Anything apart from the two mainstream default harmonicas (Solo-tuned fully-valved chromatic, and un-valved Richter 10-hole diatonic). Alternate tunings, different construction, new functionality, interesting old designs, wishful-thinking... whatever!
I've been experimenting with building some 11 hole stretch harps. I like this alternative size; still small enough to comfatably hold and you can use the stock cover plates which are just long enough to cover the extra hole. The tuning is essentially an extension of PowerBender into the top octave and I've made them in two variants:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
C E G C E F A C D F A
D G B D F G B D E G B
The great surprise was the relative comfort of the seam where the chopped reed plates meet. I had been prepared for a lip shredder that would make the whole exercise pointless. However, if you have reasonably straight cuts and gently sand it isn't really a problem. Having said that, I would love to be able to make these with SP20's but I find it quite difficult to get a true 90 degrees with the ABS, recessed combs. They warp and melt when trying to sand them down to the correct length and they have less mating surface between the chopped pieces. I've tried about five times to make a Stetch SP20 and only succeeded twice. Too expensive to keep doing that so I switched to MB plates and combs.
Of course, our host has that covered too and has in the past made Stretch SP20 that look great. How do you do it Sir Brendan?
Contact me about making a comb for your model harmonica. No extra fee applied - combs for most "sandwich-style" harmonicas offered at regular prices.
I have a couple of his combs and some experiments he built for me.
Excellent work and prices.
The combs are beautiful, bulletproof and can be cut and shaped further after you get them.
Yes, I like Andrew's stuff but they are all still sandwich style combs. I'm having success with the stock combs and when cut in the channel there is no seam at the front to come in contact with your mouth.
I just would prefer a recessed comb as I find then more comfortable and I play a little faster and more precise on a SP20 than on a MB. Plus, it would hide the reed plates seam. Blue Moon has nice custom recessed combs for the SP20 but I don't think they would invest in an eleven hole version for the one or two crazies out there chopping up perfectly fine harps.
I find an eleven hole harp ideal, having the 1st hole be (in the case of a C harp) GBlow, BDraw. With all the notes that can be played there, (2nd position Blues in G), for me, it's perfect. I usually half valve the harp too.
Nice work Roverharp. Yes, hiding that reedplate join was the main reason I used lipped combs.
The key to sanding ABS is to keep the speed way down to avoid the melting you mention. Just do the sanding by hand, that will ensure it won't overheat. You can still use guides to make the cut at 90 degrees, then just clean up with a little hand sanding and you're ready to glue.
The nice thing about ABS is that it will weld together with suitable glue, like model aircraft cement.
I agree the 11-hole size is pretty handy, for retaining the original covers. But once you get the Stretch Harp bug you're bound to try some bigger ones, just for fun. The longest I made was a 16-hole
Sure, the Seydel is a very useful 12-hole harp option, but I'd argue not as much fun and satisfying as making your own Stretch Harp by hacking two together, and you can make any length you want
