Any Color - So Long Its Black Henry Ford

Monster Harmonica Workbench

Due to persistent prodding from fellow Harmonicat and friend Brad Kava, I buckled under the pressure to build a set of Colorized harmonicas.

Initially, I resisted because I was concerned the finished product would have the look of a toy-somehow diminishing the tone quality. My concerns were put to rest after playing the first completed harmonica. Not only did the harmonica look good, it sounded terrific.

More than a novelty color-coding-your harmonicas can be useful, especially on a dark bandstand!

For this installment of Monster Harmonica Workbench, I'll show you how to build your own set of colorized harmonicas.

Material List
This project is based on retrofitting the Hohner Special 20 (Model #560) Harmonica. Decide on how many harmonicas you wish to build, then purchase that amount of Hohner "Translucent Harmonicas." Found at most local music stores and har-monica internet sites, these harmonicas are available in four colors: Blue, Green, Yellow and Red (suggested Retail $2.49 each).

Readers will probably recall from past issues of "Tales From a Train Hoppin' Accordion Player" that Rick Epping (formerly with Hohner USA) was instrumental in perfecting the Special 20 type harmonicas manufactured at Hohner's China factory, including the Translucent Harmonica.

Decide on a color-coding strategy. Assigning the four colors around the Circle of Fifths worked well for my project (listed below). You may choose to colorize only your most popular harmonicas, and leave the less common harmonicas with the original black combs. Let your imagination run free!

C            Blue            F Green Bb Yellow Eb Red Ab Blue Db/C# Green Gb/F# Yellow B Red E Blue A Green D Yellow G Red

Tool List
Refer to February and April 2006 issue "Tools, Tools, Tools" for sources.

• Wiha #262/PZ1x60 (or small Phillips screwdriver)
• Small straight blade screwdriver
• Drill Press (or equivalent)
• Tap holder (or equivalent)
• 1/16" drill bit
• #50 drill bit
• #0-80 tap
• Two #0-80 x 3/8" round head brass screws

Procedure Disassemble the Trans-lucent Harmonica and set aside the comb. Repeat this procedure with the Hohner Special 20 Harmonica. Notice that I removed the sprues from holes 1 through 6 for increased air flow. Use the Sprue Cutting Pliers shown in the April 2006 issue: Tools! Tools! Tools! for razor like cuts.

Apply Blue Painters Tape to clamp the Hohner Special 20 (SP20) draw reed plate onto the bottom side of the Translucent Comb (indexing holes on both the comb as well as the reed plate will ensure proper alignment). With the draw reed plate facing down onto a scrap piece of lumber, precisely line up the first of two holes (mouthpiece side) underneath the #54 Drill Bit. Carefully drill a #54 hole through the reed plate. Repeat this procedure for the second hole.

Tip: watch for a little bit of wood shavings mixed in with the brass. This will let you know that you had successfully penetrated through the reed plate.

Remove the tape and the draw reed plate, then flip the comb over and tape the SP20 blow reed plate onto to the top of the Translucent Comb (indexing holes on both the comb as well as the reed plate will ensure proper alignment). With the blow reed plate facing down onto a scrap piece of lumber, precisely line up the first of two holes (mouthpiece side) underneath the 5/64" Drill Bit. Carefully drill a 5/64" hole through the reed plate. Repeat this procedure for the second hole.

Using the 0-80 Tap, thread the two #54 holes on the draw reed plate. Now would be a terrific time to calibrate the offsets and tune all twenty reeds. Refer to past issues of Monster Harmonica Workbench (April 2004 "The Tao of Harmonica Custom-izing" December 2003 and February 2004 "Stop Those Dogs from Barking" parts one and two).

On both the blow and draw reed plates, the front middle holes (nearest the mouthpiece) will not be utilized. To prevent air leakage, cover these holes with a small piece of 3M Micropore Tape (or equivalent).

Assembly is straightforward. Insert (do not tighten) five of the original six brass screws. Use 0-80 Screws for the two new holes. Once you are satisfied that all screws line up properly, apply even torque to secure all seven screws.

Attach the cover plates. Refer to past issues of Monster Harmonica Workbench January 2005 "Cover Up Revisited" for cover plate options.

WARNING: Prepare yourself for the onslaught of Colorized Harmonica orders from family, friends and fans!

Till the next issue of Monster Harmonica Workbench, don't forget to...