Marine Band Comb Swell / bend
Has anyone ever seen a comb on a marine band (I believe that one is pear wood) swell so that the comb itself sticks out further than the reed plate? I have been using it for tongue blocking practice which for me has generated a bunch of saliva (which i empty often) but it now has the first 5 comb ends protruding beyond the reed plate. I don't put it in its case much so it should dry from the air. Any thoughts?
Thanks folks.
It is about 8 months old. So a newer one for sure. I just went and looked at it again and sure enough, the comb tines have shrunk back into place for the most part.
I do have the crossover harps now so I'm hoping that helps too. The Hohner Blues Harp MS has not given me any issues with the saliva...which is good.
Thank you for your thoughts Mr. Yerxa.
J.D.
How old is that Marine Band?
Newer ones are supposed to be better sealed than the old ones to help prevent this problem. Then again, maybe you're generating a *lot* of saliva.
You have the right approach to solving it, though. Let the harp air dry at a temperature that's warm enoough to let the moisture wick out of the wood and evaporate. Eventually the tines of the comb will shrink back to their proper size.
Harmonica players, especially new players, often experience a high volume of saliva production when they start to play or start using their tongues more heavily, as you're doing.
One thing you might consider is doing your tongue blocking practice on a Special 20. Its plastic comb won't swell (or shrink) and it has the same reeds and tuning as the classic Marine Band. The more complete sealing on the Marine Band Deluxe or Crossover *might* protect agains swelling, but the SP20 is cheaper and is guaranteed not to swell.