Speaking of changing the voicing of your Marine Band
For you electric (mic) players, did you know the fastest way to “fatten” your sound is to swap your vented Hohner Marine Band cover plates with non-vented Hohner Special 20 cover plates?
And for you acoustic players, did you know the fastest way to “open” and brighten the voicing of your Special 20 is to swap your Special 20 cover plates, with Marine Band cover plates?
Interested in learning how?
I'm always willing to take apart something I own and screw it up! ;o)
I remember when the "Lost in Space" pilot aired in the 60's, how frustrated I was when they closed that episode with TO BE CONTINUED! plastered across our little black and white TV screen.
So I feel your pain that I have to alert you guys, that I will be out of town for a few days. I promise upon my return to provide you all with the recipe for changing the voicing of your Marine Band.
"Play the notes people want to hear (c) 2008
Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith
SET UP PROCESSES
On your Marine Band (#1896):
Using a Quarter ($0.25 coin) as a prying tool, insert horizontally into the spaces between the rear folds of the cover plates and the tops of the reed plates. Gently twist the coin upward until all eight nails pop out of the wooden comb.
On your Special 20 (#560):
Using a small straight blade screwdriver, remove the two cover plate nuts and bolts.
Next, attach and align the top Special 20 cover plate onto the Marine Band harmonica as a drill-hole template. Using an ultra fine point Sharpie, mark the two pilot holes onto the Marine Band top reed plate.
Again with the top Special 20 cover plate, “marry up” the top Special 20 cover plate with the bottom Marine Band cover plate. Join the leading edges of both cover plates with Blue Painters Tape to ensure proper alignment. Using an ultra fine point Sharpie, mark the two pilot holes onto the bottom Marine Band cover plate. Repeat this process with the bottom Special 20 cover plate and top Marine Band cover plate.
For all marked up reed plates and cover plate holes, gently hammer a “starting hole” into the center of the holes with a center punch (or small nail).
For drilling, I recommend using a small drill press with 1/8” bit. If this not available to you, the next best tool would be a cordless hand drill.
Using a small piece of scrap wood, position the flat edges of the top Marine Band cover plate and drill the two 1/8” holes, repeat with bottom cover plate. TO PREVENT INJURY DUE TO SLIPPAGE, APPLY EVEN DOWNWARD PRESSURE ONTO THE COVER PLATE AS YOU ARE DRILLING.
Next, gently cover the reeds and mouthpiece of your Marine Band harmonica with Blue Painters Tape to prevent debris from entering the crevices. Using the same scrap wood and techniques, drill the two 1/8” holes in your Marine Band harmonica.
Now with all the holes drilled and all shavings cleaned away, assemble the Special 20 cover plates onto your Marine Band harmonica, and the Marine Band cover plates onto your Special 20 (you will need another set of small nuts/bolts).
Now get back on the bandstand and blow us away!
"Play the notes people want to hear (c) 2008
Kinya Pollard
The Harpsmith
Definitely interested in how to do this - how does the 'subscribe' thing work?