Hi there, I just went through the process of refurbishing an old golden melody.. and I have not been playing those for some time, but got it all back together and played it a while. Realized the fact that the reed plates very slightly extend past the tines of the combs on the front of the harp bugs me. Anybody else have this problem? Any special tricks for just grinding them down, or things to be careful of? Would probably try to do it with the reed plates still attached to the comb. Thanks, Walter
First, try fastening it to the comb with it face down on a flat surface. This might help slide the plates back - easier to do on custom combs.
Otherwise, I like to use sanding blocks from the hardware store...go from rough to fine and "polish" with the highest grit you can find. I would suggest sanding just the sharp edges, or you can sand to flush with the comb. However, I suggest using a junk comb so you don't scuff it. ---------- Mike Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas Updated 2/1/11
I made this change on one harmonica. I fixed it by drilling it for screws and made the holes in the comb slightly larger so that I could offset the tip of the reedplates.
What a pain in the arse! It makes no difference (to me anyway). The reedplate protrusion is just fine in my book. Nothing wrong with it.
And another thing... Some people say that overblows are easier on GMs and MBs because the reeds are closer to the inside of your mouth than on a harp like the Special 20. If you make the reedplates flush with the comb by moving the plates back (and not sanding like David shows) maybe that would bring the reeds that much further from your mouth?
The harp that I modified overblows perfectly fine - but it's a nice harp from the 50s... But I just thought I would point that out.
The vid Todd posted is pretty much what I was saying, but I use sanding blocks instead. I still think it is worth using some old combs to do that and then to reassemble on the actual comb. I'd be afraid of scuffing the comb.
Since you mention it is old, I am assuming it uses nails? If you can't easily get it on and off the comb, then maybe covering the plastic comb with painters tape or something would give you a bit of a cushion. ---------- Mike Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas Updated 2/1/11
The other thing why MB's and GM's overblow easier is because they use long slot reeds and with the exception of the Manji and Fabulous, Asian made harps all use short slot reeds, which tend to make them not friendly to the technique. ---------- Sincerely, Barbeque Bob Maglinte Boston, MA http://www.barbequebob.com CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
I'm nowhere near any harps right now. But, are the 'Firebreath' harps short or long slot reeds? I ask because thus far I have very satisfactory OB results with every Firebreath right off the shelf.
