[Harp-L] Help with Tuning

[captron100@xxxxxxx]

Mike wrote: 
 Our problem:  we just can't get those blow reeds up out of the slot, in order to tune them.  Don't want to bend or break 
them.  Is there something simple to use?  Somebody mentioned part of a CD case, but I haven't got a clue what that is.

 
  Others addressed various methods re how to (gently) poke a blow reed up thru it's slot. The Lee Oskar tool kit also contains a brass tool for this purpose, but a toothpick will also suffice.  Once u get the reed above the slot, a thin automotive feeler gauge is used to support the reed while you tune it.  
  I suspect the "part of a CD case" that u refer to are the two thin metallic strips that can be found when u cut open the plastic anti-theft devices that are glued to most items sold in department stores nowadays.  They might be too thin to use to support a reed when tuning, but they are great for scraping around the edges of reeds and slots to eliminate burrs.
ron - FL Keys