Gapping draw notes on Seydel 1847 Classic
Hi there
I didn't want to hijack the thread on the special 20 customization, so started this one instead.
I have had bad luck with two Seydel Classics now - leaky sounding draw notes on holes 3 & 4. The first one I bought with this issue was in A, and after a chat with their (very friendly and service-minded!) customer service, I sent it back for adjustment. It played like a dream when it came back!
While I had it sent away, I purchased another Classic, in C, and it turned out to have the exact same problem. I could send it back, but I could also just TTFU and try to fix the gapping myself. If I knew how to fix & tune the harps, they'd last me longer anyway.
Is there anything I should be aware of/careful with if I venture out into gapping it myself?
What about tuning? - how does one read the pdf tuning charts that are online? I see they say stuff like +14 on hole 3, but 14 what? Hz?
Any special tools needed? Or can it work with just simple household items?Any advice and pointers to reliable info that has worked for the person sending it, is much appreaciated!
Sincerely
Fritjof
Ok, I think will try to contact them again, then. Initially I was actually unsure whether it was the harp or myself that was the problem (even though I've been playing for 15 years and normally can hit all of the bends), but after getting the A-harp back in improved condition, I'm sure the problem is with the harp. To wide gapping for sure.
I thought it might have to do with the capacities of steel reeds versus brass, since my Special 20's never gave me any problems with the bends, and because there was almost two years between my bying the first and the second harp. But getting that adjusted A harp back and playing it showed me that Seydels can play just as easily and with a much fuller tone out of the box.
I just bought a Low C from them and that one doesn't have any problems. Hope my next Seydel harp will be ready to play out of the box too.
Mhm, maybe you´ve just been really unlucky...
Hope customer support will fix it then, I´ll cross my fingers!
Basic gapping is something you can do for yourself, and is worth doing anyway on a new harp.
Disassemble the harp.
To begin, visually inspect the reed gaps. Some may look out of line with their neighbors - suddenly wider or narrower instead of gradually getting narrower as pitch goes up.
To lower the gap, flex the reed through its slot, then give a gentle tug on the tip. Release, plink a few times (raise the tip of the reed and then let it go and vibrate – tis helps it settle), then note the visual effect. (A few gentle tries are better than one that goes too far.)
When the gap looks better, hold the harp together without screws and try playing it to judge the effect, and make further adjustments until you're satisfied, then reassemble.
ALSO - inspect the comb for any disturbances in its surface around the affected area, to make sure airtightness is not being compromised. Rubbing the comb surface hard agains a piece of ordinary paper will shine the high parts of the surface while leaving the low parts unaffacted. Low parts that don't extend to the channels in the comb are harmless, but look for anything that might actually cause leakage – including high spots that might push the reedplate away and create leaks.
Hi Fritjof, David and I created the Harp Tech Series--a comprehensive step by step video program teaching best practices for harmonica maintenance and customizing. Check out Harp Tech Series #4 GAPPING
To find the library of Harp Tech Study videos, go to the top of this web site and select EQUIPMENT, scroll down to HARMONICAS, then select the subject that interests you. Enjoy!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Cheers mate,
after making sure it really is the harps fault, not yours (e.g. your tongue isn´t lowered enough in the back of your mouth so the note kinda wants to bend etc.) I would contact customer support again, the 1847 classics are marketed and priced as top-notch harps, I think you can expect them to work perfectly. That being said, I love mine, great out of the box.
There are far more competent guys here when it comes to gapping and tuning, but generally you want to be very careful with the reeds when gapping them and if I were you I wouldn´t fumble with the tuning on my "good" harps at all.
For some basic gapping adjustments you can probably get away with using a toothpick in a careful, sweeping motion, make sure to watch the lessons on equipment for detailed information.
The "+14" etc refers to a musical "cent" (= 1% of a halfstep), if you want to dig deeper you can also search for information on "equal temperament", "just intonation" and "compromise tuning"
Best,
Kosi