blazsoul1991
1 post
Jan 29, 2018
8:01 AM
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hello guys,
first of all - its wonderful that there is an active forum of harmonica.
i wanted to know if it is normal for my harmonica(marine band hohner 1896) to have the middle octave notes sticking out gradually. i will try so simplify it - when i play and change from notes to note, this sharp wood that sticking out of the harmonica scratching my tongue and lips, and it makes it really frustrating to play.
do you have any tips, or even can i polish it so it doesn't scratch me?
i have added few pics of my harmonica below.
https://imgur.com/a/TqjO1
btw just to let you know i am playing harmonica for 2 months.
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mrjoeyman
27 posts
Jan 29, 2018
9:00 AM
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My marine band is NOT like that. I would contact the seller.
Last Edited by mrjoeyman on Jan 29, 2018 9:01 AM
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Flbl
85 posts
Jan 29, 2018
9:04 AM
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Marine band harps are known for two things, they have that old blues tone, and the comb swells up when it gets wet.
The newer one's are sealed which helps but it still happens, first try letting it dry, if nothing then carefully cut the protruding tines with a sharp knife, it wont be perfect but it's better than nothing.
MBs are nailed so replacing a comb is a bit of work.
Best advise is to go buy a Hohner Special 20 in C, or a Lee Oskar in C, both have plastic combs, they are in the 40ish dollar range and good for a beginner, but will still be a good harp as your skills improve.
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mrjoeyman
28 posts
Jan 29, 2018
9:19 AM
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I have both and actually prefer playing the Special 20. I would stay away from the Lee Oakar until you are a more proficient player. The one I played had some sort of air problem compared to the Hohners I play. Being more proficient you will be able to make a better informed choice.
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blazsoul1991
2 posts
Jan 29, 2018
9:20 AM
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I see.
I noticed this after one or two weeks but i thought that's the way it's built, never got it wet
. just played and spit was the only wet thing that touched it.
Do u guys think i have a case to contact hohner in demand to replace it with special 20(although i like my old style model)?. i have much appreciation to those hand made companies, but i feel like my product came damaged.
Last Edited by blazsoul1991 on Jan 29, 2018 9:22 AM
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Flbl
86 posts
Jan 29, 2018
9:53 AM
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Never tried to send one back, so I can't say but if you do and you don't get anywhere, make sure to get the old one back, there are people that make replacement combs which are better than stock and wont swell, I doubt you'll want to do that right away, but you might be happy to have it later, after you've learned a bit.
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Frankie
33 posts
Jan 29, 2018
10:15 AM
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I looked at my harmonica and it was not like that either . So if you can replace it go ahead. Special 20 is a good harmonica I find it easier to learn
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mrjoeyman
29 posts
Jan 29, 2018
12:00 PM
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This problem should be acknowledged by any seller I would think. Its not like you did something to make it that way.
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SuperBee
5225 posts
Jan 29, 2018
2:14 PM
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Hi.
I looked at the photos.
Is this your only harmonica?
I suspect it is
This used to be a big problem with marine band harps. Now the sealing of comb is much better and it is not such a problem.
It can still happen though, if you play ‘wet’ enough and often enough.
I think it is worth trying to get a replacement but I wouldn’t be holding my breath in anticipation of a good outcome.
‘Shaving’ the comb is not usually very satisfying.
If it was my harp, and I tried getting a replacement but did no good, I would put it aside for a while, play another harp. You may find that left alone for a week or so, this one could shrink back to fairly normal. If it does that, it may remain ok if you don’t play it for long periods and don’t get it wet.
I say this based on my own experience.
I once shaved a comb down. I will not do that again!
Are you playing using your tongue on the harp?
Other than just setting it aside, you can do more invasive things.
This would involve learning how to work on a harp. Some people find this confronting and don’t want to go there, others don’t mind. Just depends on your nature and background I think.
If you are ok with the idea of slipping a thin blade in between Reedplate and comb, then pulling the nails, and importantly not bending the brass Reedplates while so-doing, you can install a new comb easily.
Or if you are ok with the idea of drilling and tapping the Reedplates to take screws, you can install a new non-wooden comb and convert the harp to screwed-together construction.
I’ve done both these things many times. It’s quite feasible and not very complicated. You just need some tools and a suitable approach.
But yes, spit is the problem here.
My favourite F harp is an old style marine band and the comb sometimes threatens to swell. At the first sign of swelling I will set it aside and use a different F harp. So far so good. I’ve owned that harp 6 years.
So that another part of the answer; get more harps! At least 1 with a non-wood comb
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blazsoul1991
3 posts
Jan 29, 2018
5:53 PM
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1.Thank you guys for fast responses and particularly for SuperBee for very detailed comment.
2.Actually it's my only harmonica cuz i am a beginner(bought it 3 months ago).
3.I had times that i didn't play the harmonica for more then a week, so i assume it's pretty much permanent.
4. I do play using my tongue - for some reason i found it much smoother and easier for me =].
5. I do like challenges, first i will try to get a replacement. If not, do you know where can i buy non-wooden 10 holes diatonic cheap high-quality comb? i guess i could find a youtube video of how to.
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SuperBee
5227 posts
Jan 29, 2018
7:54 PM
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Hi blazsoul1991,
Where are you located? You can buy a good non-wood comb from Andrew Zajac in Canada or Tom Halchak at Blue Moon Harmonicas in Florida.
I have seen marine band Reedplates fitted to special 20 combs as well; this requires a little modification.
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MindTheGap
2468 posts
Jan 30, 2018
1:02 AM
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Superbee - from the photo this looks quite extreme - is it the traditional 'swelling' problem or is the comb actually warped?
I don't have any experience of these horrible things, but from descriptions it seemed like the 'swelling with moisture' effect is about the tines standing a little bit proud.
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MindTheGap
2469 posts
Jan 30, 2018
1:07 AM
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mrjoeyman re your comment about Special 20 vs Lee Oskar - experiences vary but mine is that ALL my SP20s had big variations in reed gaps that had to be adjusted. ALL my Lee Oskars came consistent gaps and played fine from the start.
They are also a fair bit cheaper, in the UK at least!
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Jan 30, 2018 1:07 AM
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SuperBee
5228 posts
Jan 30, 2018
2:56 AM
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Mtg, I didn’t think it looked to be an unusual amount of growth. Although it’s about as bad as I’ve seen with a Post-2012 marine band. I’ve only seen one other like that.
In pre 2012 (pre mid-2011 really) MBs with unsealed combs you could get a lot of swelling. My G harp from which I shaved the excess was a real mess. But I almost preferred the long tines to the feel of the shaved back comb. Yechhch!
I had a marine band deluxe warp rather badly. It was around 5 years old at the time, and was fine until I adopted it as my regular practice harp.
My F threatens if I practice with it a lot, and I had a Lo Eb which would grow a little. Both are old-style combs though, lacquered tips onnthe tines and raw on the mated surfaces.
That’s the key to it for me; as soon as I notice any swelling I put it down and move on to something else.
I guess this is why my stock old-style marine bands are those in F, Eb, Lo Eb, Ab. They’re old but they don’t see that much play time compared to A D C
I just took delivery of my new Spiers stage 1 MBs too. I requested wooden combs, but of course Joe has fully sealed those.
Now I’m gonna go play the C and do some comparisons.
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blazsoul1991
4 posts
Jan 30, 2018
6:12 AM
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I am from Israel so its a bit complicated, but after looking around - the price is to high to buy combs(32$ each). I bought my marine band for 40$, so i think i will probably buy new non wooden harmonica like Hohner Special 20(36$).
may i ask why did u request wooden combs? with all its complications it seems like it doesn't worth it.
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SuperBee
5229 posts
Jan 30, 2018
11:58 AM
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Wow! That’s gone up! Last time I bought from Andrew it cost me around $20 Australian. You could buy a genuine wooden part from Hohner a lot cheaper I think.
As to the question, there are 2 points I think. Specifically in the case of Spiers harps the combs will be fully sealed and there’ll be no problems.
More generally though, I don’t recognise any complications with a modern wooden comb. I’m confident I understand how to avoid any problems. The marine band harps are some of the best-selling diatonic harps in the world and have been manufactured for 120 years. They must have something going for them I think.
