Brendan Power & Alternative Harmonicas Forum

I made a version of Brendan's OB Booster Mk1 for tunings where the draw reed is always higher than the blow reed.

Video: https://youtu.be/IkJ8fWsPk2c?si=8qJPk0seSXWYRuxW

I changed the style of the bar since it only ever has to block the blow reeds, which are individually isolated by an insert that goes between the blow reedplate and the coverplate. Since I only have the blow blow reeds it allowed me more freedom with the bar design.

Essentially its a rocker bar in front with a magnetic "spring" that opens it back up when you are not pressing the bar. Video demonstration above.

Interesting approach, especially using a magnetic return instead of a traditional spring. Have you noticed any long term issues with magnet strength or response consistency after extended use?

From what I've read the neodymium magnets only lose a small percentage of strength, slowly, over decades. The oldest project i have where I've used one is less than 2 years old, but still working as expected.

My goal with the magnets was to have them hopefully last as long as a metal spring while taking up less space and being easier to seat into the print.
They definitely last longer than the plastic springs I was printing

Nice one Dom! It's a lot easier moving just one part to close all the holes than trying to select individual apertures with your finger.

Yours is a very elegant approach. For a while I offered a similar concept but with a very different design, a hinged Booster Bar (now discontinued):

https://youtu.be/9Vn9ekt9xVo?si=p1e4kDzdnlwU5uJS

I'd love to hear and see your magnet device in action, if you fancy making a video.