Custom Harmonica

My goal is to provide affordable custom Hohner harmonicas (and maintenance/repair services) to UK residents,

but international customers are more than welcome.

Note to my regular customers: I've just moved house. Please don't send me anything until you get my new address from me.

"Hohner make a great Harmonica, Henry makes them special." - David P, UK

"...It's simply wonderful. I barely have to blow to get a tone, especially the high notes.
You are one helleva customizer. You surely know your stuff. I am so pleased.
This harp is sweet." - Steven B, Chicago USA

Harmonica services from Henry Slim:

individual reed replacement on Hohner marine band 1896/Deluxe/Crossover/Special 20/Golden Melody/Echo Super Vamper
refurbishing of old/used harmonicas, or customisation from new
rounding of all corners/edges/tines
nail => screw conversion (reed plate screws double up as cover plate supports)
combs flat-sanded & soaked in mineral oil to minimise swelling/warping
positioning of reedplates/comb so that they're flush in the front
full-length reedslot embossing, reed gapping/arcing/chamfering & removal of milling marks for maximum responsiveness
fine-tuning of reeds to a tuning scheme of your choice (Just intonation, equal temperament, compromised, etc..)
optional: opening up of the backs of the cover plates for extra projection & a brighter sound

If any of this interests you, send me an email or give me a call on +44 (0)797 5944 995.

Marine Band 1896 with simpler reed set up, no embossed slots & stock comb: £40. custom comb: £55
Marine Band 1896: £60. With custom comb: £75
MB Deluxe: £65. custom comb: £80

MB Crossover: £70. (if custom comb is desired, choose MB Deluxe to save money - aside from their comb, Crossover & MBD are the same harp)

Special 20 / Golden Melody: £55. custom comb: £72
Contact me for rates on customer-provided harps.

UPDATE [22.03.13]: My `custom comb` of choice is now Blue Moon Harmonicas' black c0rian (an extremely durable material more commonly used for kitchen surfaces, etc). These combs are milled extremely flat, making the harmonica more airtight, thus maximising performance.

Different colours, materials, or thicknesses available on special request and, unfortunately, at increased cost.

For more info, please email.

For customer-provided harmonicas:

Fine-tuning fee: £12

Reed work + fine-tuning: £30

£5 extra for each service on MB1896's to cover cost of screws, etc.

Reed replacement: £8/reed

NB: I don't work on chromatics.

Shipping costs
UK domestic: £4 (Royal Mail 1st Class Recorded)
rest of the world: £12 (Royal Mail Airsure/Small packets)

Payment methods
UK residents: direct bank transfer (no extra fee), or Paypal (4.5% surcharge)

everyone else: Paypal (4.5% surcharge)

Photos:

Marine Band 1896 I rebuilt with Hetrick 'Cosmic Corian' comb for Phil Prowse of Harpin' On!

Marine Band 1896 with stunning rosewood dymondwood comb

Special 20 with opened-up cover plates & black acrylic comb

Subpages (1): for sale

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