[Harp-L] re:sticky 9 blow

["J.Gordon" <jgordon@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Blake inquires-

> I have a 9 blow that only works with force. Usually, when a reed chokes it
> is because of too much velocity - it works with a gentle blow / draw, but
> not with more force.  Well, I have a 9 hole that only works when I play a
> blow bend. a gentle or moderate blow gives me nothing.

Hi Blake, and All,
Often when a reed fatigues another symptom besides the obvious lowering
of pitch is that it may settle back into the slot, reducing the gap to
flush, at which point it would no longer speak. You may try to raise the gap
but the reed may simply break off, possibly at the stump. It is unclear
from your post whether you equate bending with blowing harder, which is not
uncommon, but is not the best thing for reed longevity. While it would be
the draw reed producing the bent note the blow note can fatigue leaving the
bent note still able to produce sound. If you can get the reed working it
would probably need to be tuned,and it might get you through your session,
there is really only one way to tell.If this was one from me you might want
to know that repairs are moving out quicker all the time, and I may be able
to help, although some time is required to do it right.
It sounds like it will need repair eventually anyway,
but good luck and have great sessions and gigs!

-James Gordon

> Here's the catch - normally I'd just fiddle with the gapping in my usual
> ignorant way until I got a result - but this harp's a custom. I don't want
> to screw it up. I know I could send it back, but I have both gigs and
> recording sessions in the next couple weeks, and I want the good harp in my
> hands, not in the shop.>
> Any suggestions for a repair novice?

> - Blake