groyster1
1866 posts
Apr 27, 2012
7:06 PM
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SP 20s are ALWAYS better sounding harps with the backs opened.....if there is anybody coming to HCH 2012 who can open the backs of 8 Sp 20s let me know....it has 100% effective so far
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Saqqara
13 posts
Apr 27, 2012
8:21 PM
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I just got up the nerve and my toddler's Hot Metal in A now has an open back.
What do you do at the ends? There are little barbs, apparently supports, that I guess you just flatten too. I remember Harvey puts support screws in his Marine Bands, but I'll have to look for a pic of an opened special 20.
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Steamrollin Stan
364 posts
Apr 27, 2012
9:11 PM
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Bit rough and ready but i just 'nicked' the corners and squashed them with some long nose pliers about 12 months ago, i suppose it sounds louder/better but i think i'll get an old set of covers and do it properly, one day.
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Rubes
516 posts
Apr 27, 2012
9:50 PM
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I've used the 'Ray' method with excellent results!
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One of Rubes's bands, DadsinSpace-MySpace
Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
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opendoor_harps
27 posts
Apr 27, 2012
10:05 PM
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Hetrick Harmonicas posted a good video w/ a method for doing this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBJsYv50hv8
I used a vise grips/ sheet metal tool, very similar to the hand seamer, and had some good results (and a few casualties when I was experimenting at first).
However, from opening up the backs on some other manufacturers harps recently, I have now settled on a different method using a Dremel tool (and a lot of patience) to shape them just right, and taper the corners and any rough edges.
Some sort of additional support, (post or screw) is a good idea too once they are open. Makes the harp feel really solid.
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nacoran
5607 posts
Apr 28, 2012
2:02 PM
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It's easy to do if you don't care if it's a little scratched looking afterwards. If you do care practicing on a Blues Band isn't a bad way to start out.
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Nate
Facebook
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chromaticblues
1219 posts
Apr 28, 2012
2:44 PM
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George for $25 a harp I set the reeds (reshape them if need be), tune the harp and open the covers up.
I sell brand new harps like this for $55.
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MP
2214 posts
Apr 28, 2012
4:48 PM
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i own at least two chromaticblues harps. great work.
one of these days i'll get around to doing a vid on opening SP/20 covers. my tools
are a small hammer and a wooden railing. with glancing blows on the leading edge and following the crease there are almost zero tool marks on the inside and none on the outside.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name for info-
Last Edited by on Apr 28, 2012 4:49 PM
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paulbunyn
6 posts
Apr 28, 2012
5:23 PM
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I recently opened the back of my spare SP20. I played a tune with it and an OOB, both in "C", for my wife, she thought the OOB sounded better. I didn't tell her I had done any modifications.
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CarlA
6 posts
Apr 30, 2012
6:49 PM
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paulbunyn
6 posts
Apr 28, 2012
5:23 PM I recently opened the back of my spare SP20. I played a tune with it and an OOB, both in "C", for my wife, she thought the OOB sounded better. I didn't tell her I had done any modifications.
Interesting....
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chromaticblues
1225 posts
May 01, 2012
7:23 AM
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@pbunyn
Yeah it does change the way they sound.
they are a little mutted and mellower stock.
Opened up they are louder and more focused.
I like them opened up myself, but thta's one of those things you should try for yourself.
I do it the same way MP described and there aren't marks on the outside of the plates at all.
Last Edited by on May 01, 2012 8:52 AM
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oldwailer
1890 posts
May 01, 2012
9:11 AM
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I usually just open the backs of my own harps on the lower keys now--the ones above D just get too shrill for my ears--the lower ones sound lots better to me if they are open. I don't really think the general audience for harp music is going to know the difference--but I like it better. . .
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Oldwailer's Web Site
Always be yourself--unless you suck. . .
-Joss Whedon
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MP
2218 posts
May 01, 2012
11:28 AM
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tmf714
is the socket attached to the ratchet so that you have a handle to grip?
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name for info-
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tmf714
1083 posts
May 01, 2012
12:56 PM
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I use the socket only-that way you can let it roll through your fingertips-it is actually quite sweet!
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MP
2219 posts
May 01, 2012
7:00 PM
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thanks tmf714,
i'm always interested in efficient methods of doing things.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name for info-
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HarpNinja
2382 posts
May 01, 2012
7:44 PM
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I use a hand reamer to get it started and then a rubber mallet. It takes just a minute or two. I put black electric tape on the outside to prevent marking.
I snip them where the edges come down on the end as this makes it easier to bend cleanly. I guess I don't always do that.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
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walterharp
877 posts
May 01, 2012
7:53 PM
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yeah, i am like mike, use
Plastic and Rubber Jeweler Hammer Dual Head
and cloth or tape to stop marking. If cuts are needed (some harps) use a dremmel cutting head, and can use grinder so smooth sharps.
One of the most important things is to not bend the cover anywhere other than at the opening. It can be quite difficult to get a cover bent back to make a good seal on the reed plate once it is bent.
i never use support screws and have never crushed one closed..but if you do, out comes the hammer again!
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