Re: [Harp-L] reeds

[Mike Fugazzi <mikefugazzi@xxxxxxxxx>]

The correct way is whatever works for you.  I think some terms like reed 
arc/curve are misleading, as the goal initially was to REMOVER the 
arc/curve.  At any rate, my preference is straight with the gap coming from 
an angle towards the back of a reed.  Richard Sleigh does a fantastic job 
describing this in his book.  I've see the analogy of a closing door 
credited to Joe Filisko.  That is a good way to think of it too.

If you look at a current stock harp, you'll see that they are fairly flat 
to begin with, but often vary in how they sit within the reedslot.  As a 
general rule of thumb, I've found that flat reeds gapped approximately the 
width of the reed tip is a good starting point.  I say general, as factors 
such as key of the harmonica and the force with which you play is going to 
influence your gaps.



On Wednesday, September 26, 2012 11:10:36 AM UTC-5, Brian Stear wrote:
>
> As Iâve actually just started to take to gapping my harmonicas ( funny, 
> Iâve always tuned the octaves and such and didnât think about gapping ) I 
> too, would like to know the correct way. Iâve seen them straight, and 
> straight with a slight curve from 1/2 the way up on the reed. Thank God 
> they play either way! Maybe Steve Baker or someone else from Hohner, 
> Suzuki, etc. can set us ânewbiesâ straight. 
>
> Brian 
>