Brendan Power

DIATONIC POWER-COMBS!

Since they were first introduced a couple of years ago, my 3D printed PowerCombs for chromatic harmonicas have received an enthusiastic reception from players (see Feedback). Diatonic harmonica combs are far simpler to design and make, but there were already so many custom 10-hole combs on the market that it seemed pointless putting out yet another copy of the basic sandwich comb design. I never aim to produce something that simply looks nice: it has to offer something new and special compared to what's already out there. After much experimentation, I'm now proud to offer a range of diatonic PowerCombs that fulfil this essential criterion in several ways. They are mostly for 10-hole harps in popular brands, but I also make them for the Hohner 12/14 hole diatonics and my 13-hole Lucky 13. Here's what sets them apart:

3D PRINTED

These are the world's first 3D printed diatonic harmonica combs commercially available for a wide variety of models. Made from the same ABS plastic used in factory injection-moulded harmonica combs, they are food-safe, tough and durable. They're about the same weight as the equivalent Hohner pearwood comb, with a similar compressibility and sound. The rear and sides of the comb retain the 3D printed texture, but the front is finished to a smooth rounded surface for mouth comfort and speed.

THE LOOK-DOT!

All stringed instruments have location markers in the form of white dots that allow players to orient themselves on the instrument with a quick glance. Now my LookDot adds this super-handy feature to diatonic harmonica combs, for the first time. It's amazing how useful you will find this unique feature of my custom PowerCombs once you try it!

PERSONALISED NAME OPTION

For an extra fee, we can add your own name or a word of your choice on the right-hand end of my PowerCombs. There is not much space so the name you choose is restricted to 5 letters in UPPER CASE for legibility (if you're called Terence, choose TERRY instead!).

FIFTEEN COLOURS

One of the great things about 3D printing is the huge range of filament colours available. We offer black and white as standard, but for a small charge per comb you can choose an extra 10 normal colours and 3 fluorescent ones: 15 altogether! This way you can easily colour-code your harps for different keys. It's so practical, and a lot of fun looking down at a colourful box of harps. Life doesn't have to be just shades of brown...

VALVE POCKETS

In 1980 I invented the half-valved harmonica, both diatonic and chromatic. Half-valving allows bluesy interactive reed bending on the high notes in each hole whilst adding soulful valved bending expression on the low notes. On a typical Richter harp, that means you can now add bending and vibrato to the blow notes holes 1-6 and draw notes holes 7-10. Increasing numbers of players are keen to try it, but most existing diatonic combs don't give enough room for adding valves. The integrated Valve Pockets at the rear of all chambers on my new PowerCombs allow you to add valves to your favourite harps with ease, in all 10 holes!

STEALTH-VALVE KITS

Adding valves is perceived as tricky and fiddly - but it doesn't have to be! To allow more players to enjoy the benefits of half-valving, I've developed my own rugged Stealth-Valves, plus an easy way to add them to all popular harps with accuracy and confidence. Please go to the Valving page for more details and video instruction. If you order a Stealth-Valve Kit with your PowerComb, postage costs are reduced - so we can offer a lower price per kit.

SLOTTED SCREW-HOLES

Slotted holes allow the player to assemble my PowerCombs to the front mouth feel they prefer, with the reedplates set either slightly back or forward. This is an innovation I first introduced in 2012 on the BMH30 X-Reed harmonica comb, and I'm happy to now include it on all my custom diatonic combs.

THE TUF-STRUT

Like the traditional pearwood combs they replace, my 3D printed PowerCombs have a grain that runs along the length of the comb. As with a wood comb it is possible to break the tines off if you apply sideways pressure. To counteract the possibility of mishandling and add overall strength I've added a stabilising bar I call the Tuf-Strut, midway through the tines on the longer combs (Lucky 13 plus Hohner 12 & 14 hole models). Less than 1mm thick, it doesn't affect playability at all - but you can cut it out if you wish.

FLAT SANDED

My combs are flat sanded in a 3 stage process on certified-flat granite blocks. 3D printing does impart a small curve to the combs, but they're flexible and will conform to the reedplate surfaces when assembled, for a perfect seal. You won't see any light gaps when you look through the rear of my combs.

P.S. My PowerCombs work great without valves too!