ROBERT TEMPLE II
25 posts
Aug 18, 2018
9:32 AM
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I am wondering if any of you have an easy way to tighten up the reedplate groove/coverplate junction. I have a couple of the T008S models with welded reeds and a couple of the T008K that have riveted reeds. one from each model seems to have uneven coverplates meaning they don't seat perfectly in the reedplate slot [these are sandwich-type harps]. I'm not ready to mess with shaping the coverplates but if there is a good enough way to do it I would like to know how to proceed.
I'm thinking there may be a way to just add some material to the slot where the coverplate nests with the reedplate slot[s]. I don't want anything showing from that juncture that might slow my mouth's glide over the coverplates. If any of you have a quick, non-messy fix for this, please advise me. I am thinking that MAYBE a strip of micropore tape in the slot might do the trick. I am able to slip a .002 feeler gauge piece 'tween the coverplate/reedplate juncture on both of the problem harps at the leaky spot[s]. I tried to apply a bit of dental wax along the slot but I don't like the idea, less wax to deal with should it migrate [into the reeds].
So, thanks for being there, y'all have helped me and sooo many others here by offering tips, etc, such a great site. If you have an idea for me that i can read in the next few minutes that would be great, otherwise I will check back Monday. Peace !
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snowman
360 posts
Aug 18, 2018
10:46 AM
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if u use micro pore use a "very sharp" exacto---u don't want fibers in reed slot-- I don't do anymore
I think rockin ron or blue moon sells gaskets for certain models--
when i have a bad wood comb--I build it up with Varathane or poly and then flat sand that--I don't worry about food grade or not---Since i have 2-3 harps of all major keys--I can let it cure--WHEN U CANT SMELL PAINT ANY MORE ITS CURED--
If oil base , all the oil evaporating[curing] is gone when it does'nt smell etc
I have a can of flex seal --when time allows --gonna put on a comb and experiment
Im very open minded, not afraid to fail --
I've learned when trying something new--U may have 8-9 failures, b4 hitting something that works-- that 1 thing usually makes all the people who condemn yr failures look a little silly---
rupert has an instructional video on this--if still available---good luck
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Flbl
169 posts
Aug 18, 2018
12:12 PM
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You may have checked this already but some of the EastTops i received didn't have the covers aligned just right in the grove. To me the simplest solution would be to take off the covers, and sand down the part that are holding it off the reed plate, main issue I'd see with that is the paint on the covers may chip or peel, I just think anything used as a gasket may interfere on the outside or the inside. But they are cheap to play around with, good luck.
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nacoran
9944 posts
Aug 18, 2018
12:12 PM
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I'd start by taking them apart and seeing if the reed plate or the cover plate is just a little bent. Reed plates are fairly easy to undbend. I know that falls under reshaping, but it's pretty mild. It's hard to say without good pics, but you might also be able to bend the front lip of the cover plate down a bit. I've done that before on cheaper Hohners. Just grab a set of needle nose pliers (using them mostly the long way) and something soft to put under them so they don't scratch the finish and work really slowly.
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Nate
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dougharps
1812 posts
Aug 20, 2018
8:31 AM
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If it is the powder coat finish being lumpy on the edge of the cover, you can just slide a smooth file down the edge a couple times.
I didn't like the feel of the powder coat as it seemed to drag when playing, so I swapped in old Big River covers. If you bend in the back support tab, they fit just fine...
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Doug S.
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ROBERT TEMPLE II
26 posts
Aug 21, 2018
11:30 AM
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Thanks for your help, all. The main problem is that the covers are a bit less than even and I think the best fix, save for trying to straighten the coverplates, is to just replace them with covers that DO seat as they should. That said, I think the original covers and their finish do indeed impede the slide that is necessary to get easier playing going. I have been experimenting with various harps, learning tuning and mistakes on cheapo harps. I replaced the Easttop's covers with covers from a Kay harp, perfect fit and the new angles of the replacement covers are fine. They allow a more fluid glide as well. After messing with different models from different companies, I have pretty much settled on Suzuki Harpmasters and Spiers Stage 2+ Manjis, never a problem with either, the Harpmaster ob/ods easily and optimises with minimal adjustments.
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