Re: [Harp-L] Reed Gap-A-matic

[Mojo Red <harplicks@xxxxxxxxx>]

Turbodog,

I'm surprised no one has responded to your intriguing post. You always come up with the ~coolest~ ideas!

I fiddle with gaps on all my harps, as I'm sure many players do. Being able to precisely adjust gaps on the fly might be a viable tool indeed. 

If I had to choose only one to have that option, I'd likely suggest that the adjustable gap be placed on the 5 blow reed.
When it's low enough to overblow, it tends to be too low to hit hard; and vice versa. 
Another good choice would be the 7 blow (for the same reason), but I use the 7 OB far less frequently than the 5 OB.

Best of luck with this idea! 
Your "mad genius" approach to harmonica modification is always enlightening.


Harpin' in Colorado,
--Ken M.


________________________________
 From: "Jim, "Turbodog" Antaki, (PhD)" <turbodog@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 9:13 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Reed Gap-A-matic
 
Friends,

Do you ever fiddle around with your reed gap?  (Don't be ashamed to admit
It. We all do it.)

Did you ever wish there was an easier way than physically deforming the reed
back and forth, and plinking until it is just where you want it? I have. 

Which is why I developed the Gap A Matic (patent pending.) It allows you to
adjust each of the reed gaps (aka offset) --very precisely -- by twisting a
small screw. Ala bridge adjustment on a guitar or fiddle. The only problem,
like all my crazy inventions, it is painstaking to manufacture in small
quantities. And there just isn't great enough demand to justify mass
production. So its been sitting on the shelf for years.

But it just occurred to me... not all 20 reeds need the same fastidious
attention as "certain reeds" ... if you know what I mean.  in particular
there are a few blow reeds that if gapped too low will tend to choke too
readily. Yet too large a gap will make them seem leaky, breathy, or
unresponsive.  This is also a function of the key of harp, the size and
shape of your embouchure, the loudness of your playing, and the type of
music (e.g. single notes, chords, overbends etc.)

So my question to you all: If you were granted just one wish for one
particular reed that you could adjust at will... even during a gig, what
reed would that be?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Turbodog
ps - stay tuned for similar message titled, "TuneAmatic" or "MagnAtune" (I
haven't decided yet what to call it.)