Re: Re: [Harp-L] Current Hohner reeds

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

David Payne wrote:
> I can't get [Hohner Marine Band reeds] to take an adjustment. 
> I'll set one up, play it for a while, come back later and the 
> gaps are helter skelter, usually one is way wide. 

The secret here is to iterate, iterate, iterate.  You have to make an 
adjustment, plink it a little to let it settle, readjust if 
necessary, and continue this process until it settles into the right 
place.  Then play it, check it again, adjust if necessary, play it 
again, etc.  It's tedious, but eventually it'll settle into its 
rightful place and stay there.

> After you emboss, arc, etc., there is so little difference 
> between what you started with and what you end with, it is 
> not worth all the work involved. 

It's those little differences that make all the difference!  
Embossing and arcing can really help the reed to continue to start 
properly and not choke when the gaps are set down very low.  This is 
essential when you're overblowing/overdrawing, less essential if 
you're not using those techniques.  For many (most?) players, the 
difference in performance can be more of a liability than an asset. 

-tim