bending holes 2 and 3
Hi Kinya
My name is Phil Anderson I just had my fith year as a student of David. He has told me to look into someon else and he suggested you. I am having trouble with the bends on holes 2&3 F and Ab. If you can help meI would greatly appreciate it. I,m not sure how this works with out Zoom. If there is anything you can do let me know.
Enjoy Thanks Phil
Hello,
my name is Els. I have been playing for one year and am on level 4. Recently I bought a new Hohner Blues harp D- harmonica ( for studysong the Strut). I can bend the third hole on all my six other harmonica's but except for a dip (ku) it stalls completely on this one if I try to bend it to 3' , 3'' or 3'''. I opened it up and saw a red dot placed on the 3rd reedplate. (?)
What can I do to make it move better?
thanks in advance for every suggestion!
Hello Els, bummer about the #3 DRAW Bend! This is a "relatively" easy fix.
Have you ever tinkered around with harmonica reeds and reed plates before? If yes, please watch my YouTube HARPSMITH Benchcraft video:
"How to Gap Your Harmonica Reeds for Optimum Bending"
If no, let's arrange a telephone appointment by emailing me at: kinya@harpsmith.com
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hello Again Els, the red dot you found on the reed was actually an identification that the HOHNER Machinist made during the milling process.
When the reeds are stamped out of the strip of machined Bronze material, the Technician will randomonly select a few to "listen" to. If the tuner displays a reed that is "out of tune", he would instruct the Machinist to change the angle of the cut.
Marking the begining, middle and end of the machining process, makes it easier to select the perfect cut.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thank you Kinya, for the detailed video instructions.
I examined the reeds and will carefully try to gap them the way you showed. although the harmonica is new, I see scratches on the zero point at several reeds And proof of filing at the free points.(tuning?) Could that have been done in the factory? The scratching on the zeropoint has left a burr on one side with smal metal particles inside the gap. I tried to remove them gently.
Yours sincerely,
Els
You are correct Els. The markings were caused by Tuning Tools, either; (A) Reed Stratching Tool, and/or (B) Gorbet File.
To Flatten (b Lower) the Pitch:
- Removing metal from the rivet end of the reed will soften the material and SLOW down the vibration (in/out slot).
To Sharpen (# Raise) the Pitch:
- Removing metal from the free end of the reed will reduce the weight and cause the reed to vibrate at a faster rate
Sometimes, the Technician gets a tad sloppy and will leave burrs on the sides of the reed and/or reed plate slots. In this situation the reed will have an anoying buzz, or even "click-clack" when played. UGH!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thank you, Kinya,
i have one other question considering my D-harp: the wood is different from my other harps ans sticks to the skin of my lips. Is there normally a finish on the wood ( wax, oil) to make it smooth? Can I put something on the outside of the wood comb for this purpose. Bees wax maybe?Love to hear from you,
Els
Hi Els, as a matter of course, I apply onto the mouthpiece of my custom DymaLux Combs (looks and feels like wood, but impervious to moisture), six layers of brush-on Varathane Satin (or gloss) Finish Polyurethane. This is what they use to seal furniture and wood floors, so it will definitely work on your combs.
In the past I used Shellac, but the finish would wear down quickly--especially after the harmonica touched my lips and I would spray a light mist of Roche'-Thomas Mi-T-Mist Mouthpiece Cleanser (70% Proponal Alchohol w/mint flavoring).
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thank you again, Kynia
Thank you again, Kynia
Hello Els, send us photos!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hello Phil, it's a pleasure to meet you.
The first step is to watch my video on "How to Gap Your Harmonica Reeds for Optimum Bending"
https://youtu.be/eI3aS_5HD34?si=jOJGLtG2CGVVoH0S
The next step is to contact me at kinya@harpsmith.com and I will dig deeper into your issue.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya