Andrew Zajac Custom Harmonica Combs FREE USA SHIPPING
Andrew's combs are all about performance. We do our best to stock all six colors. Please email us first if you want large quantity's ( six or more) of any one color. The colors he offers are Dark Shadow, Maple Cream, Deep Black, Brown, Hazel, Bleu Nuit, and Red Wine. There could be a 30 day wait time for large specific color requests. You will be notified the day of your order. ***The Maple Cream comb will look a bit darker than the pic. The Bleu Nuit is a very dark blue.
Please note: Hohner Special 20, Rocket and Lee Oskar harmonicas.
Note: For best overall performance, don't change the comb of a Special 20 or Rocket harmonica. I recommend using the stock ABS comb and work to get better performance by using The Reed Plate Claws™ to straighten reed plates. I only offer Special 20 and Rocket combs because some hobbyists like to experiment with the tonal qualities of switching from an ABS "recessed" comb to a solid surface "sandwich-type" comb.
Special 20 and Rocket harmonica reed plates were designed to be used with a recessed comb. These reed plates do not have a groove into which the coverplate can lock in. Although you can install these reed plates onto a "sandwich-type" comb, you may experience a loss of airtightness if the coverplates become bent. You will find some useful tip on converting these harmonicas.
Note: For best overall performance, don't change the comb of a Lee Oskar harmonica. I recommend using the stock ABS comb and work to get better performance by using The Reed Plate Claws™ to straighten reed plates. I only offer Lee Oskar combs because some hobbyists like to experiment with the tonal qualities of switching from an ABS "recessed" comb to a solid surface "sandwich-type" comb.
Lee Oskar harmonica reed plates were designed to be used with a recessed comb. These reed plates do not have a groove into which the coverplate can lock in. Although you can install these reed plates onto a "sandwich-type" comb, you may experience a loss of airtightness if the coverplates become bent. You will find some useful tip on converting these harmonicas
"Wow! What a difference your comb made on a Big River. ... man this harp really sings now. It has been hard to put it down. ... I would like to order some more. These are really worth every penny, great combs." - L.C. Colorado, USA.
Custom combs for Hohner Marine band, Hohner MS-series, Hohner Golden Melody, Special 20/Rocket, Seydel 1847, Solist Pro, Favorite. Suzuki harmonicas, Lee Oskar, and Delta Frost. For more info on models. see below in bold.
Earth-friendly, high-performance combs made for demanding players. Ideal for all musicians who want great tone and "overblow-level" response from their instrument.
Dark combs made from an earth-friendly composite of 100 per cent recycled paper, resin produced from naturally occurring raw materials and selected natural pigments. This material is strong, dense, waterproof, hypoallergenic, and does not emit any volatile organic compounds. It has been certified food safe, contains no petroleum-based chemicals and doesn't have an odour. You can submerge the whole harp under water to clean it. I do. You can't do that with a wood comb - even if it's sealed. That criteria was on the top of my list when I went looking for a material from which to make combs. The material is made to get wet. I spray coolant on them as they get cut. They are sopping wet when I cut them because the material is so tough, the drill bit heats up. I found out I had to do that after I started a small fire in my shop once... We learn by making mistakes and I "learned" a lot! All info from Andrew Zajac.
I do not know of any material that is better suited for harmonica combs. These combs have all the benefits of a flat, unsealed Pearwood comb with none of the drawbacks. This material allows me to focus on flatness without compromising the look and feel. The affordable price reflects how manageable it is to produce excellent combs out of this material. But don't be fooled - these are my very best combs.
Dark combs have a glossy smooth front for comfortable playing. The sides and back of my Dark combs are lightly polished to a matte finish which has a nice appearance and feels comfortable to hold. Over time and with use, these surfaces will develop their own natural shine as they become worn in.
My Dark combs are superior to combs made out of Corian. They do not shatter when dropped on the floor, and their production has a much lower environmental impact.
I design my combs myself and produce them using my CNC mill. Here's a breakdown of the process.
The combs are cut. Water is sprayed on the surface as the mill works to cool the bit as it cuts. Keeping the temperature down helps keep the bit sharp and prevents the finished comb from giving off a strong smell. Fresh off the mill, the combs look a little rough....
After a quick rinse....
Each comb is held in place with support bridges. Here, I have cut them free.
Then wash away the debris.
The rough combs need to be sanded polished and flattened. I first start working on the outer edges and tips of the tines.
Here the outer edges and tines are smooth.
Next, I flatten the top and bottom sides. I check for flatness using a reference. This comb is not flat and needs to be fixed.
After a little work, it's flat.
At this point, the combs are starting to look nice.
Next, I round off every edge. The front (tines, viewed from the side) is rounded.
...and the corners...
Next, I painstakingly work on the inside of every tine. I make sure each one is shaped for comfort.
These tines are comfortable on your tongue.
I start the process of lacquering the tips of the tines. I apply many thin coats instead of only a few thick coats. I do this to ensure the lacquer doesn't chip or crack. My aim is that they last a lifetime.
This is after one coat.
After several coats...
If it's dry and it looks wet, it's done!
Next, I polish the sides and back of the comb. The last step is to flatten the comb one last time to ensure it's going to deliver peak performance.
Combs get wrapped up immediately and are ready to be shipped.
Andrew
Toll-Free in USA and Canada: Dial 1-877-262-3994
Models: 10 Hole Diatonics
Golden Melody Pre 2023 542 model, does not fit new 544 model: In Stock
Marine Band: In Stock
Fits: 1896 when drilled, Marine Band Deluxe, Marine Band Crossover and Thunderbird.
Convert nailed Marine Band harps to screws; fits Marine Band 1896 (1950s to current). Pre-war Marine Bands, including "mouse ear". Also fits Pre-MS Blues Harps and wooden-combed Old Standy.
Seydel 1847: In Stock
Fits: Seydel 1847 Classic, Silver, Noble, Solist Pro, Favorite and Lightning
Seydel Big Six: In Stock, limited quantity
Easttop T008k and T008s: In stock
MS-System: In Stock
Fits: Big River, Blues Harp, Crossharp, Proharp and MeisterKlasse. Please note Old Blues Harps 1980 or earlier will use a Marine Band Comb.
Suzuki: In Stock
Fits: Suzuki Manji, Promaster, Olive, The Suzuki combs will also fit the Dabell Noble and Contender models.
There will be one less screw hole on the Dabell. Our customers that have put Zajac combs on their Dabells have been pleased. They also fit the Kongsheng Solist, Bluebird and Sunrise models.
Hohner Special 20: Special order
Please note: Hohner Special 20 and Rocket harmonicas.
Note: For best overall performance, don't change the comb of a Special 20 or Rocket harmonica. I recommend using the stock ABS comb and work to get better performance by using The Reed Plate Claws™ to straighten reed plates. I only offer Special 20 and Rocket combs because some hobbyists like to experiment with the tonal qualities of switching from an ABS "recessed" comb to a solid surface "sandwich-type" comb.
Special 20 and Rocket harmonica reed plates were designed to be used with a recessed comb. These reed plates do not have a groove into which the coverplate can lock in. Although you can install these reed plates onto a "sandwich-type" comb, you may experience a loss of airtightness if the coverplates become bent. You will find some useful tip on converting these harmonicas here. (Sandwich-type harmonica tips and tricks)
All combs are 5.9mm +/- 0.3mm thick
Some harmonica reed plates were designed to be used with a recessed comb. These reed plates do not have a groove into which the coverplate can lock in. Although you can install these reed plates onto a "sandwich-type" comb, you may experience a loss of airtightness if the coverplates become bent. You will find some useful tip on converting these harmonicas here. (Sandwich-type harmonica tips and tricks)
*All information taken from Andew Zajac's website
**NOTE: Harmonicas not included
