[Harp-L] XB-40

[Rick Epping]

I might add that the values of the X reeds shown in the tuning chart are as
sounded at the factory when the X reed is played while its reedplate is
attached to a tuning table, as a normal reed, before being given a zero
offset.  For the purpose of tuning your own instrument, better to just tune
the X reeds on the assembled mouthpiece/comb assembly, testing their pitch
by playing the bent notes.

On Wed, Sep 27, 2017 at 3:27 PM, Rick Epping <rickepping at xxxxx> wrote:

> Hi Dee,
>
> I established the tuning values of the X reeds to permit easy bending to
> the desired note, which meant that with effort the reeds could be bent a
> little more than the desired note.  Naturally, these values were
> subjective, depending on how easy I felt the bend was, as well as on how
> well the instrument was set up. Here's a link to the tuning chart I gave to
> the factory: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B56Y28n7JwtSNVpVSzBTUG93OEk/
> view?usp=sharing
>
> The chart is in German but you should be able to make it out.  The five
> columns in the charts are:
> 1. Hole number
> 2. Top plate, inside, with reed offset
> 3. Top plate, outside, without reed offset (X reed)
> 4. Bottom plate, inside, without reed offset (X reed)
> 5. Bottom plate, outside, with reed offset
>
> To avoid confusion, I wrote Bb in the English manner: Bb, and B-natural in
> the German manner: H.
>
> The X reeds can be retuned to change the depth of the bent notes, either
> fine tuning the established bend or changing the bent note altogether.  I
> wouldn't suggest retuning the X reeds until the harmonica is properly set
> up and assembled, particularly the mouthpiece.  Then simply play the bent
> note and adjust the tuning of the X reed as necessary.
>
> Best,
> Rick
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 27, 2017 at 1:55 PM, <flyingv8 at xxxxx> wrote:
>
>> Thank you for that info Rick! Have you ever tuned the X reeds lower to
>> facilitate bending? What is your experience with that?
>> Regards,
>> Dee
>> ---- Rick Epping <rickepping at xxxxx> wrote:
>> > Hi Robert,
>> >
>> > If both blow 2 and blow 3 won't bend at all but all other holes are
>> fine,
>> > it could be a coincidental problem with either their valves or their
>> > complementary reeds.  If they will bend down a little but not a whole
>> step,
>> > I would check the seal between the comb and mouthpiece. Any air leakage
>> > from there can seriously compromise bending.  A document I put together
>> > describing the procedure I follow to service XB-40s can be accessed
>> here:
>> > https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B56Y28n7JwtSeGxCMFh1WERvZVk
>> /view?usp=sharing
>> >
>> > Best regards,
>> > Rick
>>
>>
>>
>