Re: [Harp-L] 2 draw squeak

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brian wrote:

One of my Special 20's in D major emits a high frequency tone when I  
hit the
2 hole draw bend, in addition to the normal draw bend note.  It  
doesn't seem
to do it with the covers off!  Any ideas on what this might be as  
I've never
encountered it before in several years of playing?  I've changed the  
covers
and tightened the screws to max in case it was a harmonic squeal from a
warped or loose cover but no improvement.
Suggestions and possible cures?

Pic wrote:

Mine, in Bb is now doing that and soon it will get lodged in my  
throat me
thinks.

Steve replies:

The reason for the squeak is usually a  slight misalignment of the  
reed in the exceptionally tight air gap between reed and slot on the  
current Hohner Classic reed plates. It's definitely not a sign of  
fatigue. Since introducing the new reed profiles there have been no  
examples of such reeds breaking off and lodging in people's throats.  
Tightening the screws to the max is not a good idea as it may warp  
the reed plates and is more likely to exacerbate the problem. If this  
doesn't occur without the covers on I would suggest loosening the  
cover screws rather than tightening them. The reed plates screws  
should never be too tight for the same reason. Sometimes the squeak  
can be fixed by centering the reed in the slot (try looking at the it  
against the light with the reed tip pushed into the slot). If it  
appears to be centered correctly you may want to try stabilising the  
rivet pad with a tiny dab of wax or petroleum jelly, this usually helps.

Steve Baker
www.stevebaker.de
www.bluesculture.com