Optimal Sequence for working on harps
I am setting up a harp maintenance corner in my shop to rework the many harps I have set aside over the years looking for the responsiveness I was hoping for. Based on your great instruction and that of Andrew Zajac, I now know most of those harps can be made useable if not great. Now I have mastered enough technique that I can better judge when the fault is with me versus the harp. For things like overblow, I still have miles to travel on technique so will not spend a lot of time optimizing my harps for that!
After spending the day watching all your great videos, I was left with the question of what is the optimal sequence since some steps would undo other steps. While I don't plan to do all the steps, if I were to decide to do so, what would be the sequence you would recommend?
Here is my guess, please correct.
1. Flat Sand the draw plate and comb if needed
2. Embossing
3. Chamfering (probably will not do that)
4. Zero point
5. Reed profile
6. Initial Reed gapping (bound to be way off because of preceeding
7. Tuning
8. Final reed gapping
zero point work, gives me the most concern. What do you think of Brendan Power's video on sealing the rivet end gap with a ridge of fingernail polish? as opposed to pushing the rivent end down to the plate, effectively bringing the plate up to the rivet. https://youtu.be/eQP6tZRXbTU?si=Qp_-ZOyLBwHIJmR8
Hi Keith, I have found the following sequence to produce the best results for custom work on new harmonicas. Your workspace should be properly illuminated (I prefer 200 foot candles) and use magnification (I prefer enlarging my work x6). Keep in mind Harp Techs work with super close tolerances, so enlarging your components to the size of a GM Humvee will make a "huge" difference in your results (eliminates the guess work):
- Disassemble the harmonica and place all the bits & pieces in a organizer drawer or tray
- Using a straight edge, assess the "flatness" of the Reed Plates and Combs (for Marine Band type of harmonicas). Correct issues by sanding, and/or Zadjac Reed Plate Claws. Thoroughly clean shavings and sawdust off Reed Plates and Combs and set aside
- Assess and take note of the Zero Points for all twenty reeds. I like to know earlier on if this is going to be an issue for me to have to tackle. NOTE: the team at HOHNER do a remarkable job of setting the zero points (.001"~002") of their Marine Band and Progressive Series Harmonicas. You may not have to fret over the Zero Point.
- Over a light source, Size (emboss) all the Reed Plate Slots. I found sizing the first 75% (from the rivet pad) the most impactful. The goal is to reduce the sliver of light peaking out between the outer edges of the reeds and the inner edges of the reed plate slots. How much is enough? I have found this to be a matter of taste. Reducing the gaps increase compression and make note bending easier; however, it also makes the harmonica "brighter"--more reedier sounding. If this is not desireable, then I recommend going with a light touch and simply put a slight knife edge on the reed plate slots. Experiment.
- Reed Profiling is also a matter of individual taste. Are you looking to build a kick-butt Bluz Harp or an Overbend Harmonica? The key is to have to reed swing in/out of the reed plate slot as evenly as possible. Imagine a door swinging evenly through the door frame.
- Zero Point is the gap between the bottom of the reed and reed plate surface (approximately 1/8" near the rivet pad of the reed). Set your BLOW reeds Zero Point @ .001" (0,025mm) and your DRAW reeds Zero Point @ .002 (0,05mm)
- Many of my customers prefer the following Gapping strategy for both the free ends of the BLOW and DRAW reeds: Reeds #1,#2 set to .007" (0,18mm) Reeds #3,#4 set to .006" (0,16mm) Reeds #5,#6 .005" (0,13mm) Reeds #7,#8 .004" (0,10mm) Reeds #9,#10 .002" (0,05mm)
- Tune your harmonica to the type of music you enjoy playing. For 30s, 40s, 50s type Blues Chording (vamping, chugging), tune to Just Intonation (Original Marine Band). For single note Melody type of playing, tune to 12 Tone Equal Temperament (Golden Melody, Lee Oskar). For a little bit of both, tune to the most popular--Compromised Just (Crossover, Special 20, Rocket, Amp).
- Attach all fasteners and play the harmonica. Does it sound and play better? Are the octaves pure with no beats? If you are not satisfied, repeat steps 1~9
As for Brendan Power's Nail Art Polish, I found it much harder than using Sizing Tools and Techniques.
One Final Word
Building your skill set to the level of servicing your harmonicas is rewarding--both financially and chicken soup for your soul. Endeavoring to become a Harp Tech and build fine customized harmonicas for others is absolutely thrilling. I can promise you there will be moments of great frustrations along the way ... you may even want to sell everthing on eBay ;o), but don't dispair we'll be here to help you out.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Good to hear from you Keith. That's a lot to unpack ;o) Let me organize my thoughts and I will respond to your questions shortly.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya