How to Customize the Marine Band 1896 Harmonica Cover Plates

[@HARPSMITH900]

In addition to shaping the sound, many passionate harmonica players appreciate how the four cover plate vents function as exhaust ports to relieve excessive air pressure. Players also appreciate how the cover plate vents serve as "near field monitors" to help hear themselves better. This will be obvious when the Player does a side-by-side comparison with vented cover plates to harmonicas without vents, such as the HOHNER Special 20, AMP and Golden Melody😉

[@ikust007]

I really don’t like NOT vented covers . And I am very very in love with MB1896 (crossover also but so $$). I came back to them after trying LO and multitude of others . Except Seydel, I must say .

[@nacoran]

First time I ever tinkered with a harmonica was after reading an article you wrote a very long time ago. Nice video. I've used a seeming tool to open covers before, but you used them differently in the beginning than I do. Looks like you get that bend started with more mechanical advantage than I do. I'm looking forward to more of these. :)

[@HARPSMITH900]

Thank you my Brotha! Check out my new videos, starting with kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJq2nqOQi5t4qbssi=-8kVYCDHQlmRpUI9

[@LeonStagg]

Great information, thanks! Any tips on opening the cover plates on the Special 20?

[@HARPSMITH900]

I just noticed my first reply did not get posted here--sorry about that. For factory-like results, I use a 12oz Urethane Hammer with a self healing PVC surface (cutting board)

[@TheHarmonicaBarge]

great video- what's the grip tool you use for bending cover plates?

[@HARPSMITH900]

The tool I’ve been using for about 50 years is the Irwin Vise Grip #23 Locking Sheet Metal Tool

[@p1nesap]

Have you got a video on adding bumpers in back of the MB cover plates to prevent them getting crushed? Thanks.

[@HARPSMITH900]

Unfortunately I do not. Although the coolest method is to use screw posts, the EASIEST and quickest method is to install furniture/glass bumpers--available at all do-it-yourself/hardware stores. Simply apply the sticky side of the bumper to the BLOW/DRAW reed plates behind the #5 hole, and the inside of the rear opening cover plate will rest on the non-sticky rubber part. This is a nice crush-proof hack

[@p1nesap]

@HARPSMITH900 thanks so much, great idea!

[@Marfoir0303]

To prevent scratching I use vinyl tap on the edge of the duck bill vise grips; I use this method in aviation sheet metal which I’ve been doing for close to 50 years, I wish I was as good with my harmonica as I’m doing sheet metal

[@HARPSMITH900]

Ha! Thanx for the tip

[@ikust007]

4:53 looks like a Seydel for overblow/draw.

[@HARPSMITH900]

Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Kinya

[@grantwalker9367]

Love your work

[@HARPSMITH900]

Hello Grant, that is very kind of you. Check out my videos on TEMPERAMENTS and Building a GOLDEN MARINE BAND: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJq2nqOQi5t4qbssi=fan3jI3Ex90RzGls kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml7Sqn6dprp0gbssi=K4G8hhedVhRpYgXU

[@ikust007]

26:53 cool !!!

[@ikust007]

Splendide. Merci

[@HARPSMITH900]

You are very welcome. When you have time, check out other episodes of HARPSMITH Benchcraft! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3bcYWeiitygnbMsi=uVYtybBwz2vdIIiT kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJq2nqOQi5t4qbssi=q2fhTDoN0D6jlkT7 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml7Sqn6dprp0gbssi=ga0QCIbxTGXNmHsq

[@ikust007]

@@HARPSMITH900 i am going trough them…;)

[@Higharpo]

Dziękuję xa dobre rady

[@HARPSMITH900]

Thanks for watching Yan!

[@ikust007]

Sir/ I sealed with shellac and beeswax. Against …?

[@norfolknwhey4787]

Are those vise grips homemade? Do you happen to have any combs for a Golden Melody?

[@HARPSMITH900]

Shown in the video are Sheet Metal Pliers made by Vise Grip. I first learned of this terrific tool when I was a HVAC (Sheet Metal) mechanic some 50 years ago... For Golden Melody combs I recommend you contact Tom Halchak at . Tell him that Kinya sent you.

[@brianhancher2339]

I have a crossover in C that does not appear to have the asymmetrical shape of the G(?) harp in this video, but my low D thunderbird does. Does that asymmetrical cover shape start at a key below C or do i have an older crossover?

[@HARPSMITH900]

From HOHNER, this innovative Marine Band Draw Cover Plate is only available on the LOW TUNED Thunderbird models.

[@ikust007]

Subscribed .

[@ikust007]

Trying to understand the difference between Crossover and MBdeluxe …? Pear vs bamboo. Ok . But what else ?

[@HARPSMITH900]

Both the Sealed Pearwood and Composite Bamboo are enjoyed by zillions of players across the globe. One is no better than the next, it is purely a matter of personal preference. The real difference between the Marine Band Deluxe 2005 and Crossover is TEMPERAMENT. The Marine Band Deluxe 2005 is tuned to "Modern Marine Band"--very close to the original Just Intonation found with the original Marine Band 1896 and favored by traditional Bluz Harmonica Players for the smooth chords. The Crossover is tuned in Compromised Just and is extremely appealing to the bulk of today's contemporary player, where single note melodies and chordal playing are a part of their repertoire.

[@ikust007]

@@HARPSMITH900 wow! Thank you so much for such deep explanations. I must say that I am not educated enough to understand all… I just know that my true love is the MB1896 because of …I just don’t know. Emotions (mathematics could kick in with frequency analysis I suppose ;))!

[@HARPSMITH900]

just keep luvin what you LUV!@@ikust007

[@brianhancher2339]

While there isn't a meaningful difference between the two per se, the Thunderbird series are essentially low key crossovers. I'm not aware of low key MBDs.

[@HARPSMITH900]

Hey Brian, my apologies for the confusion. The HOHNER Thunderbird Low-Tuned Harmonicas are positioned under the category, "DIATONIC MARINE BAND SERIES". Built on the composite Bamboo Comb similar to the HOHNER Crossover Harmonica. Look for the M2011BXL nomenclature, followed by the following key signatures: LF, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, E, F (Compromised Just Tuning)@@brianhancher2339

[@ikust007]

The Filisko is a Crossover …. Except covers .