dchurch
7 posts
Jun 10, 2015
10:07 AM
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I like to carry a harp everywhere. I have a couple of nice playing German Pucks. Their compact size is great in the pocket and for cupping but the small holes feel pretty strange.
Anyway, I decided to make this compact 7 hole out of an old banged up Marine Band, in C.
I was going to chop the MB covers but found Seydel's Big Six covers worked well for this plan. I started by pulling the 8-10 reeds then traced the Big Six covers onto the MB plates. I cut the plates and comb to the new outline while using the comb waist to fill in the #8 slot. I installed the new covers using black stainless bolts then sanded the harp ends flush to the new outline. Then tore it down: sealed the comb, gapped, tuned... and reassembled.
*I like semi-circular tuning so I swapped the 7th hole blow/draw reeds which gives me the full C scale 4 through 7 in blow/draw.
The 7 finished to 2.75" and with rounded ends it seems even smaller. I really like the way it plays, cups and pockets. I'll be hunting donors for G and A...
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It's about time I got around to this.
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isaacullah
3031 posts
Jun 10, 2015
10:20 AM
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Cool!
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YouTube! Soundcloud!
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Barley Nectar
826 posts
Jun 10, 2015
10:23 AM
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Very cool. Cute too.
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Rustys26
40 posts
Jun 11, 2015
1:46 AM
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Cool....but a 10 hole diatonic is already compact? I've never had a problem carrying around my normal marine bands anywhere I go.
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SuperBee
2646 posts
Jun 11, 2015
2:14 AM
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Well yeah I agree it's neat and kudos on a cool project to. I'm with Rusty on the need factor though. Just seems like something's not right. I never went for the big six for the same reason. Those 8 and 9 reeds are the sweetest on the harp too...sometimes
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dchurch
9 posts
Jun 13, 2015
10:50 PM
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Thanks guys,
For sure, the standard 10 hole is a great compact instrument. There really is no need here or intended improvement. Why then? I admit to being a tinker junkie. The 7 is just part of a pursuit of enjoyment. I'm not a performer.
I do appreciate the pint size, full sound, deep hold and slight challenge of mixing it up with a few less holes. It might even help me become more creative on my standard harps (wishful thinking).
I did find one real life advantage. I can easily cup the 7 so mute that I can play it at midnight and not wake up my wife :)
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It's about time I got around to this.
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rogonzab
748 posts
Jun 14, 2015
9:02 AM
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awesome job!
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Sorry for any misspell, english is not my first language.
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Thievin' Heathen
545 posts
Jun 14, 2015
9:08 AM
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It's about time!!! The overwhelming size of the Marine Band has forever limited its' portability.
Nice Work.
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Bubba Goldsock
5 posts
Jun 15, 2015
1:49 AM
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I like this little 7 hole harp. Hohner should make this little Marine Band, I think they're cool. I have the Seydel Big Six and that's kinda cute and fun to play, but this one would be great to own too. Hohner could make them in different tunings (ET, JT, 19 Limit and so on ...) as well. And all the keys. I'd buy'em if Hohner sold'em at a sensible price.
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BronzeWailer
1709 posts
Jun 15, 2015
2:30 AM
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Nice. I like the Big Six and am going to get mine fixed soon, hopefully.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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mlefree
313 posts
Jun 16, 2015
9:31 AM
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Addressing the question of need, one thing not to overlook with a small harp like this or the Big 6 is the incredible opportunities to enhance your hand cupping effects. A little harp can be completely enclosed in your hands, making for amazing cupped tone and wah-wahs.
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
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BronzeWailer
1710 posts
Jun 16, 2015
3:47 PM
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+1 on Michelle's comment. I feel like a giant when holding the Big Six.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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