Gapping
Hello Kenya, Happy New Year. 2021 has to be better than 2020! I am working on my third harp. Used the parallel pliers tech for the zero set. The free end of the reed still did not go into the slot except for one reed. I used the half toothpick teck and all the reeds (1-5) definetly reduced the space at the rivet end and is level with the plate. However, my problem now is the 3 reed 1/2 step bend. Before I gapped and tuned the reeds I could quickly go from a 1/2 step to a full step 3 draw (Shakey's Shuffle, Artist Study). now , sometimes I can tickle the reed and other times it sounds like air only. The gap is 0.004 (blow) and 0.003 (Draw). My Special 20 and two other Crossover Key of A work fine. I also lightly embossed the reed plates and all the reeds plinked appropriately. Any suggestions? I have no hair to pull out because I am bald but if I did have hair I would start pulling. Thanks. Mic
Success! The zero pt was really tight and I increased the gap a few 1000's. It was the only harp that had this problem after tunning. Plays really well. My wife wants to thank you. See, you saved me a bunch of money. First, I don't have to get a hair transplant so I would be able to pull out hair and second, you saved my marriage of 44 years. My wife said something about me being OC and mumbling in my sleep about 1/2 step 3 draw. So, no marriage counselor and no psychiatrist for OC. I reeady to work on another harmonica! Wih me luck. Thanks Kinya. Mic
Ha! Mrs. Harpsmith and I have been together for 44 years as well--so I GET IT.
I was on the bench today to recreate your event. Raising the zero point was the solution.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
You are truly dedicated. Thank you for empowering me to take on these repair and tuning techniques. We are the luckiest guys in the world....same women for 44 years. I wouldn't change a thing. Mic
So the running joke with serious harmonica players, "if your house was burning and you only had a few moments to grab and run, what would you choose--your spouse or beloved set of harmonicas"?
I detected a pregnant pause from you Jim... oh oh, you are in BIG trouble now ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
I would stuff all the harps in Connie's pockets and carry her out. Did that get me out of trouble?
HA! Good one Brother
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hello Harp Techs, check out this often utilized technique with my .002" modified feeler guage; (ref to second to the last photo)
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/reed_gapping_establishing_zero_point_ques...
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Don’t despair James, the trick here will be to raise the zero point gap a tad. To accomplish this, carefully slide your .002” shim under the reed and push it all the way back to the rivet end of the reed plate slot. Do this a few times, until the shim feels that it slides easily. Assemble and test...
If this does not change the playability to your satisfaction, raise the free end of the reeds.
Just for clarification, does this issue occur with all three of your harmonicas?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya