Gary 62
40 posts
Sep 16, 2015
8:04 AM
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So got my new set of SP 20 plates. Along with the plates there was a little note saying they sent screws because sometimes the other screws don't fit.
So i put the blow plate in as i was just gonna keep the old draw plate as it was fine no problems with that. Anyway tried the harp and it was all fine and dandy with the original screws that came with the harp when new. So i decided since the new blow plate sounded so good i'd install the draw plate and see how we go. In go's the draw plate and...... the old screws just fall right through the draw plate and can't tighten. "Ok" i thinks to myself "get out the screws they sent me, they must work." No! too big and won't work!
Ah! well here i go, email to Harmonicas Direct coming up.
I hope they have screws that fit these plates!
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Kingley
3929 posts
Sep 16, 2015
8:12 AM
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Knowing Peter Blyth, it's very unlikely he has sent you the wrong screws.
More often than not with Hohner reedplates, the screws need to cut through first (similar to using a tap to make new threads). They don't just drop into place like the old ones do, until they've been used a few times. It's normal to have to put some pressure on them to make them 'cut' initially. Just take it gently and make sure you don't press on the actual reeds or you could damage them. Also make sure you don't slip and push the screwdriver into the reeds as well. Just remember, softly, softly catchee monkey.
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Gary 62
41 posts
Sep 16, 2015
8:22 AM
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Thanks Kingley i'll try that. Funnily enough i felt they were on the verge of working but as soon as i started feeling resistance i stopped as i didn't want to cross thread anything if there was a mismatch.
Another thing: on my SP20 i had 6 screws holding the plated down but with these new one's i only got 5, is that right?
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Kingley
3930 posts
Sep 16, 2015
8:40 AM
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Couldn't tell you Gary, as I don't play Special 20's. I'd think it unlikely that Peter would send out less screws than needed.
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Baker
417 posts
Sep 16, 2015
9:15 AM
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Hey Gary.
Kingley is correct. You need to "tap" the new draw plate. The screws should fit through the blow reed plate "top" and resist when you try to screw them into the draw reed plate "bottom".
When I fit new ones I usually screw them all in initially so the reed plates are flush and aligned with the comb properly, and then one by one I'll unscrew and re-scew them until it feels natural.
Also be careful not to do them up too tight as this can cause the reed plates to warp slightly effect the airtightness. Just enough for them to "bite" – not tight like you would on a bike or something – if this makes sense.
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barbequebob
3023 posts
Sep 16, 2015
10:11 AM
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Whenever you get replacement reed plates from any harmonica company, the screws they send you with the plates are all self tapping screws. When you use the screws, turn the screws VERY SLOWLY to avoid stripping of the threads.
Yo may want to consider using the older screws from your old plates to do this job for you.
Again, it doesn't matter what company makes the harmonica and the reed plates because they all send self tapping screws.
Once you have them in, NEVER over tighten the screws because once screws get stripped, you will cause air leaks, and what every harp tech will tell you is that you just make it hand tight and no further.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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mlefree
404 posts
Sep 16, 2015
10:39 AM
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BBQ Bob is right again. Self-tapping screws.
One tip I could pass on. I find that tapping the holes on the draw plate is easier and safer by tapping it ~off~ the comb. I've had customers mess their draw plates up by trying to tap them on the comb when the plates are poorly seated. In that case, the screw cannot proceed all the way through the holes to be tapped, stripping enough brass away as to make them "untappable" with self-tapping screws. I've had to fix them by drilling the holes out and tapping them with non-OEM screws.
So, if and when I tap holes with self-tapping screws (I much prefer an actual tap of the correct threading) I hold the plates in a machinist's vise and use the screw like I would a real tap, with a tiny dab of light oil to lubricate the screw. I make sure to drive the screw all the way into the hole until it turns freely back and forth. Then I'll be well assured that the threads will be correctly tapped all the way through the depth of the hole and that the screws will hold well when the plates are mounted on the comb.
Using self-tapping screws in this manner will minimize the likelihood of ruining that new draw plate. At least it does for me and my customers.
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
Last Edited by mlefree on Sep 16, 2015 10:41 AM
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tmf714
2813 posts
Sep 16, 2015
10:42 AM
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Tapping the reed plates are not nessecary if you use care and patience,along with the correct screwdriver.
That's why they are called self tapping screws-
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Gary 62
42 posts
Sep 16, 2015
11:00 AM
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Yes, you're all correct. I spoke to Peter from 'Harmonica's Direct' and he said that's the way everything's meant to be.
Incidentally great responses from Peter at HD. I'll be buying all my future harps from there. Efficient and very professional.
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Gipsy
177 posts
Sep 16, 2015
11:07 AM
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Don't forget the nut and bolt sets sold by Azarjac of this parish. Very useful if all else fails. He used to sell a combo set of screws and nuts and bolts of various sizes. If he still does this it'd be worth the small investment. Quite a few of my sp 20 reed plates have ended up secured this way, and the longer bolts hold quite a few of my sp20 cover plates on to the comb.
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Rontana
184 posts
Sep 16, 2015
11:12 AM
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I'm guessing everyone is right about the self-tapping screws, but there's another possibility.
Gary, is your harp a Special 20 Marine Band version or Special 20 Progressive version? The holes (and of course, the screws) on the former and latter plates are not the same size
This may well not be the case, but when you've got the harp apart it's pretty easy to mix up screws and plates.
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Marr's Guitars
Cigar Box Guitars and Other Unusual Unstruments
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Gary 62
43 posts
Sep 16, 2015
11:27 AM
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Rontana: It's SP20 Progressive.
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