[Harp-L] How far can you tune up a reed?

[Vern]

If you replace the reed with a shorter, higher-pitched, soldered-on reed, there is no limit to how much you can tune up a note on a harmonica. This is arguably a better method because you can use a reed that is designed for the desired pitch.  Raising the pitch of a reed more than a halftone by removing metal makes the tip too thin.

See https://youtu.be/DOBJCpZQ68Y <https://youtu.be/DOBJCpZQ68Y>  for the reed-soldering technique.

You align the tip of the shorter reed with the end of the longer slot and attach by soldering.  This is possible because the reed position isn’t constrained by the rivet holes. In extreme cases you must block the holes that this leaves at the rivet end.

Send me an email off-list and I’ll respond with a picture of a short reed soldered on a much longer slot.

Vern