Re: [Harp-L] Nails in Combs

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

> Rick Epping has articulated the belief - and I apologize in advance if
> this paraphrase from memory is a mischaracterization - that nails allow
> the reedplate to float above the comb in a sort of dynamic relationship
> that allows them to vibrate more freely and perhaps adapt to small
> changes in the size and shape of the wooden slab

This is rationalization BS for the following reasons:

1. You do not want the reedplates to vibrate with respect to the comb 
because the collisions with the comb will absorb the vibrational energy of 
the reeds.
2. Screws are better than nails because, for air-tightness,  you want the 
fasteners to pull the plates and the comb together, even if one or both have 
to bend slightly to come together.
3. Repeated removal and replacement of nails makes them lose the power to 
pull the plates against the comb.
4. You don't need nails under the covers because the cover screws hold the 
covers and the reedplates down.
5. Nails are cheap and easy for the manufacturer but are an abomination for 
the repair technician.

Sorry for not being able to express a clear, definite opinion on the 
subject.   ;o)

Vern

> The wooden-combed Echo series of tremolo harmonicas are also nailed
> together as are the wood-combed Auto Valve and the standard version of
> the 270 chromatic. All the 364 and 365 model I've bought in the last
> year or so - including one SBS - have been nailed together as well.
>
> Two thing I have found in favor of nails are:
>
> --When you want to have points of fastening close to the covers, nails
> can get much closer to the cover edges than screws due to their smaller
> and flatter heads.
>
> --As nails do not penetrate through to the other side of the comb, they
> can be placed in a pattern that is optimal for fastening each
> individual reedplate. To do this with screws you have to embed several
> individual thread receivers in the comb in both sides, or use a
> material hard enough that it can be threaded - procedures far more
> complex and expensive than using nails.
>
> Winslow
>
> --- Ken Hildebrand <airmojoken@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> > I've bought a few 'custom' Marine Band harps over
> > the past few years, that still have the nails holding
> > the reedplates on (instead of screws).
> >
> > I was kind of disappointed to see this in a 'custom'
> > harp, but the customizer must think that the nails
> > are good enough, and/or if the reedplastes need to be
> > removed, then it should be sent back to the customizer
> > for service.
> >
> > In any case, I find it disappointing that some
> > customizers still use nails or have reverted back to
> > using nails (from using screws).
> >
> > Ken H in OH
> >
> > --- Garry Hodgson <garry@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> > > "Rich" <blues-harp@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > >
> > > > But on Hohner's web site, the photo of
> > > > the "Classic" Marine Band clearly shows it nailed
> > > together, since only the
> > > > Marine Band *Deluxe*, according Hohner, is screwed
> > > together.
> > >
> > > i find it odd that in this day and age they still
> > > use nails for harps.  i could see
> > > it, perhaps, for cheapos.  but not for the "standard
> > > grade" $20-or-so harp that
> > > a serioous player will use.  it's not the 1950's
> > > anymore.
> > >
> > > i'm curious whether it's an cost issue.  special
> > > 20's use screws, and cost about
> > > the same as an MB.  does a wood comb cost more, so
> > > that cost is offset by using
> > > cheaper fasteners?  is it a marketing thing, to
> > > appeal to traditionalists?  or maybe
> > > it has to do with keeping clear differences between
> > > the MB and the MB deluxe.
> > >
> > > ----
> > > Garry Hodgson, Senior Software Geek, AT&T CSO
> > >
> > > do for others with no desire of return.
> > > we should all plant some trees
> > > we will never sit under.
> > >
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