Re: [Harp-L] Bad reed I think

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Todd Johnson" <tojohnson@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 9:23 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Bad reed I think


> Taking a look at it today found that the reed was sitting down in the gap. 
> I
> reset the gap however with the slightest push down the reed stays in that
> position. Is that what happens when they go bad? Is the only remedy to
> replace the reed or the harp? Does this happen because I play too hard? 
> The
> harp is only a month old. I've checked for burrs and the like and the reed
> is free to move where it wants, it just stays where it moves to.

The reed is rubbing against the side of the slot.  This is probably because 
the reed is twisted about the axis of the rivet and misaligned with the 
slot.  It can be straightened using a "reed wrench" found in the harmonica 
tool sets available on the internet.  It can also be done with much more 
difficulty with a pair of pliers.  Apply any corrective torque to the 1/8" x 
1/8"  heel of the reed and NOT to the reed itself.

Hold the reedplate up to a bright light and view it with one eye closed. If 
the strip of light on one side of the reed is brighter than the one on the 
other side, this is the problem.

It is also possible that the slot has some gunk on one side.  With a pair of 
scissors, cut a piece from a .001" thick steel feeler gauge and run it back 
and forth in the slots of the reed.  This should clear out any gunk.

A bad reed usually goes flat and when retuned, goes flat again.

Vern
Visit my harmonica website www.Hands-Free-Chromatic.7p.com