Side nails on Hohner Echo Harps
Hohner Echo and Unsere Lieblinge harmonicas attach the cover plates with nails on the side. Is it possible to remove these nails with damaging the cover plates? Also, since they are nailed into the ends, can the nails e replaced with screws?
I'm afraid I can't figure out how to send a photo in the forum. Is there another way to get the photos to you?
Are you familiar with the Google host of free products. Specifically Goggle DRIVE and Docs? Let me know and I will instruct you how to transfer photos from your mobile phone to your desktop/laptop computer. If not, other students have sucessfully attached their photos to their email and send it directly to David Barrett. He'll make certain I receive your photos.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Here is a Dropbox link. Hopefully, this will work.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0tmsni5rh3sgywf/AADEgGkVOdIYUUjAyXcxOA2Ka?dl=0
Perfect. Terrific photos of beautifully preserved harmonicas! I have found utility or single edge razor blades thin enough to slip between the sheet metal tabs and strong enough to pry upwards. Many times, the nails will actually pop up. If not, the head of the nails will rise enough to use a needle nose, and/or nippers to grab and pull the nail out of the pearwood comb.
Stay in touch.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thanks. That's very helpful. Will the nails go back in snugly? Also, can and should they be replaced with wood screws?
If this is a restoration project and you want to keep it looking "factory", I would recommend re-purposing the original brads. If the Pearwood comb shrunk, place a small dab of wood filler into the hole first, then insert the brads (into the moist filler) and let it dry.
If you chose to update with miniature wooden screws, you'll find them at https://www.micromark.com/Wood-Screws-Pack-of-40.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Here is another useful tool for prying up miniature nails and brads.
For under $10, this miniature pry bar is a handy tool to have on our harp tech bench. Available https://www.micromark.com/Miniature-Pry-Bar
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hello Thomsoc, have you begun work on your restoration project? There is broad interest here, so please keep us informed.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi Thompsoc, we haven’t heard from you in awhile. Everything OK?
For those members who did not have access to Dropbox, I will include the photos of your vintage harmonicas here, so that everyone can gawk at your collection. Enjoy!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hello Thompsoc, My memory is telling me that there were some upgrades to the Echo harmonica. Can I trouble you to send me photos of your harmonicas?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya