Why do you need customization?
Harmonicas out of the box does not have a proper quality settings for the use of progressive techniques, such as overblow and overdraw. These techniques greatly enhance the instrument capabilities, transforming it from diatonic to chromatic instrument. Use three full octaves allows you to play any world music. To play overblow and overdraw notes reeds should be given the desired shape, and greatly enhance the instrument tightness.
That's what I do for this:
- Double-sided embossing - reducing the gap between the reeds and reedplates. Embossing is done on all sides of the reed. Near the rivets work is done with a scalpel.
- Arcing - giving the optimal shape of reed along the slot.
- Gapping - adjusting the gap at the tip of the reed to reduce the air loss and give better response to bends.
- Grinding comb to impart maximum plane.
- Aligning plates for maximum contact with the comb. Polishing draw plate.
- Waxing to stabilize overbends on 6 - 10 holes.
- On harmonicas with steel reeds these are profiled to impart softness to bending notes. It also prolongs the service life of the reeds. (optional)
- Bend coverplates for improving seal between plates and coverplates.
- For extra playing comfort ground off sharp edges of reedplates. Harmonica sits comfortably in the mouth and does not rub the lips.
- Harmonicas are tuned to compromise tuning suitable for playing chords and solo performance. Also I can accommodate any desired minor or alternative tuning.
- After assembly harmonica is test-driven to fine tune the settings.
- Before shipment all harmonicas are complete disinfected.
- All work is carried out under a microscope for precise quality control.
Famous harmonica players about my Custom Harmonicas:
Will Wilde
"It's brilliant, extremely airtight and responsive and so easy to overblow / overdraw. I can't believe how easy the 7 overdraw is"
Marcin Dyjak
"Combs for Seydel 1847 are super flat/level, one-of-a-kind and look artistic. Love them! Customized Hohner Golden Melody, where bendings play by themselves and overbends (all 10!) are fabulously playable! Chapeau bas!"
Bartosz Leczycki
"Really awesome harmonicas, beautiful combs and perfect setup for overblows/overdraws. I strongly recommand to try this Piece of Art!"
Cristian Inostroza
"I really love Kormin harmonicas, perfect setup for overblows, great volume and very soft to play, defenitely i recomend this amazing work!! thanks a lot Kormin!"
Boris Plotnikov
"Great combs, great custom job and nice guy too! I recommend!"
Alex Paclin
"Tryed some of Alexey's custom Marine Bands and Seydel 1847s and gotta say that these are absolutely stunning harmonicas! Bright and responsive, very easy to play overbend licks on + a fancy design you prefer to add it. Highly recommend."
Peter Modos
"I have two Seydel 1847 harmonicas customized by Kormin Alexey and both of them are of outstanding quality! The playability, responsiveness, and tone are amazing. Top of the line professional instruments! Thank you Alex!"
Harmo Nico
"This is not only another custom harp... these are Custom Art at its best and an absolute sound machine ! they work easily ( overblow /overdraw) and make your sound brillant and deep !!!
Actually, One the best custom harmonicas around the world !!!Try to get some while it's still time...!!!"