J_Bark
38 posts
Jan 25, 2015
8:29 AM
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So on Christmas my sister gave me a Marine Band in C, I had one that I have been playing for 6 months or so, and another that came in my MB 5 Pack from Amazon.com. So out of the three, my older one played the best, the xmas gift is pretty close, but the 5-pack harp was not good. Inconsistent on the 2&3 draw and no bends on those two, temperamental on the 5 blow.
I decided, being a fairly handy guy, that I would follow Andrew Zajac's video instructions on flat sanding the comb, drilling the covers/plates and tapping for screws.
I took it apart and got the drilling done, sanded the comb and draw plate flat, and then went to the local hardware store to buy a tap. M3 is the smallest tap readily available in hardware stores. A quick look on ebay and yesterday I got the tap. I finished the tapping and took a look at the reed slots, did a light bit of embossing here and there where the need was obvious and left the rest alone. I tried to set the gaps per AZ's instructions as well. I also noticed that the 8 blow reed was pretty crooked in the slot, but left it as is.
When I put it back together and played it I was quite surprised at the difference!
Now maybe it was beginner's luck but holes 1-7 all play blow and draw easier,and play louder than before, and the 2&3 hole bends are right there as I expect. I am very happy with the results. the 8 blow squeals like mad (due to the crooked reed is my guess), and the draw is not right but the rest all plays as it should. I do not play above the 7 blow so I figure I will solve that 8 hole at some time in the future.
The only downside was the tap, and a pin vise to hold it, set me back $21. But since those will last a lifetime I feel it was a good move.
My point of this post is:
1. It's not that hard to do so you should give it a try.
2. The results were well worth my effort.
3. Thanks Andrew for posting your videos.
Cheers
Jerry
Edit: I seem to have lost the word "Upgrade" from the title, sorry for any confusion.
Last Edited by J_Bark on Jan 25, 2015 8:30 AM
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shakeylee
48 posts
Jan 25, 2015
8:43 AM
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thanks for letting me know! i have been tempted to do this,but thought it might be harder than you describe.now,i'm going to try!!
BTW,the tap and pin vise are available on azajac's own site for much less money. i know that doesn't help you now,but if you bought the 2 and still need the 1.6,he has it.
here: http://harp.andrewzajac.ca/Tools
i think i will try it!
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Thievin' Heathen
476 posts
Jan 25, 2015
11:13 AM
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McMaster.com - McMaster Carr is my source for all the little screws, bits, taps, buffing wheels, etc.
I have found the most useful tool to be patience. Patience waiting for the tools/parts to get here. Patience in the drilling and the approach to drilling. And a lot of patience when working on a reed.
Not necessarily one of my strong points, but if you've got it, go to the front of the class.
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TBird
107 posts
Jan 25, 2015
11:15 AM
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I very much agree with your three points Jerry. I did similar work to a MB a while ago and it is now the sweetest playing harp I currently own. Unfortunately, it's an Eb, so not one that gets as much use as it deserves! I've also put a few of Andrew's custom combs in some old MBs that my dad gave me and I highly recommend those as well.
Andrew is tops as far as making basic customization available to the common man. He also offers loads of invaluable support on this forum, or even via personal email if necessary. We are blessed to have him as part of this community.
T.Bird
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Be humble for you are made of earth.
Be noble for you are made of stars.
Last Edited by TBird on Jan 25, 2015 11:36 AM
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shakeylee
51 posts
Jan 25, 2015
11:27 AM
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well said Tbird. i really like azajac combs.
and if you shop there,you don't have to search around for the right thing.you can even ask him if it is the right thing.i did!
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orphan
403 posts
Jan 25, 2015
12:12 PM
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azajac is a first class gentleman in my book. His comb was a huge improvement over the stock comb. The french tuner is really handy. His input on this forum or through emails is very much appreciated.
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SuperBee
2359 posts
Jan 25, 2015
2:48 PM
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i agree with all the above i think. i too have been interfering with marine bands by putting arzajac dark combs in them. ive lost count now, 7 or 8 i think, plus several sp20s and revived my old MBD (2007 harp).
plus converting another couple to screwed-together construction using original combs. Andrew has been a big help in supplying hardware and video instruction,
its cool to be able to get all the necessaries in one place.
i'm fairly sure that working on your harps will improve your playing. i know some people just want to play and think working on the instruments is a distraction and diversion of time better spent practising. i disagree, because i believe working on harps leads to greater understanding and more effective practice, which more than makes up the time invested.
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Sherwin
192 posts
Jan 25, 2015
3:59 PM
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believe it or not tuning your harps becomes enjoyable after a while, I didn't have much fun with it at first, but now look forward to tuning a couple of harps.
there is a huge reward from tuning that easily matches what you get from arcing and gapping, when you've done all three you've really got somethin'
Michael
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groyster1
2738 posts
Jan 25, 2015
4:39 PM
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playing marine bands back in the 80s and 90s I hated them....much preferred sp20s.....but through ebay and some great harp techs in this forum,they are now my favorite harp.....imagine that......
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