[Harp-L] the notes don't sound

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

The buzzing reed could have a burr, or both the buzzing reed and the  
stuck reed could have moved off center. Or the reeds may be jammed  
with some sort of debris.

To center the reeds, get a feeler gauge and use the thinnest shim and  
gently move it along both sides of the reed until each side is an  
equal distance from the reed plate. You remove a burr the same way,  
just pressing a little harder (but still gently) and moving it back  
and forth.`

Moving the feeler gauge blade under the reed gently will also clear  
any debris.  You may or may not have blown out the 8 blow reed,  Or,  
the gap on that reed may need to be opened a little bit.  BUT, a reed  
jammed with debris or that has moved off center can also behave the  
way you describe.  On a blow reed, you may need to take the reed  
plate off the comb to work on it.

JP