Ian
151 posts
Dec 03, 2015
11:58 AM
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Hi guys,
I'm sure I read somewhere on here that it's pretty easy to move the cover plates forwards a bit in order to make them a little more flush with the reed plates. On my manjis the reed plate is fairly prominent but really only at the ends, in the center it's fine, so I'd be interested if there's a way of leveling this just by moving the covers.
Am I right in this and if so how do you do it? I'm guessing it's a case of increasing the size of the holes in the cover plates?
I don't fancy sanding anything, ill ruin what are 95% perfect harps.
Thanks
Last Edited by Ian on Dec 03, 2015 12:00 PM
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florida-trader
831 posts
Dec 03, 2015
1:58 PM
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Ian - you're on the right track. Just make the holes a little bigger and you will be able to slide the covers forward a bit.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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Ian
152 posts
Dec 03, 2015
4:58 PM
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Thanks Tom. It seems at first sight that there is a slight curve to the covers, do you find they fall flush once moved without any other adjustment?
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root
65 posts
Dec 04, 2015
7:49 AM
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That' good to know. The protuberant reedplates are the only thing I don't like about the manji. Time to get out the rat tail file and have at it. Thanks, guys.-Greg
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arzajac
1707 posts
Dec 04, 2015
7:50 AM
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Ian, the grooves in the reed plates really contribute to airtightness.
Would the comb coming forward so it is flush with the reed plates help in the comfort department?
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica Combs and Tools.
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florida-trader
832 posts
Dec 04, 2015
8:05 AM
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Ian - Andrew makes a good point about the groove in the reed plate. Moving the covers forward will very likely push the front edge past the groove so what you create in the way of comfort my have an adverse affect on how airtight your harp is. I kept my original comment simple mostly because you asked a simple question but also because your question indicated that you don't have a lot of experience modifying harps and/or reed plates. Perhaps I am wrong about this.
Given what your goal is I would be inclined to leave the covers where they are and sand a bit off the front of the reed plates. While you're at it, you can knock down some of the sharp edges around the corners. Guys who work on harps routinely sand reed plates to make them flatter, smoother and to eliminate any sharp edges. It's not hard to do at all.
On the other hand, if you wanted to adjust the position of the comb in relation to the reed plate, you could drill out the holes in the comb to give yourself some "wiggle room" or you could consider investing in a custom comb from Andrew or me. I think that is what Andrew is alluding to without being too overt.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Dec 04, 2015 11:52 AM
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Ian
155 posts
Dec 04, 2015
9:55 AM
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Thanks guys. I'll have a think.
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nacoran
8797 posts
Dec 04, 2015
4:12 PM
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I thought I hated all protruding reed plates until I had one that was sanded. Makes all the difference in the world. I've played harps that are sanded and adjusted the cover forward. They both get you where you want to go but the sanding is the less fussy of the two techniques. Just make sure you rinse off any dust before you play it.
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Nate
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jbone
2084 posts
Dec 05, 2015
8:43 AM
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When I was a new player, I used Marine Band mostly. Aside from the swelling comb the covers were set a bit back so my lips would rub on them as I moved up and down the harp. Wild as I was back then- 70's- I would get carried away and just ruin my lips with that ill directed enthusiasm. Ultimately I learned to address the harp more gently but firmly. I also ease off when I'm moving on the mouthpiece.
Manji is my go to harp. I like the little groove at the front that keeps the cover where it is. I've adapted and never even noticed really. So for me It's been a question of adapting how I address the front of the harp.
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Ian
158 posts
Dec 06, 2015
2:08 PM
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Hi guys, I've done a bit of tinkering and moved the covers forward a bit and it helps, but moreover what it's done is actually help seat the covers in the groove a bit better.
I'm sure they are all like this... As all mine are... But the outward leading edge of the cover is swept back compared to the centre. So when seated back, as they were to start with, the edge sat behind the groove creating a poor seal at the very top and very bottom end.
Moving the cover forward and slightly nudging the centre back has evened it up nicely. Don't think I'll need to worry about sanding anything anytime soon (the idea fills me with dread).
Last Edited by Ian on Dec 06, 2015 2:09 PM
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New but determined
26 posts
Dec 06, 2015
3:15 PM
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By the way, those grooves get a lot of crud build up in them. Whenever I take the covers off, I run a jeweled screwdriver down the grooves and am always amazed by how much gunk builds up. I think this helps the covers seat better after cleaning.
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shakeylee
451 posts
Dec 06, 2015
5:38 PM
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for minor changes i drill the holes slightly longer. for major changes i file them into a slot.
you could also slap a set of sp20 or hering covers on there and see if that suits you better
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www.shakeylee.com
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