logansays
61 posts
Jan 18, 2012
2:50 AM
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I was looking for Pre-war marine bands on Ebay, after reading here and elsewhere on how good they Played etc.
BUt looking at the Videos by arzajac on cleaning and restoring ..looked like too much work.
having said that I went ahead and took the risk to buy a Marine BAnd pre war for 40 buck ..more than what most would pay..with the harp looking pretty decent on screen..
Just got the package from Ebay and was prepared for the worst :), but was pleasantly surprised to find an absolutely shiny and unused, pre war marine band!! no rust, no tarnish nothing..the comb looked unused and the box is in perfect condition! it looks as good as a new marine band!
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chromaticblues
1132 posts
Jan 18, 2012
5:37 AM
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@ logan says
I have had the same experience with a C harp. Most of my prewar harps have been bad purchases, but I did get one brand new for $20! Within the past year.
I can tell you this that comb is drier than a popcorn fart! If you don't soak it in mineral oil or seal the comb it's going to sweal like crazy!
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logansays
62 posts
Jan 19, 2012
1:59 AM
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I did get a C as well today which is unused and just as excellent condition as the A pre-war!!
buying pre-wars on Ebay is not as bad as I thought..or maybe i just got lucky..
wonder how these instruments remain intact for more than 70 yrs? I almost ripped off the box trying to open it..
Last Edited by on Jan 19, 2012 4:32 AM
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GMaj7
7 posts
Jan 19, 2012
4:34 AM
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Blue Moon Harmonicas has a great & huge selection of pre-Wars and have them in almost every key. Tom has personal notes on every single one, too. If you don't want the hassle or risk of getting a bad one from eBay, check with Tom. He's even got the mouse ear type. I have a few from Tom and I always wonder what the reeds would reveal if they spoke instead of sing!
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logansays
63 posts
Jan 19, 2012
4:36 AM
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checked Bluemoonharmonicas.. couldnt find any images or info there?
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chromaticblues
1133 posts
Jan 19, 2012
5:07 AM
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It's nice when you get one like that!
Yes you did get lucky!
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logansays
64 posts
Jan 19, 2012
10:43 AM
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the Good thing is I dont have to bother with restoration..will probably just seal the comb and leave the rest as is!
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chromaticblues
1136 posts
Jan 19, 2012
11:41 AM
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Take a look at the reeds. You'll notice they aren't curved as much as new harps. Also the gapps are very consistent from reed to reed.
When so so so many people talk about them being better than new harps it's because the people making them were better at setting them up to play right out of the box.
New Marine Bands are better, but you need to be able to set the harp up yourself. Who ever teachs the people at the factory may not even play the harp?
I don't know? Oh I forgot it would cost to much to do it right. I keep forgetting that!
If you don't know to bring the magic out your screwed!
I think the old harps are better for playing slow blues because of the tone, but I like the snappy responsiveness of new harps.
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