Re: [Harp-L] Help with rattling sound on 8 draw

[Ken Hildebrand <airmojoken@xxxxxxxxx>]

The reed probably is striking the reed slot when 
vibrating, so you need to re-align the reed or 
scrape the edge of the reed and possibly the slot
with a very thin feeler gauge (like .0020").

I highly recommend getting Rupert Oysler's Harp
Repaird DVD at:

http://www.harprepair.com/

And the handiest tools are the ones you can make
using a standard set of automotive feeler gauges,
similar to the ones shown here:

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kdt2062.html

Feeler gauges come in various lengths and widths,
so you may want a couple different sets.

The ones that I have maded reed-wrenches, plinkers,
reed/slot adjusters, etc measure about 3" by 1/2".
You will have to alter the shape of the feeler gauge,
depending on what 'tool' you want to end up with.

The very thin gauges can be cut into a pointed tapered
shape so you fit it easily between the reed and its
slot (by using a sharp pair of scissors).

Getting and watching Rupert's Harp Repair video can 
really help with the learning curve, and gives you
lots of ideas, and you may come up with your own
ideas.  And Rupert is entertaining as well ("You gotta
be kidding me!").

Keep us posted on how you remedy the problem.

Ken H in OH


--- Ori Avtalion <ori@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Holding the plate against a strong flashlight, the
> reed appears to have
> the same alignment as the other reeds.
> 
> I tried plinking it gently as seen on
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkqmXP9IVyg. (I did
> *not* pull it hard to
> change the tone). It makes a sound.
> 
> Oddly, now 7 draw makes similar noises.
> 
> Anything else I can try?
> 
> Jon Harl wrote:
> > Ori: It could be that the reed has somehow gotten
> misaligned. You can
> > disassemble the harmonica and hold the draw reed
> plate up to a light and
> > sight the gaps between the reed and the sides of
> the reed slot. It could
> > be touching so very slightly to not be very
> visible to the naked eye
> > however you should be able to tell which way the
> reed is misaligned. I
> > would also plink the reed and you should be able
> to hear the reed
> > hitting (you won't get a clear sound). If you
> don't have a reed wrench
> > you can slide a very thin paper or better yet a
> feeler gauge in the gap
> > and align the reed. I hope this helps. I'm sure
> some others will have
> > their remedies.
> > 
> > Jon
> > 
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> 


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