Tuning and Condensation
Sun, 02/27/2011 - 05:40
In harp tech study 3, you talk about the importance of condensation and its effect on tuning.
If I take care to dry the reeds carefully between tuning adjustments, and get everything perfect, won't this mean I'll be playing flat when I'm actually blowing my hot wet breath through the thing? At least, after the first 12 bars?
(Thanks for the videos, by the way!)
Hello Marcos,
You are absolutely correct. The dynamics between a harmonica on the bench versus on the bandstand are slightly different.
On the bench, our approach for each reed is very methodical inside a controlled environment. With our breath, we endeavor to emulate the near perfect results found with mechanical vacuum tuners--like those found at harmonica factories. Unlike these machines, however, the human breath--with it's condensation and aspiration--adds unwanted weight to the reeds. This phenomena will confound our tuning efforts, unless we learn how to compensate properly:
1. Before tuning your reeds, wrap your harmonica in a heating pad. This will bring the temperature of the reeds closer to the temperature of your breath. The temperature variance between your hot breath and cold reeds is what causes the condensation build up. Hey, just notice the interior of your car's windows foggy up on a cold day, until you turn on the defroster to stabilize the temperature.
2. Use a lint free swap to blot up the moisture, or a shot of air from a small air brush compressor (which I use), between tuning adjustments.
Technically, your harmonica should now be in tuned, so when you hit the bandstand ...
You shouldn't have to drive yourself crazy worrying about detuning your harmonica. You have plenty of wiggle room. Remember that part in the Harp Tech Study about calibrating your Chromatic Tuner to a sharpened (#) 442hz, up to 444hz? Well after you start "huffin and puffin" you will pull down your harmonica in-tune with the rest of the band 440hz.
I'm pleased you find the Harp Tech Studies useful.
~Kinya