Todd Parrott
238 posts
Dec 18, 2010
2:20 PM
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Chris Reynolds is now offering combs made out composite gemstone.
Gemstone Color Chart
This started as a special request for a purple comb; I wanted something that had a marble type look, similar to a bowling ball. Chris experimented with the gemstone material and was successful. The result is an incredible sounding comb which machines out slightly thicker than most materials, giving the harp a nice tone without affecting the responsiveness. Below is a picture of the Golden Melody comb he made for me in Russian Lavender. Until now, this has been the only one in the world, but I'm sure this will change soon. There are also some other incredible looking colors available. Check 'em out!
Last Edited by on Dec 18, 2010 2:23 PM
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mandowhacker
10 posts
Dec 18, 2010
4:14 PM
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That's very similar to building hot rod engines---once it's assembled, the coolest stuff is hidden inside!!
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Just when I got a paddle, they added more water to the creek.
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chromaticblues
417 posts
Dec 18, 2010
5:14 PM
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@todd
I don't see a hole in the 5-6 hole divider? I've seen some GM reedplates without that hole. Must be they tried that for awhile? I would not build a harp without that bolt! It may be there. My eye sight isn't what it use to be!
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hvyj
949 posts
Dec 18, 2010
5:33 PM
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@Todd: What does this composite gemstone material "feel" like? Is it brittle? How goes it compare to Dymondwood composite in texture and weight?
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Blowyourbrassoff
14 posts
Dec 18, 2010
9:14 PM
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@chromaticblues
The hole in the 5-6 comb tine isn't really needed. On a stock comb it helps because those molded combs are not flat by any means. Because the flatness on my combs is much better than the originals you still get a better seal between the plates and combs even without that screw. It just really isn't needed on a well made comb.
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Todd Parrott
239 posts
Dec 18, 2010
9:28 PM
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@hvyj - This material has a texture almost like stone, similar to Corian. I'm sure you wouldn't want to drop it as it would probably break easier than plastic or wood. The weight of it is a little heavier than dymondwood, but not as heavy as a metal comb. Hope that helps.
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Todd Parrott
240 posts
Dec 18, 2010
9:30 PM
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@chromaticblues - I would have to agree with Chris, because some of my Spiers harps are built on his combs, and I know that Joe uses Chris' combs for many, if not most, of his custom harps.
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chromaticblues
424 posts
Dec 18, 2010
9:43 PM
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@blowyourbrassoff
I'm just saying the bolt in the middle seals it better thats all. The hole thing about making a custom harp is trying to make it better in every way!
I respectfully disagree.
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Todd Parrott
242 posts
Dec 18, 2010
10:22 PM
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@chromaticblues - I totally understand where you are coming from, and I think you make a good point.
The only thing I can say is that my customs that Joe Spiers built on these combs are SUPER airtight and responsive, with all the overblows and overdraws set up so that they are easily bendable.
But, I can only speak as a player, not as a customizer.
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REM
19 posts
Dec 19, 2010
3:16 AM
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I have quite a few golden melodys and none of them even have a bolt (or even a corresponding hole in the reed plates) for the hole in the center tine (so there's no real reason for the comb to have that hole). Did the older golden melodys use to have a bolt there? If so, when did they stop using it? And why?
That purple comb looks fantastic. I remember you showing it to me at spah, it was cool to see all the different custom combs you had.
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2010 3:19 AM
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Blowyourbrassoff
16 posts
Dec 19, 2010
8:35 AM
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@chromaticblues
Honestly it's not needed. It's all about how flat the comb is and how flat the reed plates are, if the two are flat the match between the two will take care of the problem, and with the additional force that the cover plates put on the reed plate, it really does make that screw pointless. When I first started making customs I would put about 5 screws in the harp, when I started studying with Joe Spiers I learned that it's not necessary.
But that's the great thing about forums such as this, we all have the ability to disagree and voice our opinions.
Chris
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nacoran
3432 posts
Dec 19, 2010
11:37 AM
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Blowyourbrassoff, or any other comb maker... I've got a Low F MB that I destroyed the comb on in an 'upgrade' attempt. (All sorts of problems with the holes lining up, replacing nails, crooked screw holes). I tried another comb, but it's reeds were too long for it. (Do I need a different sized comb for a Low F?) I'm looking to get a custom comb for it. I was thinking of something in purple, sort of a final peace offering to Chris.
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Nate
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Blowyourbrassoff
17 posts
Dec 19, 2010
1:02 PM
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if you want to send it to me I'll compare it to one of my standard mb combs, if need be I can modify the comb to make the slots deeper.
Chris
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harpwrench
384 posts
Dec 19, 2010
1:06 PM
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MB's have two slot lengths, shorter for Db and higher, all C's and lower are the same.
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nacoran
3434 posts
Dec 19, 2010
2:23 PM
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Blowsyourbrassoff, I'll do that right after the holidays.
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Nate
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eagle
1 post
Dec 20, 2010
8:09 AM
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Todd, what is the cost of a golden melody with the new comb? and do you think the difference in the sound is worth the extra cost?
thank you.
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chromaticblues
425 posts
Dec 20, 2010
8:40 AM
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@ chris
Man that comb is so nice I may have to take your word for it and buy one!
That is really nice!!
It looks like you do very good work!!!
Last Edited by on Dec 20, 2010 8:40 AM
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Todd Parrott
250 posts
Dec 20, 2010
10:20 AM
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@eagle - I'm not sure what he charges for a completed harp, but I think the combs are around the $55-65 price range. Some are less, others are more, depending on the type of comb material you choose. Check his site to be sure.
As for the sound, I don't think the comb material itself affects the tone that much, but with a custom comb you get a comb that is much flatter than a stock comb, which can make a difference in how the harp responds and plays. I also buy his combs as a way to color-code my harps, which it makes it much faster to grab the right key in a hurry.
The ideal harp is a custom harp on a custom comb. He offers those too.
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Blowyourbrassoff
18 posts
Dec 24, 2010
10:00 AM
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Just a quick note, I know that a lot of you would like to get a purple comb in honor of Chris' work, so I ordered up some purple dymondwood to make a test come from to see if it would be the same color as the one's Chris made. I know that we got a lot of our materials from the same suppliers so I thought I'd get a piece of it to see how it turned out. When I get it done I'll post some pictures for you all to see and see if you think it's the color that you all were looking for.
Chris
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Blowyourbrassoff
19 posts
Dec 24, 2010
1:46 PM
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I think this is the color purple that Chris used. I hadn't planned on coming down to the shop today but I got this in the mail yesterday and wanted to go ahead and try it out.
Chris
www.builderofstuff.com
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Todd Parrott
271 posts
Dec 24, 2010
3:02 PM
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Yep, that's the color. Looks awesome!
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LeonStagg
214 posts
Dec 30, 2010
8:38 PM
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Just ordered my first harp from Chris at Blowyourbrassoff. He has a special discount through tomorrow.
I ordered a Marine Band with an acrylic comb, and am pretty jazzed about it.
He answered all my questions promptly and was real straightforward about it, looking forward to my first custom harp.
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HarpNinja
908 posts
Dec 31, 2010
7:26 AM
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Thought I ordered one last week but missed a step using PayPal. Ugh! I'll just have to wait a little longer, lol.
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Mike
Quicksliver Harmonicas
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