Marine Band Classic Covers
Hello Kinya,
I have mentioned this before, but, once again, your series on customizing the Marine Band Classic harmonica is excellent. I find myself going back to it frequently for reference.
I believe I heard you say at the beginning of the series, that you would be opening up the cover. I cannot find anything, anywhere about this. Does this exist somewhere? Perhaps there are more videos to come in this series?
I have seen the video you made on opening up the covers on a Special 20. Should I rely on this for the necessary information, at least for the time being.
Thanks in advance.
Keep up the good work.
Geoff.
Thanks, Kinya. Looking forward to the upcoming photos/videos!
Hello Geoff, I just completed filming and posting to the HARPSMITH website; Tips & Techniques on How-To Customize the HOHNER Marine Band 1896 Cover Plates. Let me know what you think.
https://harpsmith.com/benchcraft
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thanks, Kinya.
I can't wait to have a look.
Thanks for quick update on the series.
Geoff.
Hey Geoff, just checking in with you. Were you able to glean useful tips and techniques from the Customizing Marine Band Cover Plate video?
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hi Kinya,
Another excellent video (just like the others)! I must say, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I guess I was expecting something along the lines of the video on the Special 20 coverplates, where you hammered the edges back. You certainly went into a lot of detail, just like all the other Harpsmith videos.
Anyway it has given me lots to think about. I guess I'll have to head over to Canadian Tire to get a pair of those duck-billed vise grips in order to give it a try, ha ha.
Thanks again, Kinya, for all your hard work. The information is you provide is invaluable.
Geoff.
You are correct Geoff. With the Special 20 cover plates, I only "open" up the lower octave (Holes 1 ~ 5); using the impact rolling technique with 22oz Urethane hammer works best.
Years ago, for the Marine Band 1896 cover plates I used to use the impact roll technique as well, but as you saw the Vise Grip Sheet Metal Hand Brake will do the job quite nicely.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hello Harp Techs, I forgot to mention two important attributes about vented cover plates. In addition to shaping the sound, many passionate harmonica players appreciate how:
- the four cover plate vents function as exhaust ports to relieve excessive air pressure (at SPAH, Dr. Betran Becher from Seydel and I had an engaging discussion regarding this)
- Players also like how the cover plate vents serve as "near field monitors" to help hear themselves better. This will be obvious when the Player does a side-by-side comparison with non-vented cover plate harmonicas, such as the HOHNER Special 20, AMP and Golden Melody (and many Seydel models)
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Howdy Geoff, we put a pause on filming the Marine Band University Workbench Series, but thanx for reminding me about the cover plates!
I'm recovering from SPAH, but plan on hitting the bench within a few days, whereas I will take photos and post "how-to" photos.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya