shaneboylan
13 posts
Apr 12, 2008
5:28 PM
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I recently bought a Hohner Marine Band harmonica for the first time. Overall - I was very impressed with its tone, and I daresay that it could be my favourite harp; were it not for these problems:
(i) On the 2H draw, there's a small rattling sound, as if there's something loose inside the harp.
(ii) I've heard that they're infamous for their combs that tend to swell, but the combs on my 4, 5, 6 and 7 holes have grown so considerably that i can actually hold the harp in my mouth with my teeth on the comb.
If anyone knows any reasons why this may be, or has experienced any of these problems; their contributions would be much appreciated.
P.S. Since I'm in Ireland, it may be that the German-made
MB's aren't as up to scratch in comparison to the American ones - I've heard Adam saying in one of his videos that they are his harp of choice.
Last Edited by on Apr 12, 2008 5:46 PM
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harpmonkey
15 posts
Apr 12, 2008
5:57 PM
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Without seeing the harp, I can only speculate that the "rattle" could be a reed vibrating against the coverplate, or possibly the reed plate.
Does it do it when you draw easy (just breath in normally with the harp to you mouth, not really trying to sound it, or does it do it when you draw heavily and or bend?
As for the comb, you can carfully whittle away the exess swollen part of the comb.
My Marine Bands are sealed, varnished, and I have not had any swelling of them. But I tend to switch off harps and play various keys rather than focusing on one single harp for long.
Can you return the harp to the seller if it is allowed, or local?
It is possible yours is deffective.
(I have gotten a bad one once in a while)
You can also get a custom comb from a few places, "genisis" a poster on this formum does custom stuff, and he may be able to help. And there are other's who do harp work who may have some tips.
hth
Last Edited by on Apr 12, 2008 5:58 PM
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bluesnut
10 posts
Apr 12, 2008
6:05 PM
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I have had the same problems with the key of A marine band and bought a marine band deluxe in A to try because it dose not swell. The other harps I have are special 20s. I have been playing on the A harp the most lately. The MB deluxe is a harp worth the money because it is easy on the lips and it dose not swell. I like the special 20s for the same reason and they cost less than the deluxe. The reed cover on the deluxe has a wide open back and side holes too. Special 20s do not.
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Jeff
44 posts
Apr 12, 2008
8:09 PM
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Most every player I know has a love/hate relationship with the Marine Band. So you can simply join the club.
There's a reason many people pay $90-150 for customizers to modify their Marine Bands. Bottomline: there's a lot to improve on. But it's a great base to start with that often yields the best tone. And quality has actually improved significantly since the early 90's (which isn't saying much, lol).
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Patrick Barker
36 posts
Apr 13, 2008
8:38 PM
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I find that if I leave my marine band out of its case for a while after playing it shrinks back to normal. Also, I don't think the marine bands in America are different from the ones you get in Ireland because the ones I have say "made in Germany" as well.
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