[Harp-L] Re: Chamfering reeds

["Joe Spiers" <joemopar@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

If you want an ideal tool for chamfering reeds, get Richard Sleigh's 
super-sharp draw scraper!

If done correctly, this modification also has an aerodynamic effect on 
condensation that sometimes wants to pool near the reed base. If you're 
overblowing and subsequently find the normal blow note goes temporarily flat, 
modifying the airflow over the reed by chamfering can disperse the moisture 
into tiny, evenly dispersed droplets that will evaporate much sooner than a 
pool.

Another thing to note is that chamfering lowers the pitch of the reed. When 
tuning it back up you reduce the mass, which in itself makes the reed respond 
quicker.