Re: [Harp-L] Harp Tech With Richard Sleigh

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Oct 13, 2010, at 7:38 AM, Elizabeth Hess wrote:

> I am just back from spending a weekend with Richard Sleigh in his  
> shop, studying harp technology.

Doesn't get any better than that.

>  It was a fantastic experience: Books are good, but there is  
> nothing quite like face-to-face interaction to learn something  
> efficiently and well.

Especially if the teacher is a patient as Ricardo.
>  I learned how to shape, gap, and set reeds, including “another  
> trick to try” (and another and another) when initial attempts left  
> me unsatisfied.

But, that's the way you're SUPPOSED to do it. Reverse engineering (so  
to speak), Work on a part until it fails, and then go backwards in  
your mind. Something I like to call: "Beat it till it bleeds, and  
then beat it for bleeding".

>  I worked on tuning and replacing reeds, with Richard actively  
> encouraging me to make every possible mistake in the shortest  
> amount of time so as to compress the learning. “You have to  
> accordion at least one reed, “ he said. (And I did. )

What is his meaning for 'accordioning a reed'? Since I have worked on  
them, I would be Veeeeery interested.

> I learned how to install a wind saver, and now have two Smokey-Joe- 
> tuned harps (Hi, Joe!)

Ooooh, I hadn't read this far....Hi fellow Floridian.

> and the knowledge to convert my other country-tuned harps to SJ- 
> tuning.
>
>  Richard refurbished my chromatic harp while teaching me about its  
> workings, and now my chromatic harp is better than new.

I had a feeling that Toots model was a good candidate for super  
charging.

>  He taught me a fiddle tune and included me in the circle of his  
> family and friends at a party on Saturday night, even inviting me  
> to play.
>
>  Studying with Richard is like learning how to fish – in a good  
> fishing hole. I would recommend it for anyone.

Little secret. On my first spah getaway, Richard was the FIRST person  
I met. Liked him immediately. cool, unassuming, laid back, and warm.

smo-joe
>