RE: [Harp-L] Tuning

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> From: Colin Fulton <justcolin@xxxxxxxxx>

> I am wodering how much you can retune a reed with both methods used
> (scraping off material and adding solder), can you get half steps,
> whole steps or greater?


Tuning any reed upwards by scraping should be no problem for half-steps.  
The Paddy Richter retune that I carry out on all my diatonics involves 
raising a reed by a whole step.  This also is no problem as the reed to be 
altered has a thickened end and therefore plenty of material to "play with." 
 I have taken to using a tiny rotary drill for this rather than using a 
file.  I haven't tried to flatten a reed by this much though - I suspect 
you'd have to be careful not to weaken its structure.  I could be being 
over-cautious, but I think that a step-and-a-half or more and you're looking 
at adding solder. I await the superior input of the experts.

Steve


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