[Harp-L] Chromatic harmonica maintenance

[Slim Heilpern]

Hi Tom -

Thanks for weighing in on this. But as someone who's played chromatic for many, many years, I can say that the problem as described (delayed response) is at least 90% of the time valve-related. This I can say from much experience with this issue. Cleaning the valve will usually (at least temporarily) fix it. Replacing the valve is often a better long term solution.

Other responders recommended pre-heating the harp. I do this (using a heating pad on very low heat) but for me, it is not always enough -- can still end up with a sticky valve after an hour or so of playing (this is why you want to have at least one extra harp waiting on the heating pad). 

- Slim

https://slimandpenny.com



> On Oct 5, 2023, at 9:45 AM, Tom Halchak <info at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
> I have zero experience working on chromatic harmonicas but I have built
> thousands of custom diatonics and repaired more than I can count.  I could
> be way off base on this question.  Perhaps it does have something to do
> with the valve.  But based upon your description of the issue you are
> having, it sounds to me like the reed is not swinging through the slot
> cleanly.  This could be due to one of three reasons:
> 
> 1. The reed is not centered in the slot.  Consequently one edge of the reed
> is rubbing up against the slot.   My guess would be near the tip.  This
> would not necessarily impede the movement of the reed 100% of the time.  It
> could be affected by such things as moisture, temperature or dust.
> Sometimes it is an issue.  Sometimes it is not.  It doesn't take much for
> there to be a problem. Hold the reed plate up to the light to see if the
> reed is rubbing against the slot.  If it is, there are two
> possible solutions.  One is to center the reed.  I only have one Kongsheng
> harmonica and from what I can see, it is a clone of a Suzuki, meaning it
> has spot welded reeds.  Contrary to what a lot of folks believe, spot
> welded reeds can be swiveled from side to side.  Certainly enough to center
> the reed.  The other is to use a piece of shim stock or an X-Acto knife to
> scrape the edge of the slot to remove a tiny amount of material and provide
> clearance.
> 
> 2. The reed is too long and the tip of the reed is rubbing against the end
> of the slot.  Often, the force of the reed moving through the slot is
> enough to keep it moving, but sometimes when the reed settles, it can get
> stuck in exactly the right (wrong) spot.  The next time you try to play the
> reed, it is stuck.  The solution is file a tiny bit off the tip of the reed
> to provide more clearance.
> 
> 3. There is a burr on the slot that is getting in the way of the reed swing
> through.  Again, hold the reed plate up to the light.  You should see a
> halo of light around the reed.  If you see a little dark spot, that is
> likely where there is a burr on the slot.  You can use a shim stock or an
> x-Acto knife to remove the burr.
> 
> Hope this helps.  I am not a chromatic expert, but what you have described
> is something I encounter all the time when working on diatonics.
> 
> -- 
> *Tom Halchak*
> *Blue Moon Harmonicas LLC*
> *P.O. Box 14401 Clearwater, FL 33766*
> *(727) 366-2608*