270 Chromonicas with Plastic Comb
Kinya,
I want a 270 chro in B flat, with a comb that doesn't swell and leak. I have a Discovery 48 that I love, but they only come in C. What's the easiest way to get 270s in other keys, with plastic/acrylic/whatever combs? Are there any customizers that will do it?
Could I order B flat 270 reed plates from Hohner and put them on a Discovery 48? How would I make the plates work with screws instead of nails?
I realize that I could, in theory, take a C harp and tune it down to B flat, but that would be a pain, and anyway later I might want to get other keys like F or G.
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks Kinya - I sent Chris Reynolds an email a few weeks ago and never got a response. However I also contacted George Miklas yesterday and he said he can put Hohner Discovery combs on 270 plates so I may go that route (but it may be a bit before the Discovery 48's are available in the U.S. again).
I don't have a drill press or anything so I don't think I could drill the 270 combs for screws by myself. Unless it's easier than I think?
I'm assuming there's isn't an easy source for 270 plates with screws, not nails, for other keys besides C? (I know you can get deluxe and discovery 48 plates in C.)
Thanks again,
Steve
Hmm, that's odd.
Let me check my sources for Chris Reynold's phone number and I will get back to you.
No drill press--Ugh. I would not attempt this project without one. Chromatic harmonica work requires mucho precision. Is there an adult wood shop class in your 'hood'? A friend that will allow you use his tools?
I located a used one on ebay currently bidding at $20
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-Speed-Bench-Drill-Press-60237-/380596177999?p...
Your Harpsmith
Kinya
I missed it - that drill press went for $30. But now that I realize drill presses aren't that expensive, maybe I could do it myself. So, assuming I get a drill press, how would I drill 270 plates for screws? What kind of screws do I need? Do I have a screw loose? Wait, don't answer that last question.
Thanks,
Steve
Chris' Corian 270 combs are pretty painless to install, you don't need a drill press to do it. Simply drill the nail holes larger as they're indexed properly. The trickiest part will be taking care to align the front of the reed plates and comb, and flat sand there as needed. He supplies the screws which screw into the comb, not through it into the opposite reed plate. Try to email him at c_reynolds2571 at yahoo.
Thanx Joe.
Hi Steve,
Were you able to make contact with Chris?
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Kinya,
Yes I was able to contact Chris. He confirms what Joe said above - you just enlarge the nail holes on the plates with a 7/64" drill bit. I'm going to order some combs from Chris.
Thanks!
Steve
Very cool Steve,
Keep the group informed of your progress. Chris Reynold's work is state of the art! You will not be disappointed.
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Hello
By far and away, my favorite comb material is Dupont's CORIAN. Never swells, easy to clean, airtight, comfortable and Über Cool!
I recommend you contact master builder, Chris Reynolds at http://builderofstuff.com/270combs.html
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya