Nisei
34 posts
Apr 14, 2013
2:07 PM
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Less than a year ago, I bought a Suzuki Hammond in G and thought it was grand. Every hole over bent/drew OOTB, it had a good heft to it and the black sheen was just so, so pretty. Which makes it such a disappointment that the enamel flakes. It's lost about 1/8th of the enamel, mostly from the bottom cover and there are pitting and other surface irregularities all over.
1. I'm thinking to just remove the enamel. Any ideas as to how to go about it?
2. Could this have prevented?
3. Perhaps this is unrelated, but what is powder coating? Is the Hammond coating a powder coating, and if not, how is it different? Any one having any problems with powder coating?
Last Edited by Nisei on Apr 14, 2013 2:07 PM
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Gnarly
563 posts
Apr 14, 2013
5:09 PM
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If it's less than a year old, the warranty covers this.
Call Daron at 800-854-1594.
We wanna keep you happy.
They are not powder coated.
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Thievin' Heathen
186 posts
Apr 14, 2013
6:51 PM
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I love my Hammond. It's Purdy too. I sure hope it don't get flaky on me.
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GMaj7
190 posts
Apr 15, 2013
4:57 AM
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Powder coating is a process where a covering is placed on a surface using a combination of processes that insure an even application of a dry powder that adheres like paint. We have some techno-dudes here that can chime in, but the applications for powder coating originated in heavy duty parts where an extremely durable and non-corroding/non-cracking surface was necessary.
In the harp world, microphones and covers are powder coated as are music stands and other metal parts. I personally like the powder coated covers and feel like they add an extra measure of protection against corrosion that will eventually get to many chrome covers.
However, the benefit is largely cosmetic and I wouldn't attach any other real benefit to powder coated covers. Then again, looking good is ample reason enough and my powder coated covers are cheaper than your wife's last hairdo.
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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DoubleJ
3 posts
Apr 15, 2013
4:38 PM
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I have some Hammonds with the flaking problem. Unfortunately they are more than a year old.
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Gnarly
565 posts
Apr 15, 2013
6:51 PM
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I like the Hammond cover plates--they are identical to the Firebreath CP and very similar to the ProMaster CP.
Just FYI--a lot of the Suzuki CP can be migrated.
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STME58
419 posts
Apr 15, 2013
11:33 PM
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In powder coating, the part to be coated gets a static charge opposite of the powder so that as the powder is sprayed, it is attracted to the part. The coated part is then baked in an oven and the powder melts and flows. It is tougher than paint, but like paint, will not adhere if the part is not cleaned and prepared properly.
I wonder if Suzuki had a batch or two of poorly prepared cover plates. I have a Hammond I have had for a couple of years, and it is holding up just fine.
It looks like the comb of the Hammond is black anodized, rather than powder coated. I have a Pro-Master that seems identical except for a clear anodized comb and polished stainless cover plates. I notice a battery like taste due to the dissimilar metals (brass reed plates, aluminum comb, .5 to .7 volts according to the galvanic table). The Hammond does not have this, perhaps the black anodize is a better dielectric than the clear or perhaps it is just harder to ensure a good clear anodize because you cant see the anodized layer.
Last Edited by STME58 on Apr 15, 2013 11:34 PM
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MP
2707 posts
Apr 16, 2013
12:40 PM
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MS harps like the Pro flake. Blues Blaster mics are notoriously flakey.
powder coating is the way to go. floridatrader?
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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florida-trader
286 posts
Apr 17, 2013
8:29 AM
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MP. So far, with several hundred sets of powder coated covers sold, I haven't had any issues with the powder coating. The coating has limited flexibility so if you wanted to do any customizing of the covers - opening up the backs or whatever - it is best to do it before they are powder coated and not after. I wonder if the Hammond has the same issue - meaning if it is dropped or if the cover is bent in any way, will the coating crack and chip off? And yes, I have had several Pro Harps cross my work bench and about half of them had covers that were worn or missing some of the finish.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Apr 17, 2013 8:34 AM
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orphan
273 posts
Apr 17, 2013
8:58 AM
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Yes Tom, the Hammond covers can get a chip if dropped and/or bent. I was able to somewhat straighten the back edge of the top cover. They are pretty soft.
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Last Edited by orphan on Apr 17, 2013 4:41 PM
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GEEZER1
181 posts
Apr 17, 2013
11:41 AM
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The Hohner Pro cover plates would chip the same way.
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