Harmonica Maintenance: Screw Sizes For Beginners

The screws used in harmonicas vary in size and length. The most common screw sizes for harmonicas are M2 and M1.6. The M2 10 mm screw is used in the Hohner Special 20 harmonica, Suzuki harmonicas, and Marine Band converted to screws. The M1.6 10 mm screw is used in the Hohner Crossover, Golden Melody, MS series, and Seydel harmonicas. The M2 12 mm screw is used for cover plates on harmonicas with thicker combs, such as the Hohner Special 20 and Marine Band 364/365. Some harmonicas, like the Marine Band, use nails instead of screws, but these can be replaced with screws.

M2 10mm screws for Hohner, Suzuki, Lee Oskar and custom harmonicas

M2 10mm screws are compatible with a variety of harmonicas, including Hohner, Suzuki, Lee Oskar and custom harmonicas. These high-quality screws are made from A2 Stainless Steel (304) and feature a Phillips head, making them easy to use with commonly available screwdrivers.

When it comes to repairing or customising your harmonica, having the right screws on hand is essential. M2 10mm screws are a standard size for many popular harmonica models. They can be used to secure reed plates or cover plates, ensuring your harmonica remains in optimal playing condition.

For Hohner harmonicas, the M2 10mm screw is compatible with the Classic Special 20 model, as well as the older version of the Special 20. This screw size is also suitable for the Hohner Marine Band if you choose to convert it to screws. Additionally, the M2 10mm screw can be used with the Hohner Crossover, Golden Melody, MS series and the new line of Rocket harmonicas, but only with the M1.6 10mm specification.

For Suzuki harmonicas, the M2 10mm screw is a standard fit. Similarly, Lee Oskar harps, including the Classic model, are compatible with this screw size. If you own a custom harmonica, the M2 10mm screw is also a suitable option, providing a secure fit and easy assembly or disassembly.

It's important to note that while the head type of a screw is important for convenience, it doesn't affect compatibility. Whether you prefer Pozidriv, Slotted, Phillips, or any other type of head, they will all work as long as the size and length of the screw match your harmonica's requirements.

M2 12mm screws for Hohner, Marine Band and harps with thicker combs

M2 12mm screws are perfect for Hohner, Marine Band, and other harps with thicker combs. These high-quality screws are made from A2 Stainless Steel (304) and feature a Phillips head, which makes them easy to use with commonly available screwdrivers.

When it comes to harmonica screws, it's important to match the size and length of the screw to your harmonica. While the type of head is not as crucial, with Slotted, Phillips, and Pozidriv heads all being compatible, the size and length of the screw are what ensure a secure fit.

For Hohner harmonicas, the screw you need depends on the model. The M2 12mm screw is ideal for the cover plates of the Hohner Special 20 harmonica, as well as the Marine Band 364/365. If you have an older Hohner Special 20 harmonica, you would need the M2 10mm screw instead.

The M2 12mm screw is also suitable for other harps with thicker combs, ensuring a secure fit and easy assembly or disassembly for maintenance or customization. These screws can be purchased individually or in packs, with some retailers offering custom combinations of screws and nuts to meet your specific needs.

M1.6 10mm screws for Hohner, Seydel and Suzuki harmonicas

M1.6 10mm screws are used in a variety of harmonicas from Hohner, Seydel, and Suzuki. These screws are made from high-quality A2 Stainless Steel (304) and can be used to self-tap factory-new reed plates.

For Hohner harmonicas, the M1.6 10mm screw is compatible with the Crossover, Golden Melody, MS series, new Progressive Special 20, and Rocket models. Additionally, the M1.6 screw can be used with the 1896 Marine Band model if it has been converted to screw construction.

Moving on to Seydel harmonicas, the M1.6 10mm screw is compatible with their Chromatic and Diatonic models.

Regarding Suzuki harmonicas, the M2 10 mm screw is the recommended size for their harmonicas, according to some sources. However, other sources suggest that the M1.6 10mm screw can be used with Suzuki harmonicas as well, especially if the M2 size is too large.

It is important to note that while the screw size and length are crucial for compatibility, the type of head used (Slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, etc.) is less important. The Phillips head is a popular choice due to its ease of use with commonly available screwdrivers.

M2 nuts for holding cover plates and reed plates

M2 nuts are used to hold the cover plates and reed plates of a harmonica together. They are used in conjunction with bolts or screws to secure the plates in place. M2 nuts are compatible with various harmonica brands, including Hohner, Suzuki, and Lee Oskar.

When assembling a harmonica, it is important to ensure that the screws are tightened evenly. Starting from the middle and working outwards, tighten each screw by a quarter or half turn at a time. This helps to avoid putting too much pressure on one area, which can cause the reed plate to bend or bow.

M2 nuts are available in different lengths, such as 10mm and 12mm, to accommodate different harmonica models and comb thicknesses. For example, the Hohner Special 20 harmonica typically uses M2 10mm screws and nuts for its reed plates, while the Hohner Special 20, Marine Band 364/365, and other harps with thicker combs use M2 12mm screws and nuts for their cover plates.

In addition to M2 nuts, M1.6 nuts are also commonly used in harmonicas. M1.6 nuts fit Hohner Crossover, Golden Melody, MS series, and Seydel harmonicas, as well as newer models of the Hohner Special 20 and Rocket harmonica. These nuts serve the same purpose as M2 nuts, providing an alternative size option to accommodate different harmonica models.

M1.6 nuts for Hohner, Seydel and Suzuki harmonicas

M1.6 nuts are a crucial component for players of Hohner, Seydel, and Suzuki harmonicas, as they can be used to secure the instrument's cover plates and reed plates. These small but mighty fasteners provide a secure hold, ensuring that your harmonica stays intact and performs optimally.

When it comes to Hohner harmonicas, M1.6 nuts are specifically designed for models such as the Crossover, Golden Melody, MS series, and the newer versions of the Special 20 and Rocket harmonicas. For Seydel harmonica players, M1.6 nuts are equally essential, as they are compatible with Seydel's range of harmonicas. Additionally, Suzuki harmonica enthusiasts can benefit from using M1.6 nuts with their instruments, although the specific models compatible with this size of nut are not explicitly mentioned.

The versatility of M1.6 nuts is a notable advantage for harmonica players. Not only can they be used to secure cover plates, but they also offer an alternative method for attaching reed plates to the comb. This is particularly useful if you've accidentally stripped the reed plate thread, as you can simply use a nut and bolt instead of tapping a new thread. This simple solution can save you time and hassle, ensuring that you can get back to playing your harmonica quickly.

When purchasing M1.6 nuts for your harmonica, it's important to consider the quantity you'll need. They are typically sold in packs of 12 or 100, providing enough nuts to secure your harmonica's cover plates and reed plates. By choosing high-quality M1.6 nuts made from A2 stainless steel, you can ensure that your harmonica stays in good condition and delivers the best possible sound.

Frequently asked questions