[Harp-L] Become a Solder-Tuner

[Robert Hale <robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

BECOME A SOLDER-TUNER
I was fearful of tuning down 9 semi-tones with solder, but here's why it
worked so well.

9 SEMI-TONES
Short, high reeds respond BIG to the slightest weight change. I thought 9
semitones would require one huge ball of solder. But No! A little drop goes
a LONG way to lower pitch.  9 semitones? no big deal (at least on the high
end).

TOO MUCH SOLDER?
No problem, just heat up the de-soldering braid to draw it off the reed.

SEQUENCE
lay out the reed plate
place shim under all 10 reeds
scratch/score the reed tips to accept solder
solder each reed tip (that was quick!)
begin tuning (Not so quick)

I lowered 17 of 20 reeds last night to try the optimized blues tuning.

TOOLS
I am now using a cordless (battery) soldering iron from Radio Shack,
and tiny gauge silver solder.
(Specifics available upon request)

COURAGE
Be ye not fearful of the heat! Raise your soldering irons high! Join our
cause! Become a Solder-Tuner!!

Robert Hale
Learn Harmonica by Webcam
Low Rates, High Success
http://www.youtube.com/DUKEofWAIL <http://www.youtube.com/user/DUKEofWAIL>
http://www.dukeofwail.com