[Harp-L] Tuning with solder

["Jonathan R. Ross" <jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert Bonfiglio wrote:

"I have made a couple of 2016 plates in B by using solder. Use silver
solder if you don't want lead poisoning and a very small soldering
iron."

Most, perhaps all, products sold as silver solder will contain specific
amounts of lead (and tin).  The actual amount of silver contained is
rather small, in the single-digits percentage wise.  I'm sure there are
products made without lead, but whether they just contain tin and silver
is another question, and thus whether other metals in the alloy may be
toxic should be investigated.

All this said, the actual lead exposure is essentially limited to when
you are soldering.  Once the metal has adhered (assuming it doesn't
break off nor does the reed and assuming that if that happens you don't
swallow the broken part in question) then even lead is essentially inert
enough to use.  I would prefer not to, of course, but I doubt playing a
harmonica with lead on the reed will have a toxic effect at all.  Again,
I'd prefer not to, but the real danger comes from the fumes during the
soldering process and that is where you should be careful.  Work in a
well-ventilated area, preferably with a fan ducted to the outside air so
that the fumes go into atmosphere immediately and thus you aren't
exposed (don't worry about air-pollution at the minimal levels of fumes
involved).  Wash you're hands whenever you take a break from soldering
and before eating or drinking.

I work with lead and lead-alloys constantly.  If you take simple
precautions then they are perfectly safe, especially for adults.  

To get to the topic, though, it's easy enough to tune a reed down a
whole-step lower without need of solder and without impacting the reed's
playability or durability.  I would suggest checking the archives for
information as well as Pat Missin's website:  http://www.patmissin.com


Hope this helps.


 oo    JR "Bulldogge" Ross
()()   & Snuffy, too:)
`--'