Leaking 2 draw after cleaning a harp
Hi Kinya,
I've cleaned my Hohner Rocket in A a couple of days ago, dissassmbled it, cleaned it and put it togeather again. After that I've notice the 2 draw is not as airtight as it was. Other holes are OK. What could I have done wrong and how could I fix it?
Thank you very much,
Marek
Hi Kinya,
Here you go:
Draw plate: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LfJ9vAGPWsNKBz4V8
Blow plate: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hKfQB4w9Fna5g2nd7
Thank you very much for your help,
Marek
Hi Marek, thank you for the good photos.
The gap on your #2 DRAW reed is a tad too high. The gap on your #2 BLOW reed looks pretty good.
Pick up the DRAW reed plate off the table, and with a reed tool (or wooden toothpick), apply downward pressure on top of the reed, and bounce it in/out of the slot (about 8 times). Next, with your reed plinking tool (or feeler gauge) plink the reed--convincingly--so that it dives in/out of the slot (approximately 8 times). Reassemble the harmonica and see if you like the adjustment. Close, but not perfect, then repeat the steps. This will close the gap a little bit more.
For our readers, the above DRAW reed plate, #2 reed is second from the right
Here is the BLOW reed plate, with the blow reed #2 second from the left.
Keep us posted!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thank you very much Kinya, I'll give it a try and let you know.
Marek
So Marek, we are all dying to learn about your findings!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi Kinya,
I appolgize I didn't get back earlier. Well, I did what you have advised and it definitely helped, but the 2 draw is still less airtight than it was. I guess I have to make the gap even more narow, but I didn't do it yet, because it's better now and I can live with that. I'll update you soon.
Marek
Thanx for the update Marek!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Happy New Year Marek, anything new to report to us?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Have a nice year too Kinya. I made the gap even smaller and everything's already fine. I did the same with my other harmonicas too and they play better now.
Thank you very much,
Marek
Well done Sir!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi Marek, good to hear from you.
If you are certain the reed plates are perfectly nested back onto the comb and attached with a "confident" torque (tight, but not too tight) of the machine screws, then my hunch is either the blow 2, or draw 2 gapping have inadvertently been increased during the cleaning process. Please attach a couple of close up photos of both reeds, so that I may have a look and better assess your situation.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya