Curved reed ends
Hi Kinya,
In your video and also in Richards Sleigh's video you talk about reed shaping. I was under the impression that you want the reeds straight. However, I ordered the Sydel tool that you used in your videos and it comes with a USB with videos and a pdf. It states in their material that you want the curve the last 3rd of the reed upward. Is this true?
-Taylor
Hi Taylor
Reed "curling" is a misleading word as it relates to harmonica reeds.
"PROFILING" better describes the process of shaping the reed.
The goal is to reproduce the mechanical properties of a door (laying on it's side ;o) If installed properly, the door should touch the door frame at the same time--evenly.
TIP:
- With your exposed reed (free reeds facing away from you) plate sitting--on it's lengthwise edge--and your light source shining through the reed slot; you'll notice a triangle shaped sliver of light peering through
- Reach around and gently press (use plinking tool) the middle of the reed into the reed slot, then pay attention to the entire length of the reed as it swings in/out of the slot
- If the free end of the reed (tip) dives into the slot before the rest of the reed, then use your thumbnail as a "breaking" tool--positioned at the beginning of the curl ... with your other hand holding the reed plinking tool, carefully lift the tip of the reed upward ... test ... repeat if necessary
- If the middle of the reed dips into the reed slot too early, lock the free end (with your index finger and thumb) of the reed onto the reed plate, then gently stroke the reed "hump" with a wooden cuticle stick (available at most drug stores). Sort of like the Head Mistress on Mr.Han's Island (Enter the Dragon with Mr.Bruce Lee), messaging the back of actor John Saxon with her toes (you lucky dog John ;o) ... test ... repeat as necessary.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Haha. Great metaphors. And thank you for the advice!
-Taylor
Yes it is true, optimally you want the reed to enter the slot along its length all at
the same time. If the tip enters first the reed will not sound to its best. Hohner
has some basic reed profiling/shaping info at the Hohner Shop, checkout Hohner
Reedology http://reedology.com/ to get a good basic idea.
Peter