Thievin' Heathen
425 posts
Nov 10, 2014
9:43 AM
|
What about drilling and tapping screws into Vintage harmonicas?
And if that is taboo, any suggestions for tightening up loose nail holes? Silicon? Spackle? JB Weld? Wood Glue?
|
arzajac
1505 posts
Nov 10, 2014
9:49 AM
|
I remember thinking that the first time I did it. But some of these old combs are just beyond salvage so don't hesitate if you need to swap combs. The magic is in the brass, though.
If the comb still has life left, you can snap a toothpick in half and shove a piece of splinter into the original nail hole. That will tighten things up.
----------
Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
Last Edited by arzajac on Nov 10, 2014 9:49 AM
|
nacoran
8115 posts
Nov 10, 2014
9:53 AM
|
I know a lot of customizers just swap combs and go to screws, but other 'antique' markets have decided that you want to keep things more original than functional, so it's a tough call. The simplest solution for loose nails is to break the tip of a toothpick off in the hole before you reassemble it. That way, you are going into a much tighter hole.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
First Post- May 8, 2009
|
nacoran
8116 posts
Nov 10, 2014
9:54 AM
|
Doh! Cross posting, saying pretty much exactly the same thing. :)
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
First Post- May 8, 2009
|
FBInsMan
22 posts
Nov 10, 2014
10:42 AM
|
I guess I'm of a different opinion on this one. I just bought a my first pre-war Old Standby. The draw 2 was very weak and airy the blow 7 was completely out of tune. The comb was decent enough but would swell to the point that the 3,4,5,and 6 would stick out 2 to 3 mm. I ripped the thing apart drilled and tapped new holes, re-tuned to a Just compromised tuning that Kinya P. recommended, sanded and painted the comb sealed it up and it plays loads better than it did. It was my first ever project and I feel good about it no regrets what so ever. More importantly I got a G harp that plays really well for some time and $10 off ebay. I've got pictures of the project I'll post when I get a chance if anyone is interested.
Chris
----------
"The only way to get better is to play a little outside your comfort zone every time you play!"
|
harpwrench
933 posts
Nov 10, 2014
4:48 PM
|
It's kinda quaint to keep one as original as you can if it's not going to get played much. I feel that if you're going to use it, might as well do screws.
----------
www.spiersharmonicas.com
High performance harmonicas.
|
florida-trader
549 posts
Nov 10, 2014
5:16 PM
|
I agree with Joe. Vintage harps are not so rare that they should be set on a shelf or in a case to be admired. They are, however, frequently great playing harps, so why not upgrade them with screws so it is easier for you to maintain? I buy a lot of pre-wars Marine Bands and Old Standbys. Some of them are in mint condition. Many others are not so mint. The condition of the original components will dictate what I do to restore the harp - install a new custom comb on it or keep the original pear wood comb. Mostly I do what the customer wants. But I do understand your question. Is it taboo to replace the nails with screws? I don't think so.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Nov 10, 2014 5:16 PM
|
A440
243 posts
Nov 11, 2014
7:33 AM
|
It depends. If you want to keep it as an antique or collectors item, then preserve it in original state. If you want to play it, then put the reed plates on a new comb (I hear Andrew's are nice) and screw it together.
|
