Setting up holes 8 through 10
Kinya I'm about a 3-year player and I'm ready to tackle the upper register of the diatonic harmonica. I typically Gap the lower holes up to about hole 6 at 9 microns. This morning I took a six draw on a d harmonica to 8 microns from 9 microns and found a big Improvement in the ease with which I could bend that 6 draw.
But what I find is it's hard to play holes 8 through 10 on just about every harmonica but especially the higher keyed harmonicas. I find them either to be non-responsive, Or to choke. There seems to be no in-between. And I notice in the playing of a lot of my heroes, that they get these holes to ring out clear as a bell. Any advice you can give on how to gap these three holes? Every time I work on them those little reads are so short I'm afraid to just snap them off. Thanks
I have a nice custom F harp the notes just pop out. The gaps on the Draw side are .004" or .10mm. What I've found is if you play the top end a lot you have to get religious about knoking the spit out. Even a little can "freeze" a high end reed. For me I guess the .004' would be a place to start. If it chokes widen the gap maybe .001" at a time. Don't forget to plink. and if you have to, let it rest overnight if you do a lot of reed massage. I didn't take it apart to check the Blow reed gap. Experement with breath force. Figure out how much force will get the reed to do what. Can you play it quietly but not loud?
I'm anxious to see Kinya's thoughts.
good luck........Mike
EDIT: Also get some shim stock to clean the slots. UNLESS your slots have been embossed. You may damage the embossing if you are not VERY careful with the shim.
By the way putting this question out to the entire form to see how you guys might set up these three holes as well. Thanks