MEMBI WOODEN COMB REPLACEMENT

[ROBERT TEMPLE]

I am looking for a wooden replacement comb for this model of harp. This was the absolute loudest chromatic i ever played.  It is key of B. I have a newer [2002ish] Hering, key of B, it has different material and is nowhere near as loud as the original.  I am wondering if the wood had something to do with the volume, maybe it is the reedplates.  I tried to fix the cracked/broken comb but it is not so good so I would like to see if I could find a suitable replacement.  I am okay with mounting the reedplates on any comb, just not experienced enough at fixing them, yet.  I bought the original from F & R Farrell around early 1990s.  Years later, I called to inquire about an identical replacement and I remember Mr. Farrell sort of chuckling about how the Membi was no more.

Do others of you use these harps?  I have them in many keys, all except the Membi in question here are later 12-hole models, not sure if they say Membi on them somewhere or not.  At any rate, any suggestions for a suitable replacement are greatly appreciated.

Cheers !!!

[John Broecker]

Hello, Robert Temple.

It's only an opinion, that all of my harmonicas
that are louder than their competitors, have one thing
in common:

special, "~" - curved covers. Not all ~ covers
seem to have the loudness factor.

On the  ~ covers: view from left to right, with the
mouth placed on the left side of the  ~ : this is
a side view of the harmonica covers.

The Hohner CX-12 gold cover; and the #1896 Hohner
Marine Band are louder than their competitors (to my
hearing-impaired ears).
 
Here are more opinions, not based on scientific tests,
but on personal experience:

If all other harmonica parts are of equal quality:

Thicker reed plates have a more air-tight chamber seal,
but don't seem to have any influence on the loudness.

Wood combs don't seem to have any influence on loudness
(compared to metal or plastic combs), but they do seem to
support a more smooth, mellow sound. Or, is that effect due
to different reed materials (alloys)?

Best Regards

John "Shake & Bake" Broecker
Sheik of Sussex, Earl of Cloves

[mmarino]

Here are some questions for you,

1) Is it bolted or nailed?

2) Is the comb being wood important to you?

3) Do all the reeds run in the same direction?

depending on those answers I might have a custom comb that will do the job for you.

Michael