[Harp-L] Re: Harp-L Digest, Vol 33, Issue 14

["Steve Malerbi" <harpsurgeon@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

RE: embossing and gapping: Steve Malerbi

After reading most of the posts on this subject, I've got to say what a 
great wealth of opinions and information every one is putting out. I've 
learned alot reading them.

As a customizer (mostly of chromatics) I owe a great debt to both Dick 
Gardener, and Bill Romel, who over the years generously have shared 
information which at first helped me repair and customize my own gear, then 
move on to a part time business doing it for others. While I'm happy to 
share the information both they and others have shared with me, there are 
some things that you learn after grinding through hundreds of diatonics and 
chromatics alike that allow you to fine tune your technique and the product 
you offer. Here is where I agree with Richard Hunter and the Filisko Guild 
members. There comes a point where the real subtleties of the craft become 
something that are personal or proprietary, and in some cases not so easily 
teachable, as they become learned after years of practice. Call it serving 
an apprecticeship if you will.

I believe everyone who plays should learn how to disassemble their 
instrument and at least perform basic maintenance. If at that point, you 
want to do more, there is certainly all the information available anyone 
needs to go to any next level desired.

There's also been a lot of info on the ability to do a bunch of this work 
with toothpicks, a small screwdriver, and a single edge razor blade, which 
is all true. All you need is an old harp to start and some time. Ultimately, 
all of this stuff is best learned by doing it. How to set up your own harps 
which work well for you come from the trial and error of doing the work. I'm 
happy to say that I have a box full of cadavers from the early days of 
figuring this stuff out........ Once you get into it though, there's any 
number of people, websites, etc. to seek help from along the way.

Good luck, and above all............have fun !!

Steve M.