Re: [Harp-L] sticky 9 blow

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Blake wrote:
> 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.

If it only works on the blow bend, what you're actually hearing is 
the 9 draw, not the 9 blow at all.  The reed may simply be stuck 
with a piece of debris.  I'd take off the covers and see if you can 
physically move the reed -- plink it -- to get it to start.  If this 
fixes it, great!  

The other problem may be that the 9 blow has fatigued completely and 
the gap has collapsed to the plate.  This would stop it from 
sounding at all, while still allowing the 9 draw to produce the 
bend.  If you can't seem to raise the gap -- you set it but it keeps 
going flat -- you've probably got a dead reed.  

You could play the harp avoiding this note until your gigs and 
sessions are finished and then send it back to the customizer for a 
repair.  Most customizers turn repairs pretty quickly, maybe you 
could play a backup until then?  

Good luck!

-tim

Tim Moyer
Working Man's Harps
http://www.workingmansharps.com/