You could just use a punch(es). In fact, the Hering tool kit has some useable stuff. I like the "anvil" thing included. It lets you put the plate reed side down and has a slot for the rivets and reed pads to sit in.
You'd probably want a small hammer to use with it, but you can not only punch out the old reed but use the second punch to flatten the rivet holes.
I've used that or a similar set up for a long time with absolutely no issues. You can either hammer the whole rivet out or you can just get it started and use a pliers or something to do the rest.
Depending on the project, I use new rivets or screws to replace reeds and have had no issues with how the new reeds end up performing.
Granted, there are many many ways to tackle this, but I bet you can find similar punches anywhere. Not sure the best way to recreate the included anvil, but for $55 you can get the Hering kit. You get some other neat tools too. Nothing earth shattering, but I love the brass reed tool for gapping and plinking. I used it until it literally fell to pieces.
The anvil with the slot really is a neat tool. it has a lot of uses and is very easy to store. If anyone knows of any other more common replacement, I'd love to check it out. It seems so silly, but having something that let's you lay a plate reed side down flat is sweet. ---------- Mike Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Last Edited by on Jul 26, 2011 6:37 AM
I recommend the Seydel reed removal tool; one squeeze and boing! the reed is out! Or you can get the whole tool kit which includes tiny nuts and screws to install new reeds and a lot of other good stuff. It's all available at elkriverharmonicas.com.
well it works well enough for me, but I'm not a hardcore customiser - in fact I'm an infrequent tinkerer. My one possible doubt of the homebrew tool would be the possibility of it distorting the reedplate, but I stress "possibility" - it has never actually happened to me the few times I've used it. I'm just throwing it in as a disclaimer!
Turboharp has more serious credentials than me.
Last Edited by on Jul 26, 2011 8:27 AM
Thanks for all the great ideas. I will definitely tinker.
I also found out the cost of Hohner rivets here in Canada. Holy crap! Does anyone know the specs of their rivets so that I can get them from some other company? A buck per rivet plus shipping? I pay 10 cents for a screw and think that's a lot!
I've used copper wire and it works well after the learning curve. You don't need special tools to knock out rivets. An anvil, a drywall screw, and a hammer. The anvil can be as simple as needlenose pliers slightly opened to clear the rivet but support the reed.
