nacoran
1070 posts
Feb 09, 2010
11:10 AM
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So I bought a harp on eBay. It's vintage and when it arrived it is, well, very dirty even by harmonica standards, but here is the problem. It's a Magnus all plastic (Bakelite?) harmonica. When I say all plastic I mean everything right down to the reeds. From what I've read it's 5 pieces, two covers, two reed plates, and a comb. I can't even figure out how to open it up, let alone safely clean and restore it! Anyone have any experience with them, or Bakelite in general? (Assuming it's even Bakelite and not some other old fashioned plastic...)
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toddlgreene
759 posts
Feb 09, 2010
11:15 AM
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Bakelite like the old telephones was heavy stuff....Would it be flexible enough to make reeds?
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Todd L. Greene, V.P.
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oldwailer
1066 posts
Feb 09, 2010
11:17 AM
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I've never had an all-plastic harp, so I can't help you there--but I have worked with bakelite and old plastics in electrical equipment quite a bit--and I just have to warn you--be very careful--the stuff is way more brittle than modern plastics. It can shatter if you hold a screwdriver and just think about messing with it.
If you do crack it--carefully save all the pieces and get out the crazy glue--It will glue up stronger than ever. . .
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jonsparrow
2173 posts
Feb 09, 2010
12:38 PM
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do not use rubbing alcohol on it. that could very well crack it. every try cleaning a cd with it? it will shatter right in your hands.
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jonsparrow
2174 posts
Feb 09, 2010
12:52 PM
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i got a new harp today too.
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barbequebob
453 posts
Feb 09, 2010
12:56 PM
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All plastic harmonicas have never been known for being great playing and have been largely relegated to being not much more than a child's play toy. Lots of experimenting has been done over the years with plastic for reed material and so far, it's never held up particularly well, so to be honest, be careful with it and don't get your high hopes on one.
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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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saregapadanisa
127 posts
Feb 09, 2010
1:01 PM
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Can you guys stop starting new threads with silly titles which let me think that your B-rad has arrived?
I am still shivering and sweating, my heart beats like mad, and I must take my pills now :-)
That said, I'd be interested to know what kind of plastic is used. Bakelite is heavy and breakable and IMO not suitable for reeds.
I have read somewhere that these harps were first produced during WW2, when metal and brass were in short supply, and when shipment from Hohner obviously couldn't make it to the States.
What I don't know is if these harps were made only as toys or as serious instruments. You'll tell us.
I guess gapping or tuning would be tricky...
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nacoran
1076 posts
Feb 09, 2010
1:07 PM
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BBQ- I don't expect it to play particularly well. I just wanted it for the novelty. They were created because of wartime metal shortages. It's actually a pretty attractive little harp. It's all white with gold lettering (although that's mostly worn off). The back is really wide open. Once I get it cleaned up I'll probably play it once and then set it someplace safe. With shipping it was under $10. Pat Missin has some pics of them on his site.
Jon, what did you get?
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Chinn
25 posts
Feb 09, 2010
2:19 PM
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From my days restoring vintage cars, I used to use the Novus brand of products for cleaning up the plastic. In particular there was a plastic cleaner which was formulated for plastic convertible top windows which was very good on bakelite.
Jeep stores always seem to have the stuff.
Definitely try a test before going whole hog with the stuff and ruining your find.
Last Edited by on Feb 09, 2010 2:20 PM
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
374 posts
Feb 09, 2010
5:30 PM
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That was Magnus' idea, to make harps when brass was in short supply for the war, but then, you think when it's going on the war will last forever and it didn't. I think most of those were made after the war. I have one. I like to impress schoolkids with it, cause I can make it sound like a Marine Band, really nice. Note I play it at no other time. It is an air hog, very hard to play, but if you practice, you can impress schoolkids. That's about all its good for.
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www.harrisonharmonicas.com
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