Pinstripe Embossing

Hello Harp Techs,

Reed Slot Sizing (a.k.a. Embossing, Burnishing) has proven to increase the playability of the diatonic harmonica. Originally taught to me by Rick Epping, the technique of pushing inward, the edges of the reed plate slots as close to the reed as possible, without getting in the way of the vibrating reed works remarkably well, however, the learning curve of this skill could be frustrating for many. This situation motivated me to find another way. I decided for this installment to share with you the process and results from my whacky experiment. 

I believe this new technique has the potential to be more compatible with the skills many of you already possess. If you had ever prepared a room for painting, then you know, without masking tape to edge your walls/ceiling, crown molding and floor boards, it would be extremely difficult to complete a professional looking paint job.

10 second theory:

Reed Slot Sizing will reduce unwanted air loss from the player. Decreasing the gaps surrounding the reed will increase the compression and significantly improve the harmonica’s playability by channeling the air more efficiently.

The effect of Reed Slot Sizing is akin to increasing the water flow pressure of a garden hose, by using our thumb as a shutter to reduce the size of the hose opening.

My thinking was it would be possible to achieve the same result using the Pinstripe taping techniques that I had acquired from my earlier days with graphic arts and automotive detailing.

I would have prefered to use black tape for this experiment (making it easier to photograph), except it was difficult enough just locating the small roll of White 1/32” pinstripe tape

The 1/32” (.031”) width of the tape is critical. Any wider than that, the reed plates will not seat properly on it’s comb.

 Also important is the tape thickness--this should not exceed .005”

Close up view of the tape (.005” thickness)

Tools required: light box (I recommend cutting a reed pass through slot), shears, artist knife, tweezers

Do you see the sliver of light (air) passing through the gaps surrounding the reed? Proper Sizing technique will reduce those gaps

Using a cotton swap with rubbing alcohol, clean the area to be pinstripped. During the application, steady the free end of the reed with a small piece of masking tape. Apply the Pinstripe as close as possible to the sides of the reed--but don’t allow it to touch the reed! This will prevent the reed from vibrating through the slot.

Trim off excess with artist knife

Apply Pinstripe tape to the other side of the reed. Do you see why I would have prefered black tape--the white tape appears like I created a 1/32” gap around the sides of the reed!

With your reed tool, “plink” the reed to ensure the Pinstripe tape does not catch on the vibrating reed, which it did for me. I ended up nudging the edges of my tape with shim stock (.001”). If this does not clear the pathways, then pull off the tape and reapply (remember, it’s a learning process)

Due to the .005” thickness of the tape, the “Zero Point” will be too shallow. Carefully, insert a .002” shim stock all the way back to the rivet pad to increase the gap. I also found it necessary to increase the gap on the free end of the reed

This is what it should look like. Notice the first third of the reed surface is almost level with the Pinstripe tape

For my initial road test, I decided to apply the Pinstripe tape to the first three slots of both the Blow and Draw plates. Remount and secure the reed plates back onto the comb.

Closing thoughts

I was pleased with the results of this experiment. This non customized Hohner Rocket_Db plays better than before, with the same bending response one would expect from a harmonica that received the Reed Sizing treatment. As for the longevity of this Pinstripe tape approach, it is difficult to predict--only time will tell. My thinking is that it should be trouble free, because Pinstripe tape that is applied to Boats, Planes and Vehicles is engineered to be durable and not easily peeled off.

Only you can decide if learning this new Pinstripe Tape Reed Slot Sizing technique will benefit your harp tech work and harmonica playing. Please let me know your experiences!

Your Harpsmith, Kinya