common reed replacement
Thu, 04/13/2023 - 22:48
Hi, would you mind telling me which reeds you find require replacement more often and why? And when a reed is on the way out, does it just go flat or break? Many thanks Mac
Mon, 04/17/2023 - 05:54
#3
the second most replaced reed
The second most replaced reed on the HARPSMITH bench is the 4 DRAW, closely followed by the 4 BLOW
The 4 DRAW mixed with the 4 BLOW makes it possible to produce the 1/2 step DRAW bend. For Bluz Harp Players, this will be our FLATTED 5th note (Db). Super important for playing that bone chilling music we luv ;o)
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hey Mac, good to hear from you!
Hands down, the #5 DRAW reed. My theory is that there are no available "bendable" notes available between natural 1/2 steps (Hole #5 = E/F and Hole #7 = B/C), but passionate harmonica players try to conjur up new notes anyways ;o)
This undue stress on the reed causes it to fracture near the base of the reed--then break off. BE CAREFUL NOT TO SWALLOW!
You HARPSMITH, Kinya
p.s. you can produce a quarter tone (passing note) from 5 DRAW