Ruined Marine Band and what to do?
Hi Kinya
I am new here and nice to meet you all.
I started with LoA few days ago with Marine Band Classic, and after 4h practice one day, I basically ruined harmonica's comb as it swelled a lot. Now holes are not equal size and wooden barriers between holes can be moved relatively easily. I used sand paper to take a bit of comb that sticks outside of the reed plates but after 1h of playing holes become different size and I think it influence the reeds.
So I am thinking what to do. Should I go and buy Special 20 and replace cover plates with Marine Band's ones, or to buy new comb for marine band and replace it?
I have also hohner silverstar at home so is it possible to use its comb with marine band reed plates?
Thank you.
Goran
Thank you Kinya...
I just bought SP20 as there is no Rocket in the local store. Sounds very nice and easily handle all my spit :)
As I am new in all these things, for sure I will try Rocket soon.
Regards,
Hi Goran, don't forget to eliminate excessive saliva and moisture from your harmonica. You can do this by knocking the mouthpiece against the heel of your hand and/or your thigh.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
yes. I already doing it very often. I think that I have to twist harmonica a bit to not allow spit to go in.
Practice :)
Thanks
Hah ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
I have found that when I have excessive spit entering the harp it really helps to hold my head higher. Since I don't have a music stand, I'm often looking down at the music which is laying on my desk. By looking down, the saliva naturally flows out of the mouth and into the harp. Turn your head up, as if looking at where the wall across the room meets the ceiling, and most of your saliva issues will go away.
Terrific tip Lizard. I will inform Goran to stop using his inversion boots when practicing his harmonica ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
hehe already doing that way :P
Hi Goran, welcome and be prepared to eat, sleep, drink and breathe harmonica!
Many new harmonica players have excessive saliva issues. My recommendation will be to play Hohner harmonicas with composite (ABS plastic) combs--these babies will NEVER swell.
For matching the Marine Band Classic voicing, go with the Hohner Rocket. Distinctly different than the Hohner Special 20, the Rocket comb has comfortable radius on it's sides. In addition, the holes are slightly larger holes to allow a greater flow of air. Similar to the Marine Band, the cover plates have vents--these "near field" monitors will make it easier for you to hear yourself, as well as produce a more acoustic sound projection.
As you were curious, the Hohner Special 20 would be a terrific alternate. Both the Special 20 and the Rocket have IDENTICAL reed plates (and similar reeds to the Marine Band Classic, Deluxe, Crossover and Thunderbird). The Special 20 cover plates are NON-VENTED. This means the voicing will sound muted--actually a wonderful choice if you are playing through a bullet mic.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya