[Harp-L] Custom harps

[Captron100@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 8/24/2007 5:56:29 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, randy  
writes:

Do U guys that  tweak your harps seal the rivet end of the reed  with finger 
nail polish or  something as a matter of course? ........  I finally got some 
of the strips from the anti  theft device's from Wal  Mart but 
be darned if I can remember what the idea was with using  them. ........ I 
guess I should gap them  first?

Randy, the wax  and nail polish fix are for harps that squeal when OB'ing.  
An alternate  technique is to use a strip of micropore tape on the reed. 
  Here's some URL's for u to explore the above: 
_http://tenhole.com/?menuid=278_ (http://tenhole.com/?menuid=278)    and _http://overblow.com/_ 
(http://overblow.com/) 
The ant-  theft strips are used for deburring the sides of reeds and reed 
slots.
Gapping is a great start.  Re embossing, it reduces tolerances and  should 
make the harp play better.  U have to stay away from the reed end or  else u 
will squash the reed into it's slot.  To keep u from overdoing  it, until u get a 
feel for it, you might want to try one pass at a time,  then plink the reed 
with a feeler gauge after each pass.  You  will then hear the noise as soon as 
u begin to overdo it, while it is still easy  to correct.  For embossing the 
slot, I use a small socket; others use  nothing more complicated, or expensive, 
than a penny.
  I suggest that every harp player get a set of tools.  I  have a Lee Oskar 
set, but only use a few of the tools from it.  I no  longer use chisels to 
scrape reeds.  Instead i use the sanding wands from  MicroMark.  For me, feeler 
gauges are necessary basic tools, as are  toothpicks.
  U may also want to cut the learning curve by buying Rupert Oysler's  harp 
repair and maintenance CD-ROM or DVD.  Starting when you are  young is a good 
idea, imho.
ron








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