I have a question I've searched for and can't seem to find the answer (apologies if it's somewhere on the site already...I looked, honest!). I e-mailed Adam and he recommended I register and ask the forums for input...if any of my question was covered already, I apologize and would much appreciate the link to the discussion(s):
I've had a C Marine Band for several years. About a year ago I started learning and playing on it more seriously (before then it just sat in its case in a corner for several years). A few months ago, the 4 blow got stuck for a bit. After a bit of whacking against my hand it seemed to "dislodge" and clear up...then it got stuck again yesterday, and it looks like it's stuck for good. When it does come back, it's about a whole step and a half flat!
So my question: Is this something that can be repaired (I mean, take it to someone and have them replace it) or do I need to say goodbye to the entire harp? For that matter, are harmonica repair people fairly common? I'm out near Portland, OR if that matters...I couldn't find anything through an internet search...
I also have a C Blues Harp (modular system?) that was given to me. It seems like a nice instrument, but the reeds feel...well..."flimsy" compared to the Marine Band. Maybe I'm being too hard on it...(with my opinions and my mouth!) If I need to discard my current Marine Band, is there something any of you recommend with similar response that is also serviceable?
I'm not comfortable owning a "single use" instrument, and would like to consider the reeds like I do guitar strings: replace them when they wear out.
Replacement reedplates are available for some models of harp if you don't want the hassle of trying to repair or the cost and inconvenience of finding someone to repair it for you. ----------
the reed is probably blown, so discard or replace. Still you can try to take one of those little security strips from a cd or other magnetic theft stopping device and take the cover of and run it gently around the edge of the reed. It is also ok to take a jet of water and shoot out the harp inside and out and then knock out the excess water. sometimes this will free up gunk
If you want to learn to to repair it yourself a broken harp is a good opportunity! You'll learn eventually that there are choices about how hard to play that get you different sounds. Some people almost never blow a read. Some people blow them all the time. I seem to recall someone had a link to order new reeds straight from Hohner. If you have the mechanical inclination and you enjoy tinkering you can save a lot of money fixing your own. There are several people who repair harps. Some of the links are in the thread organizer link under customizers in my signature, but I'm not sure which ones do what repairs. If you don't want to try it yourself you can look for one of them. I'm kind of rushed right now, but I'll check back later when I have some time and if you still need some links I'll help you out. Welcome to the forum.
-at a step and a half flat, that reed is blown. i could fix it in a few minutes, well maybe longer since it's nailed together. so could harpwrench or jim and others around here.
i'd send it to someone here at MBH--------- MP hibachi cook for the yakuza doctor of semiotics superhero emeritus
Last Edited by on Jan 04, 2011 10:24 AM
It's probably blown,but at this point it wouldn't hurt to take it apart and see if you don't have a huge piece of crud on it. If nothing else it will be a learning experience :>)
i took the top cover off to have a looksee at the 4 blow reed a couple of times now. it looked like it wasn't recessed as much as the other reeds. i couldn't find any other reason (e.g., alignment, gunk, etc) why it wouldn't vibrate. poked and prodded a little and it didn't seem caught on anything.
i love a well-worn (but well-functioning) instrument, so would definitely spring for repair over replace. the harp seemed to work well enough when it worked...at least the real limit is my (lack of) technique at this point. after i learned to bend, the Hohner Blues Harp (MS? held together w/screws) seems too easy to bend...the reeds seem flimsy and i appreciate the comparative fight in the Marine Band. like a guitar with heavy strings.
so would it be best to replace both reed plates, then? my concern is that many more of the reeds (esp. in the low register) are a hop skip and a jump from retirement: during my initial learning phase, i do think i was blowing waaaay too hard (especially when learning bends).
i'd be a bit concerned to send it out for a one-reed fix only to have another reed go a week later, you know?
i think it would be worth sending it out to someone just for a second opinion and diagnosis and (fingers crossed) some targeted prevention/maintenance tips
-e ---------- why make it simple and easy when you can make it unnecessarily complex and difficult instead?
What level would you put your mechanical skills at? If you think you could handle popping out a rivet and either re-riveting it or tapping a reed for a very tiny screw and nut, I think you might be best to try it yourself. Hohner will send you individual reeds. I know someone had a phone number for that. The other two options are buying just new reed plates; which is cheaper than buying a new one, or sending it to someone for repair. While it's out you could have them take a look and give you an estimate. If you've got some extra cash they could even tweak it for you.
Another option for cheap reeds is to watch eBay for batches of used harmonicas. It's a decent way to get a bunch of spare reeds cheap, although it's sort of luck of the draw if you get the right one.
If you want to go the replacement reed route I can scour the site and web for that number. I should have put it in my best threads list.
Whatever you do--don't throw it away. There will be other harps in the future and you will probably learn to work on them a bit--and you will need spare parts. . . ---------- ==================================== Always be yourself--unless you suck. . . -Joss Whedon
Sorry for the delayed response...got a bit busy + sick for a bit. I'd be willing to experiment w/new reed plates or even individual reeds if I can get replacements. So I can call Hohner and they will send me individual reeds, huh? Cool! I am willing to try that. And for the mean time, I've got a backup harmonica so I can keep practicing.
Well, I'm done w/(a late) lunch break, so gotta run
thank you!
-e
---------- why make it simply and easy when you can make it unnecessarily complex and difficult instead?
Hohner also has a repair service and will repair and clean and gap your harp for a nominal fee. If for some reason they cannot fix it they'll offer you a replacement at a exchange rate. The service tech for the diatonics is Bill Bucco.
No, a comb wouldn't include the reed plates. I don't think they list the price on the site. You'll have to call them. You want either individual reeds or reedplates with reeds already attached. (I assume your reedplate is fine.)