How to Convert Marine Bands to Screws

Marine Band harmonicas have been an institution for decades.

When they are manufactured, Marine Band harmonicas feature nails connecting the coverplates and reedplates to the comb. Screws can provide a more durable fastener, but they require a conversion process that requires some skill with a Dremel and is time-consuming. However, after the conversion process, your harmonica should last for decades.

Things You'll Need

• Drill with 1/16-inch bit
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hammer
• Ratchet set
• Dremel tool
• File

Instructions

1. Put the 1/16-inch drill bit into your drill and put it through the caps, coverplates and comb, right in the middle of the flanges. Use your screwdriver to gently pull the caps off the comb and coverplates.

2. Use the back side of your hammer to pull the nails out, and then put the cpas back in place. Put 1/2-inch long fine pitch machine screws in the holes you drilled, and use the ratchet to make the nuts tight.

3. Put a line on the screws right above the nuts, and then pull the screws out. Trim them to the lines with a Dremel, deburring where necessary. Put the nuts back onto the screws.

4. Put the screws back into the harmonica and tighten them to their maximum tolerance.

References

• Builder of Stuff: Customizing my 1896 Marine Band Harmonica
• Pat Missin: How has the Hohner Marine Band Changed over the Years?
• YouTube: Processing Classic Marine Band Harmonica, from Nails to Screws