5 Draw More than 1/4 Step Flat
Kinya,
Playing about a one-year old Marine Band Crossover in the key of A last night and the 5 draw was choking on me. I noticed it was flat as well. On the Cleartune app on my Droid, it was reading less than half way between C# and D. I attempted to tune it, based on what I learned from your videos on this site, scratching metal away from the free end of the 5 draw read. It actually seems to be getting flatter though.
Is that far out just too much to tune? Is this reed on its way out?
Joe's right on the money. Your 5 draw has fractured near the rivet end.
See for yourself. Simply remove the cover plates and plink the 5 draw reed until it goes "THUD" and will bend/break at the fracture.
Please refer to past Harp Tech Studies for step-by-step instructions on replacing that reed. Remember to go through your old shoebox for out-of-commissioned Hohner "donor" Harmonicas (hopefully you didn't burn out those 5 draw reeds as well ;o) Don't feel too bad, as far as replacement reeds goes, I replace more 5 draws than all others.
Good candidates for donors: Marine Band, Special 20, Golden Melody, Marine Band Deluxe and of course, Crossover
Let us know how it goes. Will I see you in my class next month?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Yes the reed is toast!