Re: [Harp-L] defective Golden Melody?

["John Kerkhoven" <solo_danswer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In responding to Paul LaBrier's question about a squealing 3-draw, Tim Moyer
wrote:

>
> First, the problem is with the 3 blow reed, not the draw reed, since it
only
> happens with the bent note, which utlilizes the blow reed.  With the
> note played unbent the ringing doesn't occur, indicating that the
> draw reed itself is fine.

I understand the logic of this, but I question it nevertheless. On the Pat
Missin page Tim referred to, Missin says

"If you are getting this noise when you are drawing a note, then the
offending reed is the draw reed; likewise, if it is happening during a blow
bend or an overblow, then it is the blow reed that is to blame."

Note as well, that Paul did not complain of the 3 blow squealing on its own.

But the simplest most convincing way to test this is by removing the cover
plates and blocking the draw reed with a finger while bending the note. (On
a blow-bend squeal, or overblow squeal, block the blow reed.) If the squeal
is there, you know it's the opposite reed; if it isn't there, you know it's
the reed you're blocking. Whenever I have tested this, I have come to the
same conclusion as Pat Missin: the squeal is on the draw if you are drawing,
on the blow if you are blowing.

John



>
> First thing I'd try is running a small shim down the sides of the 3
> blow reed.  If you've got a small piece of 0.002" shim stock (a
> feeler gauge perhaps), that will work.  Some people use those little
> metal strips that come in the security tags inside CDs.  It could be
> that the reed is slightly off center, causing it to ring against the
> side of the slot.
>
> Failing that fix, I'd try either a small dab of nail polish at the
> roots of the reed at the rivet end, or a tiny piece of tape in the
> center of the reed, to stop the ringing.  For the first suggestion,
> see this page on Pat Missin's site describing the technique:
> http://www.patmissin.com/ffaq/q17.html
>
> For the second technique, see this page describing the technique:
> http://www.planetharmonica.com/ph4/VE/TurboharpUK.htm
>
> This problem is less common on Hohner (especially handmade)
> harmonicas than some other brands, but not unheard of.
>
> Good luck!
>
> -tim
>
> Tim Moyer
> Working Man's Harps
> http://www.workingmansharps.com/
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
> Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
> http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l