I have no problem cleaning my Crossovers and SP 20's but the reed plates on an 1896 has no screws so I can't take them off of the comb. What is the best way to clean an 1896 then?
I know the problem. Best way I have found is learn how to remove the reed plates. Do some research on how to remove them. once you have a little practice it's not so bad. And they come apart easier the second time. Or, you can convert them to screwed construction like a marine band deluxe. The works too, but you still need to be able to take them apart the first time without bending the reed plates or damaging reeds or injuring yourself.
Carefully slip the edge of a thin pocket knife at the corner of the comb where it meets the plate. Just pry it in a very small amount and work the blade around the perimeter prying up and loosing the nails. Usually takes a few times around the block to get them separated... as mentioned, Being careful not to bend the Plate.
Next I flat sand both sides of the comb with 220 to 400 grit adhered with repositionable Adhesive to a pane of Glass.
I soak the plates in a solution of water & Polident Denture Cleansing Effervescent tabs for a couple of minutes then Rinse & Dry.
Before re-assembly, I spread a thin coating of bees wax on the comb to better seal it to the plate.
Gently Squeeze the nails back into their original holes with flat pliers. Same with the Covers and if the cover plate holes are getting a little wallowed out... Break of and Trim a flat Toothpick in the offending holes first.
Last Edited by skarekrow on Mar 02, 2017 2:46 PM
Just a tip here. When removing the nails, work over some white paper towels (and under bright light). It's amazing how far those little nails can bounce on a hard surface (and if they hit the floor, good luck finding them).
I think Andrew Zajac has a video or two on how to properly remove the nails.
I've converted all my MBs to screws; it's a fairly simple process, and makes cleaning/maintenance/gapping much easier.
Last Edited by Rontana on Mar 02, 2017 3:29 PM
Watching the video, I myself would prefer re-installing the nails versus replacing them with screws. I tend to have shaky hands (daily caffeine overload) which would likely have the screws placed in the comb cross threaded. However, I believe that third party individuals make custom combs for MBs, & if desired, accompanying screws could be substituted.
I have a magnet on the end of my slotted screwdriver. Aside from keeping the nails from getting away; they stay put on the driver, I can also pick up things I tend drop on the floor. These items include shims, reed wrenches, certain Hohner screws etc.etc. ---------- Have good day. M.A.P. .
Last Edited by MP on Mar 05, 2017 1:05 PM
Is there a particular reason you need to clean them?
Especially with nailed harps, I believe that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
Every time you take it apart the nails will be less likely to hold, the harp will become leaky, and you will have to get into serious modifications. If there is a problem to fix, then you need to do what you have to do.
Saliva can help seal the plates to the comb. It is your spit...
Play with a clean mouth, don't lean over playing or saliva or other liquids will flow into the harp as you play, tap it out when you are done, let it air out.
Don't make having shiny plates into a fetish.
Just play the thing...
IMHO ----------
Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Mar 05, 2017 1:34 PM
No, it's not a regular routine of mine to tear down harps just to clean the plates. However, when I do have a harp torn completely down, whether it be to Change out a reed or tighten comb leakiness, I generally will soak the plates as mentioned, flat sand and seal the combs, etc. But again, it is not my habit to tear down harps JUST to clean the plates.