Question
Hi
bought Mb Crossover Harmonica Eb
Normal harmonica in all holes Heard ok
Successful bend all the holes except the third hole
third hole Tone plays fine , Whan bent biz sound starts.... or blocked
Try to open and plink it sound ok
What do you suggest to try to fix it ,Or contact the store
Thanks
eli
WorkShop today
i can bend d & e harp work whith tuner
Harmonica sounds OK in all holes
The problem hole number 3
could not bend 3 hole
3 D Ok
3' Db plays as high frequency whistle
3" C whistle and almost opaque
3''' B Close
So opened the top Blow.. reed 3 was quite a bit out fo center ... fixe it and Checking alone ok ,
Still did not work out on the lower side front light looks like long scratch on braces interferes
Under 3 reed turned around to the right and sanding gently like reed slot sizing (send Pic )
returned to the center front light looks fine, and few plink closed ...,sound right Checking alone ok ,
need to create new profit of both sides to be bending play ,....it play ok
Thanks to your videos
Thanks
Good job Eli,
With the cover plates removed:
Try dropping the gap of blow reed #3 a little bit. You can do this without removing your reed plates from the comb. Carefully insert your right angle brass hook (the opposite end of your Hohner, Hering, or Lee Oskar plinking tool) into hole #3. Wiggle your tool until the right angle tool pushes the reed up through the reed plate--you can even reach around and pull the tip of the reed up "slightly". This will close the gap of the blow reed.
Return the cover plates ... and draw bend on the #3 hole. If it responds better, but not quite enough ... repeat the above procedure.
As a playing technique:
Attempt to hump the back of you tongue (pressed up against your upper molars) higher and further back in your throat (watch for the auto gag response). This will tune your mouth closer to the Db, C and B pitches you are attempting to play. Remember, if you do not feel the side walls of your tongue pressing up against your molars--your tongue is too flat in your mouth and WILL BE OUT OF TUNE with the desired pitches ;o)
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Hi
did what you said, responding fine
Mid bend Db & C runs a lot air (more effort required)
Tried get straight to zero and then do what you said again
Sounds better try a little to close gap
Thanks Thanks for The help
Eli
Hello Eli
I viewed your pictures--of your draw reeds--and the reed profiles appear to be perfect. Can you give me close-up pictures of your #3 BLOW reed?
Your Harpsmith
Kinya
Hi Eli,
With these close-up picture of the DRAW reeds, I can now see that the #3 reed gap is actually too high. Lower it to match the #2 reed gap (.006)
Will you be sending a photo of the BLOW reed #3?
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Hi Kinya
After closing reed 3 gap responds well to my abilities .
Q is't related to the problem
If you look at the picture see dirt
Is it oxidation ? that happens after a very short period every harp
And can't be cleaned only by metal polish
Thanks Thanks for help
Eli
Hi Eli
After reviewing the photo of your BLOW reed plate, I have determined reeds #1, #2, and #3 are all too high. Lower the gap by pressing on the rivet ends of the reed. Follow this up with a healthy dose of "plinking" to settle the metal into it's new profile. Then reassemble and give it a try.
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya
Hi Eli
Don't be too concerned with the tarnish (oxidation) of the brass. All brass reed plate harmonicas will do this and will not impact the play-a-bility of the harmonica. It is just a cosmetic issue.
High end harmonicas will have chrome plating over the brass (e.g. Suzuki Fabulous), but again strictly cosmetic. I have not found any sonic improvements with this process.
Having said that, if it still drives you crazy--and you have the time--"carefully" polish the reed plate with Happich SemiChrome. STAY AWAY FROM THE REEDS! It is the best metal polish I have on my bench. http://www.simichrome-polish.com/
Your Harpsmith
Kinya
Hi Eli, Hi Kynia,
I attended a course in Trossingen in November 2012. They strongly advised us against polishing the reed plate. The reason is that the oxidation of the brass (alloy of copper and zinc) becomes a protective coat, unlike iron which will be completely guzzled
All the best,
Eddy
Terrific stuff Eddy!
Hi Kinya
I closed blow reed gap #1, #2, #3 , harmonica responds quickly Excellent as appropriate : )
going to implement it on the other reducer
i have seydel 1847 chrome plating over the brass think and reed i think,
reed thicker look from hohner
my attention no polish, only Cleaner with Ultrasonic cleaner
How can I thank you for the help?
Thank you
Eli
Hi Eli
You can thank us by continuing to communicate your thoughts about you and your harmonicas.
Your Harpsmith
Kinya
Hi Eli
Thanx for your question.
Just so I can get a base line ...
(a) Does it misbehave for all three bends on the 3 draw?
> half step bend (Db)?
> full step bend (C)?
> Step and a half bend (B)?
(b) Are you able to repeat this situation with a D, or Eb Hohner harmonicas within the same Marine Band family (including:2005 Deluxe,1896, Special 20)?
Let me know ...
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya