[Harp-L] Solder on reeds to lower pitch

["Blunt White" <playharp@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings - looking for some advice on using solder to lower reed pitch, I 
am going from an E to a D (a whole tone on hole 1) to build a Lee Oskar 
Blues Tuning on a E harp as used by Carlos del Junco on B Thing.  I have 
been experimenting on some old reed plates and the technique doesn't seem 
too difficult. I am using lead free, silver bearing solder (96% tin and 4% 
silver) and it seems to stick well and lowers the pitch as advertised.  My 
biggest concern is how long will the solder stay put?  I have picked at it 
and sanded it off and it really seems to want to stick.  Can't say I am 
excited about the prospect of it breaking off.  I am interested in hearing 
your advice.  Will the solder stay put? Does the heat affect reed strength?

I have built other Lee Oskar Blues Tuned harps by transplanting a hole 1 
blow reed using a machine screw and nut (the solder will be easier and much 
faster).

Thank you!

Regards,
Blunt White
Banker by day, Bluesman by night

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