for the input. The "ruin loads of harps" sounds scary. I was hoping for "several." I have a Huang Star Performer with a damaged plastic comb I would start out on, then a Golden Melody. If those went well enough, then I might (might have?) start on my extra Promaster reed plates. I have several of them.
I would guess that $5 harps would be good to practice on, but if I was successful on one of those cheapies, would I know it?
Last Edited by on Mar 26, 2009 2:53 AM
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DaDoom
53 posts
Mar 26, 2009
3:39 AM
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Hi gene
I suppose that if you do good work on a cheap harp it would be a good harp after that. Maybe not on the same level as a decent harp with adjustments but surely better than the original instrument. I'm pretty sure that you would hear the difference.
The DVD you mention sounds interesting. I might buy that too. For those who are interested you can order it here: http://www.harprepair.com.
One thing I was considering is making my own combs. But I have no idea where to start. I suppose that if you want to make wooden combs all you need is the wood and the appropriate machines. Same goes for metal combs. What would interest me is how to make acrylic (or plastic in general combs). No clue there. Any DVDs on that subject that I should know of?
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