RE: [Harp-L] New harmonica out of tune?

[Steve Shaw <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> I just tested all the blow and all the draw notes of my new 150th Anniversary diatonic harmonica and apparently some of the notes are about 5-20 cents higher than they should be.
>
> Is this common for new harmonicas? Should I tinker with it's tuning or just let it be that way for now? I've never tuned a harmonica...
 
Harmonicas are generally tuned very slightly sharp.  If your tuner is set to A440 it will show up as sharp. Try setting your tuner to A441 or even A442. If it's more in tune at one of those settings that's fine.  Also, you may get some variation in cents above and below if your harp is not tuned to equal temperament. Again, normal.  Play the harp and if it sounds sweet to you it will sound sweet to everyone else!