Hollistonharper
213 posts
Feb 10, 2011
5:37 PM
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Mark has been advertising reed replacement services on the for sale thread. Being a relative newbie I've got a shoe box full of blown out harps--mostly 4D or 5D, what a surprise-- and sent Mark 3 harps for reed replacement in keys for which I needed backups, Bb, C & D.
The harps were in my mailbox when I got home last night. All I can say is goddam! They all play great. The new reeds are perfectly in tune and play smoothly. Mark not only replaced the bad reeds, he cleaned the harps all up, straightened all the reeds and opened up the covers of the one MB I sent him.
I wanted them for backups but after playing them an hour the D and the C are in my harp case for now, replacing OOB MBs.
I haven't opened these harps up to take a peek inside because I'm pretty sure Mark slipped some extra mojo into them and I don't want it to leak out. I don't know if it was the reed straightening or what, but all of them play much better than they did when I blew them out--I know I'm a better player than when I was a complete newbie, but still.
If you've got harps that just need a reed replaced, you should send them to Mark. He's charging $10 plus $2 shipping. Lot cheaper than shelling out $30+ for a new harp. i wanted to post this because I'm very happy with his work. And my harps got to go to Hawaii--how cool is that!
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MP
1397 posts
Feb 10, 2011
6:33 PM
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hey thanks hollinsharper!
i did do light embossing on the SP/20 C because i had an hour to kill.
the D MB had excellent sounding reeds to begin with, so even though it was funky and i had to toss the comb, it was worth saving. all harps are equal but some harps are more equal than others. like that D. i swear, some reeds are just better.
i liked your Bb GM. i'm gonna get me some for personal use.
okay, gotta leave for the gig.
cheers!!----------
MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
Last Edited by on Feb 10, 2011 6:35 PM
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Hollistonharper
214 posts
Feb 10, 2011
7:43 PM
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Ah that explains the C. I didn't even mention your replacing the comb on the D because it was so far beyond what was called for that I wouldn't want to raise expectations for anyone sending you their harps. That D plays like a custom!
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MP
1398 posts
Feb 11, 2011
12:26 AM
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i don't recall all of what i did to the D.
as i was sitting there thinking and plinking (we thought it might go intro the donor pile) i was like DAMN! these are great reeds!( i can hear a great reed by the timbre.) it' like finding the perfect crystal element or CR or whatever.
take care,
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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bluesnut
197 posts
Feb 11, 2011
11:30 AM
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There is a new doctor in town, MP. I went to his house. He was fast and willing talk story about all things harp. Highly recomend MP he did 2 harps (reeds 4&5) for me and same day so could be ready for our gig this Saturday. He is doctoring up a Marineband Deluxe for me to by sanding the reed plate flat and the cover to tighten up the harp so more air is directed to the reeds. He also has a trade mark, he has a special way of opening the cover plates backside, Mojo included for free.
Last Edited by on Feb 11, 2011 11:33 AM
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MP
1402 posts
Feb 11, 2011
12:03 PM
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hey brian!
had to replace three draw also on the MBD. it seems the oct. 2005 MBD reeds weren't the best batch.( i've fixed four w/ the same problem) the three draws make a god awful sound past the first half step bend.
you search in vain for sub atomic particle obstruction or loose rivets. the alignment is fine. no tuning marks cuz you removed them. the only thing left is to jettison that puppy. don't like those oct. 2005 MBDs.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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CaptJonHawaii
39 posts
Feb 13, 2011
1:22 AM
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MP worked over a G MBD recently for me that now plays bright and responsive.
Such a different instrument!
When I went to pick it up I brought some of my other harps that I had various
issues with. He took time to go through and fix them but also explain why and
how. He is truly a technician and an artist. Thanks MP....
If you have a harp of any brand that needs some work to make it play better,
MP will take care of it.
Aloha!
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MP
1418 posts
Feb 13, 2011
4:24 AM
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thanks for the Crown Royal! and it's a BIG bottle
your B-Rad is quite a piece of work. wonder why they used slotted screws on the plates? you'd have better purchase useing phillips or hexes. it's still beautiful though.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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Joe_L
2081 posts
Oct 01, 2012
6:57 PM
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I went through my box of wounded warriors and pulled out seven MS harps with bad reeds to MP. In their original boxes, seven MS harps fit nicely in a small flat rate Priority Mail box which ships for a mere $5.95.
He fixed them up quite nicely. All play well. I now have a large inventory of keys that I use often.
Thanks MP.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
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Mojokane
569 posts
Oct 02, 2012
12:58 AM
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Crown Royal?.....
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
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groyster1
2028 posts
Oct 02, 2012
6:58 AM
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I buy the 375 ml crown royal and use the cloth bags that will hold 5 or 6 harps depending on the case size......that being said,mark has been a great help to me and has earned well earned legendary status as a harp mechanic....
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MP
2486 posts
Oct 02, 2012
12:10 PM
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Aloha Joe!
yours were easy fixes aside from two drifters.
eventually the tuning settled in nicely.
you are super welcome.
Yes MojoKane, i believe the Crown Royal was left over and appropriated from a Justin Beiber catamaran charter Capt.Jon captained. Jon does buy the booze prior to sailing. otherwise it would be rather dry save for the vast expanse of Pacific ocean.
Cheers, groyster!
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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