Re: Tuning questions and some more besides ...

[Barry Schaede <barrys@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The reeds that tune up fine then go flat ten minutes later are broken. 
The actual reed is cracked towards the fixed end.  It's nothing you did 
wrong.  Metal fatigue has finally taken its toll.  What's interesting 
about this is that if you keep playing the note it keeps dropping in 
pitch until it hits the value of the blow note in the same hole.  As for 
tuning to an accurate value I don't have any trouble using the tuner I 
use.  It resolves to 10 cents in even 10 cent increments from -50 to + 
50.  There is a lot of variation with breath pressure.  Being able to get 
consistent results and even breath is part of the art.  Putting the cover 
plates back om almost always sharps the harmonicas up a bit.  It's very 
consistent though so that isn't a problem for me.  As for replacing reeds 
the only place I've seen that has any equipment for sale is Farrell's in 
the U.S.A.  Joe Filisko replaces reeds and would probably talk to you 
about technique if asked politely.  FJM