Special 20 Reeds
Dear Kinya,
I've only been playing harmonica since August--though I'm completely addicted and play pretty much every day--and am having trouble with the 2 draw on my Hohner Special 20. I know what they say about new players and the 2 draw, except that it used to be fine, and I have no problem with the 2 draw on my Marine Band or Suzuki Bluesmaster.
I took the harp apart to see if I could diagnose the problem. E.g. learn what a broken reed looks like, and the reed looks fine. If I gently pluck the reed with the tip of a business card, it sounds sounds a little rough, but plays. My (uneducated) guess would be misalignment or a hairline fracture. What's the easiest way to find out which, if either?
I'm pretty sure it would be cheaper to replace the Harmonica than to replace the reed plate, so I'll keep it for spare parts if it's not repairable.
Kind regards,
Rich
Thank you, Kinya. I've started through the Harp Tech Studies--this will be a bigger project than I'm ready for at the moment. I'll keep watching them, and take a shot at the reed when I'm feeling a bit more prepared.
Kind regards,
Rich
Move along at "your" pace Rich.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Fixed it. :-)
Thanks!
Rich
Rich--Your the MAN!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
- Kenya,
Trying to get a definitive answer on the size of reed screws on the Spec 20 and Rockets. Harvey Berman out of Louisiana does my customizations these days. He mentioned that the new Spec 20’s and Rockets use a 2M versus 1.6M screw. I thought they always used 2M’s. Harvey has customized my existing Spec 20’s using Tom’s custom combs (bluemoonharmonicas.com) with a modified Spec 20 cover plate. I like the Rockets, but hate the wider combs (old school I guess J). Any new harps I purchase will be Rockets and I’ll replace the comb with one of Tom’s combs. His combs already accommodate the Rocket covers so I’m happy about that. I’ve done a little customization and bought Richard Sleighs tool kit. My good friend Scott Harper (you’ve done some customization for him) is doing a lot of retuning and is pushing me to spend more time customizing my own. My only holdout is a good light box at an affordable price. Don’t mean to ramble on here, so I’m looking at stocking some M2x10 screws from McMaster-Carr. Also looking at the stainless 316 versus 18-8 since it has more corrosive protection and my saliva makeup is very acidic. Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Gio
Hey Gio, good to hear from you.
- Hohner PROGRESSIVE harmonicas, including: Special 20 and Rocket = 1.6mm machine screws
- Hohner pre-Progressive Special 20 harmonicas = 2mm machine screws
Need more convincing, try this test: if you are able to thread your old Special 20 reed plate (2mm screws), into the female segment (don't make me have to explain what part I'm referring to ;o) of your PROGRESSIVE harmonica binding posts (2mm cover plate screws), then you have confirmed the size of the pre-Progressive Special 20 was 2mm.
As for stainless steel (316 grade) machine screws, I think that would be a terrific solution.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
g'day, please excuse me for sticking my bib in. The advice is correct, but you may find a Progressive sp20 with 2 MM screws in reedplate. Some of the early-production 'Progressive' sp20s have these and they still turn up occasionally. i bought 2 from LMS a few weeks ago
Thanx Mate!
Hey Dave, Andy Just is in Australia. Did you get a chance to catch a show?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi Rich, Welcome to the harmonica rabbit hole--don't plan on getting out any time soon ;o)
First let me ask you if you had the opportunity to explore the "Harp Tech Study Series". Here David and I, filmed seven distinctly targeted workshops for those interested in basic to advance harmonica maintenance and customizing techniques.
Many students are surprised how effective this resource is for trouble shooting their common harmonica problems. The series can be found to the left of your screen:
If you choose not to go in this direction, let me know on this forum and I will walk you through the trouble shooting process.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya