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beginner forum: for novice and developing blues harp players > opening the covers on a SP20
opening the covers on a SP20
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Tiggertoo1962
71 posts
Apr 04, 2016
1:02 PM
Been wanting to do this for a while, but since I don't have any spare SP20 cover plates, and I didn't want any of them out of commission, I hadn't bothered attempting it.

While up in my "busy corner" resoldering a defective guitar cable today, I glanced over at my almost-forgotten "Johnson Blues King" harp set (don't ask), and realised the shape reminded me very much of my beloved SP20s. Grabbing one for comparison, the word "clone" immediately sprang to mind. Needless to say, out came the screw driver, and in 2 minutes, the Johnson plates were on the SP20. Here I was thinking the only positive thing about the Johnson harps was the case, but now I have 12 sets of spare SP20 cover plates - even if they do say "Johnson Blues King" on them... at least I know better ;).

After making sure they fit properly, I set to work on making myself a set of custom covers. I used the cutting wheel on the Dremel to make 3 cuts in each plate - one in the middle and two just to the inside of the support lugs - and used a small hammer to fold the metal back. This made a good job of opening up the back and, I'm pretty certain, giving me a bit more volume. What I'd like to do now is put in some side vents, so I can hear the harps better acoustically in a loud atmosphere. I'm not too sure which would be the best tool for the job though, so any advice from someone who has already done this would really be appreciated.

Just need to be careful that my tinkering doesn't eat into my practice time too much. THAT would be a disaster.
Tiggertoo1962
73 posts
Apr 05, 2016
10:12 AM
I just didn't want to take a chance on bending the front of the cover plate, since the reed plate doesn't have a groove in it, like the sandwich style harps do. Bit funny that way, sometimes, I am, Yoda ;)
Tiggertoo1962
75 posts
Apr 05, 2016
12:52 PM
Nice job, Lanthus. I see you opened your covers all the way out to the edge. I stopped just inside of the support lugs, as I wasn't sure whether stability would be affected, but I think I'll just take them all the way out after all.

If I could figure how to upload a picture to the forum I'd do it, but I gather you can't just copy it from your HDD and insert it in the thread, the way you can in most other forums. The trials and tribulations of being a dinosaur... ;)
SuperBee
3576 posts
Apr 05, 2016
2:26 PM
I have opened a few using a hammer and a block to support the cover and retain the shape. I have some which are open all the way and others which retain the supports at the end.
But then I decided I just leave them as they come. Maybe they are louder with open covers, or maybe they just are louder to me. I think the difference is actually very small and likely insignificant.
Opening the back of a marine band is even easier but weakens the covers, making them more prone to crushing. Not an issue with the sp20
I've never tried to put vents in sp20 covers. That would make a difference I'm sure. Generally it seems people ask about blocking vents because they think closed is better for amplified playing (hence rocket amp). I dunno...maybe a drill or 2?
MindTheGap
1420 posts
Apr 05, 2016
11:36 PM
I have no desire to hammer open my covers :) but I have to say something about Lanthus' excellent harp photos!

They are mouth-watering like the photos in foodie cookery books :)

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Killa_Hertz
958 posts
Apr 06, 2016
4:23 AM
Your photos are great bro. I was thinking that since you posted them. Zajac reposted them on Facebook they look so good.

There was a thread on the main forum a while back on this subject. Tom showed how's he modified a pair of crimps to open covers with. Run it thru the site search
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Killa_Hertz
964 posts
Apr 06, 2016
3:07 PM
Yea but with hammering its not nice, flat, n even. But if asthetics isn't important then ok, But all you have to do is stick the cover in there n crimp it down.
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SuperBee
3577 posts
Apr 06, 2016
3:14 PM
So you don't like Lanthus' work? Looks pretty nice flat and even from here.
If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning.
Tiggertoo1962
86 posts
Apr 09, 2016
5:45 AM
So now that I have the vents more or less "done", I thought I'd post a couple of pics. I still need to tidy up the edges somewhat, but it does the job, and I still have the original covers, should I decide I prefer the way it used to sound.

Still need some practice with getting the pics sized properly, but at least they can be seen now ;)









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One of the last of a dying breed.

Last Edited by Tiggertoo1962 on Apr 09, 2016 5:58 AM
Fil
131 posts
Apr 09, 2016
7:42 AM
Lanthus, I've got an old A sp20 with a busted reed. Your picture of the opened cover a couple of posts up inspires me to hammer it out on that old harp. Looks like nice work.
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Phil Pennington
Fil
132 posts
Apr 09, 2016
9:17 AM
LC, Perfect. Thanks very much.
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Phil Pennington
SuperBee
3585 posts
Apr 09, 2016
3:12 PM
Yes Brett demonstrates it in that video and I also benefited from his demonstration there. Go placidly...they too have their story.
Finnegan
25 posts
Apr 12, 2016
2:03 PM
Not wanting to hijack this thread but thought it relevant, Seydel session steel covers, you never hear of these being opened up. Having done the job on all my Sp 20s I thought I'd have a go. Are there any issues with Session steel covers I should know about?
As an aside, I really like the session covers and with a Bluemoon comb it makes for a very confortable harp but why can't Seydel put decent cover plate screws rather than the lumpy crap ones they come with?
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Happiness is taking things as they are.


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