[Harp-L] Defective Harps

[Richard Sleigh <rrsleigh@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Doug,

I'm not sure what is going on with all the draw 3 malfunctions, one
question that comes to mind is - are you playing the harps differently for
some reason? Like some new techniques? Playing with a louder band?

I've noticed Hohner harps over the last couple years having more problems
in the reeds in the first octave going out. I have Marine Bands that I have
played for decades, replaced reeds in holes 4 & 5 in particular other reeds
randomly, but almost never holes 1, 2 & 3. It always seemed a bit odd to me
since I play in that area so much.

For the Hohner harps, one thing you could try is to get someone to replace
the #3 reeds with reeds from old Hohners. The reed material is different
and may stand up to your playing longer.

You can also take reeds from holes 1, 2, & 3 in old (hand made, classic,
you know - sp 20, golden mel, marine bands, etc) and cut them down to make
reeds for hole #4 in harps up to key of C. I have a reed replacement chart
that shows what reeds fit what harps for the Hohner classic reed plates.
Contact me off list & I can help you out with that. (or join my mailing
list at rsleigh.com and you get that reed chart and some other PDFs for
joining the list)

The new Hohner reed plates are great - great tolerances, easy to work with.
So If you can get some older reeds in high stress areas you may be able to
turn this around.

Richard Sleigh
http://rsleigh.com
http://hotrodharmonicas.com