[Harp-L] RE: Harp-L Digest, Vol 67, Issue 21 "Customizing" Mike Wesolowski

["geoff atkins" <geoffatkins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mike "Wezo" Wesolowski wrote:
>   One of these days I'm going to try one of the many customizing
>   guys out there.  Thanks to this list, I'm now aware that there
>   are a BUNCH of REALLY good customizers out there.
>   But.......[edit]............ cash flow problems.
>   Rupert Oysler has a double DVD set that explains the how-tos
>   of customizing. I'm trying to absorb all the info in that series
>   and try to do it myself for the time being.
------------------------------

Thanks for the tip Mike re: the DVD set.
Harps already cost a great deal, and testing harps out-of-the-box before
purchase is out-of-the-question in local shops for hygienic reasons.

So I "invented" my own quick fix for new harps: no filing or embossing,
just strip the harp, check the comb for sawmarks on wood or badly-cast
plastic (you'd be amazed at the leaks there: If the comb is hollowed plastic,
I throw it away and use solid).
If there are surface faults, rub down the faces on 100 grade emery paper laid on
a sheet of scrap glass (which will get damaged eventually).
Then coat both sides of the comb with a pre-made mix of Vaseline and beeswax.
(I mix about 35% and 65% respectively, mixed in a s/steel cup over a gas ring).
Not too much or it will spread onto the reed when reassembled.
If the reeds need gapping (usually for me the high end needs work) now's the
time.
Screw the harp together, and it's a much more responsive instrument, which is
reliable and does last longer too.

Geoff Atkins  South Africa