Re: [Harp-L] bent reed

"Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx> · Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:18:18 -0700

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <casey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>

Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 1:49 PM

Subject: [Harp-L] bent reed
while attempting to unstick a sticky reed I bent it (yes, I am new to
this) .. is there any way to fix that?

You can try to bend it back to its original shape.  Look at the reeds on 
either side to see the shape that you are aiming for. You probably snagged 
the tip on something and pulled it up so restoring it will involve pushing 
the tip down through the slot. IF you also pulled it to the side, chances of 
success are slim. However, console yourself that there isn't anything to be 
lost. The worst that you can do is start and end with a bad reed.
There are two fundamental rules for making a reed play:
1. It is called a "free" reed for a reason.  The reed must not touch the 
sides of its slot or anything else as it vibrates.  Hold it up to a bright 
background such as a light bulb and view it with one eye closed.  If it is 
free, you will see the same amount of light on both sides.
2. It must have the proper shape and gap.  Acceptable shape is parallel to 
the plate at the rivet and sweeping up in a gentle arc to the tip which has 
the proper height / gap above the reedplate.  Look at the gaps of the reed's 
neighbors.  Its gap should be larger than its higher neighbor and smaller 
than its lower neighbor.
I assume that replacing the reed is a technical challenge for which you are 
not yet ready.
You can possibly purchase and install a new reedplate. That is just a matter 
of screws or nails.
Unless it is an expensive chromatic, has been customized, has historic 
value, or you are otherwise fond of it...it will probably be less expensive 
to get a new harp than to have it fixed.
(fortunately, on second try on a different harp I just swabbed on alcohol
and stayed away from the reed with the screwdriver and that harp is
playing fine)

If alcohol works, you are lucky. Take care that cotton fibers do not remain 
in the slot. If alcohol doesn't work, pass a thin (.001") strip of metal 
from an anti-theft tag gently along the sides of the stuck reed to remove 
obstructions.  A piece of fried chicken in the clearance along the side of 
the reed violates the rule that the reed must be free.
Vern

Visit my harmonica website www.Hands-Free-Chromatic.7p.com 