Tinkering (was RE: [Harp-L] Re: Soaking A Hohner Marine Band)



That used to be one of the first things I did with a new harp too, until I realized that it usually sounded better before than after.  The system usually worked like this:
 
1. Buy new harp.
2. Play new harp.
3. Notice a particular reed didn't feel right.
4. Take apart harp.
5. Adjust offending reed.
6. Adjust other reeds that don't look right.
7. Reassemble harp.
8. Test offending reed to ensure it has been fixed.
9. Play harp and notice two or more reeds that now don't feel right.
 
At this point, either I continue the cycle spending hours further diminishing the playing ability of the harp or I just stop worrying about it and try to get used to the peculiarities (that I created).  I've tried omitting #6 from the system, but I don't think I've ever been completely successful.  It's an overwhelming compulsion to tinker.
 
Fortunately, now I have some broken quality harps on which to practice tinkering.  Meanwhile, my new system is not to open any new harps until I've found a cure for my tinkering compulsion.Anyone else struggle with this tinkering compulsion?  Has anyone a recovering tinkerer that can give me some advice?  I admit I have a problem...I'm pretty sure that's the first step.
 
Thanks,
Jonathan "Hi, my name is Jonathan" Compton



> From: jonathan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> Date: Fri, 23 Feb 2007 17:35:03 -0700> Subject: [Harp-L] Re: Soaking A Hohner Marine Band> > Rich, you're going to get a lot of great suggestions from the list, but by > far the easiest way to increase a harp's airtightness is simply to take it > apart and put it back together again. Most harps are assembled by machines > which don't tighten the screws all the way, and the reedplate screws are > self-tapping, so you can make a noticeable difference by hand-tightening > those screws. It's the first thing I do to any new harp.> > Jonathan Metts > > _______________________________________________> Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org> Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx> http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l



This archive was generated by a fusion of Pipermail 0.09 (Mailman edition) and MHonArc 2.6.8.