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

[Mojo Red <harplicks@xxxxxxxxx>]

John may be onto something with his assesment as to the cause of reed failure in this case. 

It is common for those new to the stage (especially in loud playing situations) to pull down on that 4 draw bend harder than is really needed when in the heat of a gig... Too much force pushes the reed past what is actually needed to produce a bend and ultimately adds unwarrented stress.

In the future try no to push that bend down quite as far... You may find the same thing happens with the six blow if you push the six draw bend too far and too often. 

Harpin' in Colroado,
--Ken M.


----- Original Message ----
From: chicago bluesman <chicagobluesman@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: gwoodhouse40@xxxxxxx; harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 1:36:17 PM
Subject: RE: [Harp-L] 4 Blow Reed Failures - Is it just me?


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: