hohner blues harp
hi kinya,i like to play the hohner blues harp but its tearing up my lips and tongue from the edges on the face plate and corners,whatis the best way to go about rounding them down. die grinder or sanding? thanks ,john turi,st.paul,mn
I have a 30 year old blues harp which I acquired from my late father in law. The reeds are a bit stiff and some of the notes are off key. I figured it belongs to the MS series of blues harps. Should I replace the comb along with the reeds?? I would like to keep it due to sentamental value. I bought a new Special 20 and am getting a lot better tunes with less breath.
Thanks,
Chuck
Hi Chuck,
As a response to Tombo/Lee Oskar's replaceable harmonica reed plate technology, in 1990 Hohner developed and began marketing the MS (Modular System) line of harmonicas. As I mentioned above, MS harmonicas are manufactured with reed plates, combs, and cover plates that are completely interchangeable with: Blues Harp, Pro Harp, Cross Harp, Meisterklasse and Big River. They are not; however, back ward compatible with the original versions. In fact, the MS harmonicas are closer in dimensions to the Lee Oskar, than they are with their name sake ancestors.
If your Hohner Blues Harps are indeed 30+ years old, then what you have is an awesome set of vintage Marine Band harmonicas with non-vented cover plates nailed onto the pearwood comb. I recommend that you hold off until David releases the segment on Marine Band customizing. It would very cool to restore these to their glory days.
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Hi John,
Good to hear from you. Ah the Blues Harp ... the harmonica that Hohner first swapped the coverplates with the Marine Band back in the 70s.
Today, the Hohner Blues Harp is apart of the MS -- Modular System, including: Meisterklasse, Pro Harp, Cross Harp, Big River and I believe every other special promotion Hohner harmonica, such as the Bob Dylan, Steven Tyler, and including Tiffanys (Jewelry).
I bring this up because, you can swap out combs and cover plates with each model within the MS line. Just like back in the 70's, I recommend you install your Blues Harp reed plates and cover plates onto a Big River comb. The material is ABS which means your harmonica will never swell and cut up your lips. Your harmonica will be extremely air tight and comfortable--actually one of my favorite retrofits.
BTW: I will be in the workshop studio with David Barrett at the end of March to film more "how-to" harp tech series, including how to customize wooden combs. Be on the look out ...
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya