After I verified that the reed curvatures were minimized and the gaps confirmed, I re-assembled the reed plates onto the Seydel wood comb with the Soloist cover plates. The results were an improvement over my initial work, but still required more effort to play (air) than I was expecting. This is typically an issue with the reed plates not mating perfectly onto the comb. Leakage diverts our precious air from the reed slot channels through the imperceptible gaps. This will require disassembly of the harmonica to investigate the situation.

What I discovered was a slight "pooling up" of saliva on the horizontal surfaces of the wooden comb, confirming uneven mating surfaces. This is easy to remedy with good sanding strategies. I decided; however, to replace the wooden comb with the Seydel Blues Favorite alloy comb.

Retrofitting the Soloist reed plates onto the Blues Favorite with the Blues Favorite (full) cover plates is a "no brainer." It is a simple bolt on affair. If you decide to use the Soloist (flat) cover plates, however, you will have to perform a slight modification. The reason for this is that the flat portion of the cover plate will hit the head of the #1 reed plate screw. Simply eliminate this screw altogether (the cover plate bolts will ensure a good clamp) and, instead, use the holes located between reeds 2/3.

Begin by drilling a 5/64" pilot hole (do not drill through the draw reed plate!) into the comb by lining up the top hole of the blow reed plate located between reeds 2/3.

Next disassemble the reed plates from the comb and drill the 5/64" hole all the way through the comb.

Ah, that seemed to have done the trick. The harmonica now responds more decisively with less effort.

One final test before declaring this session a success, I wanted to satisfy my curiosity regarding "voicing".

In general, non-vented cover plates have muted -tendencies; therefore, I decided to switch the Seydel cover plates with the vented Hohner Big River plates. This strategy resulted in a more "traditional" acoustical voice (i.e. Hohner Marine Band).

Harmonica customizing is about incorporating numerous strategies to satisfy your style of playing. I hope you will have as much fun as I did!