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Message: 9
Date: Sun, 08 Apr 2007 14:48:39 -0700
From: fjm <mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Soldering Reeds
To: h-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Message-ID: <46196337.1010100@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
The low low F Seydel I have is just ok. The dropped octave A I made
myself is better. Vern had some very good advice on how to solder reeds
to lower pitch. Here's a link to the archived post.
http://harp-l.org/mailman/htdig/harp-l/2007-March/msg00549.html
There are other discussions regarding soldering to lower reed pitch also
on the harp-l archive site. There is some good advice from Douglas Tate
from a ways back.
Careful application of flux is key for my technique. A low melting
temperature solder makes life easier. I believe I used a 22 watt iron
with a small tip. I've also used a 15 watt iron with success. Support
the reed from underneath. I use paper. It will scorch, don't be
alarmed by this. Heat the reed, apply the solder. Flux the reed before
you heat it. I use bamboo skewers to apply the flux. the small tip
makes it easier to apply the flux exactly where I want it. Try to keep
the solder on the very end of the reed. fjm