harp harmonica repair service gap gapping customizing reed replacement

Playing loud is the #1 killer of harmonicas.

Each reed is a spring... a spring that travels in and out of the reed slot 880 times per second for a 7+ on your A Harmonica (1,760 for the 10+!). When playing louder, the reed doesn't travel faster (faster vibration equals a different pitch), it travels farther. The louder you play, the farther the reed travels in its arc and places stress on the base of the reed (this is where a reed breaks... right at the hinge... near the rivet). continue reading...

In our sixth study harp tech expert Kinya Pollard (aka The HarpSmith) walks you through how to size a reed slot on the harmonica. This lesson video is for all skill level players.

Videos: Introduction to Reed Slot Sizing; Principals of Reed Slot Sizing; Reed Slot Sizing with UST (Ultimate Sizing Tool); Reed Slot Sizing with UST and Light Box; Fixing the Reed Slot if You Go Too Far; Tip Scooping; Adjusting the Reed’s Profile after Reed Slot Sizing; Reed Slot Sizing Closing Words

Hohner has just released its parts and knowledge base website called the Hohner C Shop. You can learn about maintenance (gapping, reed replacement, etc.) and purchase tools and even individual replacement reeds... exciting stuff. Look at www.hohner-cshop.eu/cms for more details.

In our fifth study harp tech expert Kinya Pollard (aka The HarpSmith) walks you through how to change reeds on the harmonica. This lesson video is for all skill level players. continue reading...