7 limit tuning
Hi Kinya
i have a question about the 7 limit tuning and that "pre-war sound". I am interested in changing the temperament of a harp that is a modern compromise tuning to a 7 limit / pre-war type tuning
I really love the sound and I'd like to try it out. I undstand tunings have changed a lot over the years and I am not up on all the details. But it seems 19 limit, compromised and Equal temperament covers a lot of the territory In the current landscape.
You do talk about this in your videos but my question is really about taking a modern harp that is in say a compromised tuning (I mostly play Seydel 1847's) to 7 limit tuning which is what I think was common in those pre-war days. The goal is to get that nice chordal sound you hear. I understand there are limitations (pun intended) but wanted to hear you thought on this approach. And if it is a major thing or something that would be a walk in the park for a harpsmith!
Best,
Andrew
Hi Kinya
i have not gotten into tuning yet. But I did watch your video in Harp Tech Lesson 1 on Tempermant and I think it answered most of my questions.
It sounds like that Tempermant is a matter of taste and would be a good fit for chordal accompaniment. And it seems to really be flatting two holes on the 5 and the 9. Although I am not ready to give that a go on my good harps I will add that to my list of to dos on my harp experiments. Also - it sounds like it's an easy change for a "qualified" Harp Tech.
Best,
Andrew
Hi Andrew
Yes. That is sage advise. ALWAYS PRACTICE ON A THROW AWAY HARMONICA.
This is especially true when learning to tune "down" (flatten) the pitch of a reed. The reason being, tuning down requires removal of metal from the rivet side of the reed--to slow it down. This "back end" of the reed is where the flexion occurs. If too thin, the reed will fracture prematurely (probably during a gig ;o(
In addition to flattening the 5 and 9 draw reeds, you will also need to flatten the 2+blow, 3draw, 5+blow and 7draw.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
I tune lots-0-reeds down a lot further, with no problems. When done properly it can extend reed life rather than shorten it. If you dig it out in one spot it can lead to a stress point.
Thank you Joe
For first "timers", can you elaborate on the best techniques for them to learn.
Much appreciated, Kinya
For stainless steel reeds I use Shofu Brownies chucked in a varible speed cordless micro motor that's used in the nail salons. It takes metal off by polishing. It goes fairly fast. You can also use them on brass reeds. I've found a sanding wand works well too. Both tools don't gouge the reeds.
I use the Sleigh scraper, 220# sandpaper folded up works fine too.
The Sleigh scraper is a fantatic tool for brass reeds. Do not use it on stainless steel reeds.
Sorry I overlooked that the OP was about stainless. I break out the power tool for those:)
Thank you Sensei Jon and Sensei Joe!
Kinya
thank you everyone for your suggestions. It's really great getting info from such experts.
its especially interesting to me to hear Jon's suggestion on steel reeds as I am in love with the 1847.
i think it would be very interesting to get a rundown on tool selection differences or approaches when dealing with steel reeds.
Andrew
Hi Jon
Which Shofu Brownie tip do you use? I see there are about 5. i am guessing it is either the mini-pt or PC2.
Andrew
Andrew,
I'm not familiar with the numbers. I use the bullet shaped brownie. As I tune the reed the brownie will clog so I keep a piece of 220 grit sandpaper to quickly dress it. I buy my brownies either on eBay or at Otto Frei, a jewelry tool dealer in Oakland, CA. They have a website. I buy them by the dozen.
For the micro motor I use the WeCheer WE 243. You can buy them on Amazon but I've been able to find them online for less at stores that supply the nail salons. Sorry, but I can't remember the name of the company ( the site had a lot of pink and lavender colors ).
Hi Jon
thanks very much. I will definitely give the brownies a go.
I am just pulling together my first toolset. I am new at this but I do want to focus on the 1847's.
I was about to get Richard's kit and I see he has pulled from the market it with a note on his site saying he was developing some new tools.
Are there any other specific variations to the tools that you would recommend for steel reeds or NOT using?
Andrew
I would email Richard and look on Rockin' Ron's if he has any Sleigh tools.
thanks Jon - I will get in touch with Richard.
You mentioned using sanding wands. Is there a particular brand or grit that works best on the steel reeds?
Andrew
I haven't used sanding wands in quite some time. They work. I got mine from Micro Mark online. They have a pack os 4 with different grits. I'd start there.
Thank you Jon!
Here is the link for the MicroMark sanding wands:
http://www.micromark.com/micro-sanding-wand-set,7760.html
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi. is there a table with how much cents up or down must be in wich hola up and down to get that kind of tuning? For example hole 1 blow 0+3 cents, 1 draw 0-2 cents. Etc. or something like that. Thanks alot :)
I sent you the recipe in another post for "Compromised Tuning"
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thank you, good day
Hi Andrew. It's good to hear from you.
This "just intonation" project will be fun for you---if you have prior tuning experience.
So, before I lay out the process, are you comfortable with tuning harmonicas (Seydel)?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya