JAC
1 post
Jul 18, 2019
5:23 PM
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I have a couple of Marine Bands in C that I bought, oh, maybe 10 years ago, or more. I haven't played them that much until recently, and am feeling that they are not as responsive as a harmonica like this should be. I've heard the newer ones better made. Is that the case? Should I spring for a new one? I do like the tone of the MB.
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SuperBee
6077 posts
Jul 18, 2019
6:23 PM
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A couple things have changed in that time but the Marine Band Post-2005 is quite worthwhile.
The main change, after 2005, occurred in 2011, when they switched to sealed combs.
Your issue maybe comb-related but I’d expect a reed adjustment issue is more likely.
It could be that the general standard of adjustment is better currently than it used to be, but I won’t bet on it.
I swear by Marine Band and their near relatives, because I know how to adjust them to suit me, but I really can’t predict how a factory-set harp will play. I bought 3 new (but old ie pre 2011 product) Marine Bands from Rockin Ron in 2012 when he cleared the old stock (unsealed combs). Ab, Eb, F. They all played easily and I haven’t even bothered to do any work on them.
I also bought a pack of 5 post 2012 Marine Bands, around 2015. They all needed resetting as gaps were far too open, just like the Special 20s produced around that time.
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Kingley
4121 posts
Jul 18, 2019
10:43 PM
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Don't buy a new one just yet. This is the perfect time to learn how to gap and set up your own harmonicas. Look on Youtube for Brendan Powers video on how to gap and fine tune harmonicas. Also look for three videos by Choppajoe (the great Joe Spiers) on gapping harmonicas. Tool wise for gapping you only need a small flat bladed knife or a razor blade, a toothpick or paper clip. I use a small Swiss Army Knife to work on all my harps.
If they needed tuning as well you'd need some sandpaper to use as a file if you don't have a file and need to tune them up. If you don't have a chromatic tuner you can use a free online one. A quick Google search will reveal them. I'd urge you to just have a go at gapping them. Worse case scenario is that you struggle with it and it doesn't work (but don't worry though because it will. It's so easy to do), then at least you've learnt some stuff and can buy a new harp.
Honestly just give it a go, you've got nothing to lose.
Last Edited by Kingley on Jul 18, 2019 10:47 PM
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JAC
2 posts
Jul 19, 2019
3:33 AM
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Thanks for the good advice. I've experimented with gapping but am still a beginner--it definitely requires some practice to get a good feel for optimizing the reeds. I'll keep tweaking. BTW, after a little research (https://www.patmissin.com/ffaq/q38.html) I see that the harps are definitely pre-2011--they have the A440 on the cover and no sealed comb.
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groyster1
3403 posts
Jul 19, 2019
5:04 AM
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I have marine bands older than me that play great.....they have that old just intonation tuning
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