[Harp-L] Re: Hohner CX-12 Chromatic 'Sticks'

[Snaruhn@xxxxxxx]

Hi Jim,

< The symptom is that the reed will respond very poorly with low 
< air pressure - not completely silent but pretty strangled/sickly. 
< Blowing harder will usually cause it to 'pop up' to a more normal 
< sounding note >

What you describe isn´t a typical CX 12 problem but can also happen 
with any other chrom. I suggest that the offset of the reed is too high.
You know what that is? The reeds aren´t even or straight in their slots
but the reed tips have to be a little curved upwards, otherwise the
vibration can´t start. 

Or in other words. the reed tips mustn´t be plain with the reedplate but
must have a little distance to the reedplate surface, the so-called "offset".

Now, there´s a rule for the optimal offset: The longer the reed the bigger
the offset. Furthermore, the offsets have to become smaller linear to the 
reed lengths.

So, look whether the offsets of hole 6/7 are in line with their neighbour 
reeds. If not, bend the reeds down or up, as the case may be.

Another often noticed fault is that the reed isn´t correctly positioned in 
the slot or the reed gap (= distance of reed tip - slot wall) is too big.
In the first case the reed touches the slot wall and nothing goes.
In the second case the result is similar to an enlarged offset. The
difference is however, that an offset can be adjusted but a wrong gap 
can´t.
 
Note: A wrong gap can be adjusted, of course, but that´s the job for
         an experienced customizer.

Hope I could help!

Siegfried (AKA Ciexfried)