RE: [Harp-L] 4 Blow Reed Failures - Is it just me?

[chicago bluesman <chicagobluesman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

4-blow is the read that most often needs re-tuning for me, too.  It goes flat pretty often.  This is because the 4-blow reed is the one actually producing the note when you bend 4-draw.  It's metal fatigue due to the recurrent use of the 4-blow reed when bending 4-draw, a favorite note to bend.  All you can do is try to get proficient with retuning...

John

> From: gwoodhouse40@xxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:14:55 -0800
> Subject: [Harp-L] 4 Blow Reed Failures - Is it just me?
> 
> 
> I am experiencing what seems like an inordinate rate of 4 blow reed failures on my diatonics (Bushman primarily, and Lee Oskar).  I am finally noting this due to what I think are two main factors:
>  
> 1)  More hours - Although I have been playing for over 25 years, I have joined a band and been playing semi-professionally for the last year, so my harps are seeing more play time overall.  This is not a huge number but in the order of 5-10 hours per week spread over 8+ keys.
>  
> 2)  Bushman Harps - I really like the sound, comfort, and price of the Bushman Delta Frosts but out of 6 that I have bought over the last 8 months or so I have had 3 4B reeds fail within a few weeks to three months of play time.  Has anyone else been experiencing this problem with Bushman.  My Lee Oskar failures have taken much longer.
>  
> I don't feel like the 4B gets nearly the "work-out" that many of the draw reeds do playing blues.  Is there something about the harmonic frequency at some keys of 4B that fails faster with brass and phosphor bronze (my most recent failures are 2 on a Bushman C harp, 1 Bushman F, 1 Lee Oskar Am).  Is the 4 draw and 4D bending the culprit?  These certainly see more of a work-out.
>  
> I have been slowly migrating my harps to the Seydel 1847's and have yet to have any tuning or reed failure issues with the stainless steel reeds over the last 6-8 months of use.  Although the 1847's sound a little "mellow" to my ears for my blues playing preference, this reed failure experience may seal the deal for me continuing on exclusively with Seydel even with the price being 3X.  I really love the fit and feel of the 1847's.
>  
> Any insights and experiences from the community would be appreciated.
>  
> Thanks, Glenn._______________________________________________
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