As I’ve said elsewhere, if I was starting again with the knowledge I have now it’s quite possible I’d play sp20s as my primary choice. It is a bit simpler to maintain and the non-vented covers may be more suited to amplified play. But I’m very happy to play the marine band and find no great problem with wooden combs.
It’s perspective I guess. I understand for you, in your circumstance, with 1 harp, that comb is very inconvenient and annoying. For me, in my circumstance, with 80 harps and several years experience repairing and maintaining harps for myself and others, and an appropriately equipped workspace it would be slightly irritating and interesting. I’m equipped to deal with it so it would be no big deal.
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mrjoeyman
32 posts
Jan 30, 2018
1:25 PM
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MTG, the only way I can explain it, since I am pretty new also, is that the Lee Oskar felt as if there was no resistance when I drew on the reeds, compared to the Hohners that I played.
Both the marine bands, 20's and the Lee Oskar were in tune, and I have a pretty good ear for tuning. They probably are ok, which is why I suggested that the OP'er try them later after getting some experience :)
Plus the 20 is going to be like a whole new world to him since he is dealing with a rough lip surface at the moment with his present harp. All in all, I sure don't mean to put down the Oskar's, just throwing my .02 cents in!
Oh and about having to enter a code in when you go to post a message? I saw you mention your frustration with it the other day (can't remember which post now), I found that is is NOT case sensitive. I didn't know that before I stumbled on this info and was frustrated as well. It seems much easier now that I know. You probably already knew, but just in case............:)
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Flbl
87 posts
Jan 30, 2018
3:54 PM
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Harmonicas are something that's really subject to opinion and luck, I got my first harp over 30 years ago, it was a hohner pocket pal a cheap version of a SP20, my 2nd was a MB hated it, over the years i've bought several Hohners and except for a MB here and there my luck and opinion was pretty good, however after several disappointments with Hohner my opinion changed, and they no longer get my money.
But that's my opinion and that's my luck, and for every product made someone gets the one made by the guy who had a real bad day.
Even though I don't play Hohners anymore, and Lee Oskar's never became my harp, for someone just starting that's what I'd go with.
But hey that's my opinion and my luck. And there are some great harp players out there who have made a living playing MBs, and on a bad day still sound many times better than me.
mrjoeyman, if you have found a way around the dreaded CODE, please tell us!!!
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SuperBee
5233 posts
Jan 30, 2018
4:07 PM
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There’s no way around it, but it’s absolutely true that it isn’t case-sensitive.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen mtg grumble about it though.
It’s been a bee in Bike & Harp’s helmet lately
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blazsoul1991
5 posts
Jan 30, 2018
4:59 PM
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It's great to hear opinions that based on your years of experience. I think i will go with the SP20, and someday maybe buy a comb and fix the MB one. i truly LOVE the style of the MB - but my scrached tongue and lips talks for themself.
I have been informed quite well guys
Thank you and adiós =]
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Bike&Harp
163 posts
Jan 30, 2018
5:44 PM
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Yeah it was me about the code thing. Don't see why it's necessary as i don't see it on most other forum's i visit. It is very old school and not up to date i don't think. I like this forum but that is a piece of nonsense. Maybe Adam should get a web designer to make the thing proper user friendly as there can't be one person who uses this site that hasn't said "Aw no not this friggin' code thing again!" after finishing their post. OR maybe it's just me as i find myself moaning at everything these days! I think i may be depressed.
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MindTheGap
2476 posts
Jan 31, 2018
12:50 AM
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mrjoeyman re Lee Oskars, yes I get you. I know what you mean about the 'not much resistance' thing. Probably going to be reed gaps too open for your style. In general I think the ABS combs tend to be pretty airtight - ignoring some manufacturing error.
But yes, no one got sacked for recommending SP20, as they say! I always feel I need to stick up for Lee Oskars as they don't seem to be very popular here. Stated reasons include that they can snag on a moustache :) Also not liking the feel of the deeply-stamped numbers on the covers!
I read that more as: Lee Oskars aren't the cool choice :)
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Jan 31, 2018 12:54 AM
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