Harmonica repair

Subject: Harmonica repair
From: Vixen
Date: 07 May 99 - 09:03 AM

D'Cats,

I know I ask an awful lot of questions here, and you folks are always coming through for me. Believe me, I am grateful!!!

BUT--

Here's another request!!!

My dad's Harpo Club met for the first time this year last night, and one of the members (not my dad) wanted to know if he could get his harmonica rechromed, or polished, or something that would make it look "good" again. I kind of like it the way it looks now--the chrome is worn off from decades of playing, and the red paint/stain on the wooden sides is worn away too--but he wants it to look new again. It's an old Hohner. The member's name is Arkie, and he plays the most beautiful old Finnish love songs on this thing--it brings tears to my eyes and raises the hair on my arms (6th sense stuff, I know!)

Any advice, suggestions, web sites, etc.???

I told Arkie I'd call him on Monday with any info I could find.

Thanks So Much!!!!

V

Subject: RE: Harmonica repair
From: Mike Billo
Date: 07 May 99 - 10:25 AM

Well, theoretically, any metal polish should make the plating look better, but remember, this is something someone is going to be putting on their mouth, so you might want to think twice about any toxic cleaning agents. Same with the red paint on the sides. Tell Arkie that I envy him for having an old harmonica that still plays. The first one I bought (mid-'60's)lasted for years. Today, I'm lucky if I get ten hours playing time out of them. Instruments are a bit like people, it's hard to make the really old ones look young. In my case, it would take a miracle.

Subject: RE: Harmonica repair
From: mountain tyme
Date: 07 May 99 - 05:03 PM

If Arkie feels that strongly about dressin up thet old gal he must really love her an maybe accordian repair persons would have some tricks or at least be the ones to interview. The outside plates are easy to remove and re-chrome can be done easily (wount have the same feel). The risk however is quite large that any of this will alter the sound forever. Not worth the risk to my way o'thinkin. Old and vintage instruments have their own look and sound and don't get that way from settin around unused. Arkie likes the old sound and should also appreciate the look of wear and tear that has brought him and so many others so much pleasure thru the years. Bet he wouldn't trade her in fer a new one. Thets my drift. Cheers to Arkie!