[Harp-L] 12 hole marineband 364 hacked (literally) to fit into a turbolid (and wood sealant question)

[Avery Man <elfrex@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I wanted something like the Seydel Solist Pro 12 low octave but the size of a 10 hole. So I found an old Hohner MB 364 and after replacing the nails with screws (my first try at this), I took a hacksaw and filed and sanded the ends until it fit into a turbolid (had done something similar to a golden melody a few months back). A more airtight and easier to make instrument is possible if you don't file off the fasteners holding the reedplate on the low end and cut off the last hole to create essentially an 11 hole Low C harp but you can fit the whole 12 into a turbolid with about 1mm tines (careful not to break them) at the ends and the turbolid hardware providing pressure to hold the plate onto the comb in the middle and the ends as well as notches cut into the comb to engage the turbolid hardware and prevent the harp from sliding into the lid. I also filed the inside of the turbolids to create more space so I wouldn't have to sand the MB 364 comb as much as the tines thinned. 

So the first 10 holes are standard richter but an octave lower and there is an extra E blow B draw in 11 and G blow D draw in 12 for 3 1/2 octaves in the space of a tenhole. I really like the low octave chugging and the bulge in the turbolids prevents reed rattle against the covers. It's a keeper. It's a pretty tight fit tho because when I first thought of this idea last week, I assumed the hole spacing would be standard as opposed to wider. With standard Hohner and Hering spacing, you could easily fit 12 and maybe even 13 holes in the comb space of a 10 hole. any manufacturer's gonna make this?

other ideas include making a Steve Baker Special tuned turbolidded 12 hole minus the two high holes. 

now to finish up setting up the harp for overblow/overdraw and figure out how to seal the comb cuz this wood tastes horrible and swells. Walnut oil takes too long. What non-toxic urethane finish do y'all recommend? -E




_________________________________________________________________
With Windows Live, you can organize, edit, and share your photos.
http://www.windowslive.com/Desktop/PhotoGallery