Re: Beginner needs help

[Bill Long <LONGWJ@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Date sent:  23-NOV-1992 16:37:07

in response to Clint's question...

You might want to try looking into the harmonica with a light to see if you
can see the reeds themselves...look to see if the gap between the reed and
the plate is the same as for your other reeds.  Sometimes too big a gap
makes it so the note won't come out right away but only after enough air
has gone through to get it vibrating.  Too small a gap and the reed will
sometimes get jammed in the plate and squeak or not sound at all.  If you
think that this is your problem, use a nail or something that fits to bend
the reed in the direction you want it to go.  Do this VERY CAREFULLY!  Too
much pressure and you could break the reed.  Also, repeated bending of the
reed (exceeding the elastic limit of the reed metal) causes metal fatigue
and will eventually lead to breaking of the reed...so don't over do it!

My grandfather used to soak his harps in vinegar sometimes or run tap water
through it and then tap the harp on his hand a few times and finally blow real
hard through it to get all the water out....sometimes that will free up a
stuck reed.

If these simple tricks don't help then be prepared to do some serious
tweaking.  Good luck._____________________
            /____________________________/|
Bill Long   []_[]_[]_[]_[]_[]_[]_[]_[]_[]/
                                    (oh well, I never tried to ascii draw a
                                        harp before!)
longwj@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx