JInx
255 posts
Jul 17, 2012
8:55 AM
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I've been bit by the custom comb bug. I want try one on my Lee Oskar. But, the stock comb is quite a complex shape with a recessed form and support post. Browsing custom comb dealer sites, I don't find these complexities duplicated in the custom combs.
Does anyone have experience custom combing a Lee Oskar? Is it difficult? Will my cover plates get squashed without the support post?
Thanks
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
Last Edited by on Jul 17, 2012 8:56 AM
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Shredder
355 posts
Jul 17, 2012
9:45 AM
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I just posted a thread with a link to Chris Reynolds
web site. He has some L.O. combs made of corian for $20.
He also shows how install them on a L.O. reed plate. I read the articel and it looks very easy, no drilling!
Mike
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Blowyourbrassoff
44 posts
Jul 17, 2012
9:55 AM
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The reason that none of the aftermarket comb makers make them recessed is because there is no way to ensure they are perfectly flat in the recessed area where the plates mate to the comb. It's the mating of reedplate to comb that is the major factor in airtightness, at least when comparing a stock harp to a stock harp on an aftermarket comb. Nothing is going to make it more airtight than embossing and reedwork. But that's the reason that none of us make them recessed, there's just no good way to ensure flatness.
Chris
Last Edited by on Jul 17, 2012 9:58 AM
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WinslowYerxa
236 posts
Jul 17, 2012
1:40 PM
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For awhile I made Discrete Combs (sm) for Lee Oskar harps. But it involved gluing a milled mouthpiece onto a comb after flattening the comb. I was a lot of work and the little milled band of plastic for the mouthpiece was awkwardly large in the mouth.
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Winslow
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chromaticblues
1271 posts
Jul 17, 2012
4:49 PM
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Most of the custom combs improve the playability of LO's. The same thing is true for SP 20's. I think it's more of an improvement for LO's. There are two reason's for not wanting a recesed comb.
1st I believe the mouthpiece of those two harps keeps the reeds a little further away. I think it's easier to manipulate the reed the further it is in your mouth.
2nd if you make a harp with a flat comb that has the exact same deminsion as a stock harp the chambers will be larger and that ( I believe) will improve the tone.
So because they are easier to make, by default most custom combs are far better than the stock combs.
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Rubes
550 posts
Jul 17, 2012
5:08 PM
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I've added a Coco Bolo wood comb (think it was a Hetrick)to a G Lee Osk with no problems on the 'mate'. Also i've opened the coverplates and it is a bit more vulnerable but still goin' strong.
The wood is a bit dry sometimes...
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One of Rubes's bands, DadsinSpace-MySpace
Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
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1847
79 posts
Jul 17, 2012
5:56 PM
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i have one with a custom comb
the tines stick out like a swollen marine band
perhaps if i re drill the holes
i can slide the plates forward.
i think i liked it better stock.
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Jehosaphat
267 posts
Jul 17, 2012
7:55 PM
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I recently bought some L/O wood combs from Florida trader.
For some reason i always thought that being plastic the stock combs were naturally flat.Jeez
This wood combs have made a big difference to my Harps.
In fact it was such a big difference it took me back a bit.
Tone:Louder less 'brassy'
Bending:easier
They are so airtight now
I customise all my harps,tuning gapping etc and these wood combs have in my opinion have taken them to another level
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JInx
258 posts
Jul 17, 2012
9:10 PM
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I have an A harmonic minor that I think would look just great with a corian black starlight comb. But i'm concerned it will crush in my harp rack without a support post( like the stock comb)
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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Todd Parrott
978 posts
Jul 17, 2012
9:33 PM
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If you're concerned about crushing, just have the comb maker drill a hole for a 3/32" support beam. You can find aluminum or brass 3/32" rod at Hobby Lobby or at a local hardware store and easily cut it to size.
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STME58
221 posts
Jul 17, 2012
10:52 PM
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"For some reason i always thought that being plastic the stock combs were naturally flat.Jeez"
There is no reason a plastic comb can not be flat, whe have the technology. If the mold is designed right and is run at the right speed and temperature, the parts will come out flat.
Unfortunalty, if you mold it in China, as soon as you leave the molder they crank up the speed to get more parts per hour and ignore the temperature and the parts come out warped. Getting good parts out of a many Chineese molders is like getting you 12 yera old to clean up their room. It is unlikely to get done right unless yiou stand there and watch them.
Well at least is is not too hard to replace the warped Chineese comb with a custom one.
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chromaticblues
1272 posts
Jul 18, 2012
5:56 AM
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@ Jehosaphat Yeah I found the same thing that you stated to be the case. I tuned a few of them the same way I tune Marine Bands and they actually make good Blues harps. I opened the backs up and to me they sound so much better!
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Chickenthief
253 posts
Jul 18, 2012
5:51 PM
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@STME58-
LOL. Sounds like you got one who would rather just kick his toys and dirty socks under the bed.
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Chickenthief
254 posts
Jul 18, 2012
5:52 PM
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Last Edited by on Jul 18, 2012 5:57 PM
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