RSleigh
3 posts
Aug 28, 2014
6:02 PM
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Hi Everyone!
I thought it was about time I started sharing some of my research on harmonica customizing, slot reconstruction in particular...
I just posted 3 new videos on harmonica slot customizing. Also known as embossing, burnishing, sizing, slot reconstruction....
You can find them here: http://hotrodharmonicas.com/harmonica-slot-customizing-tool/
I came up with a couple of definitions for the words I use to describe this process.
I now use the term embossing for using a tool that closes both sides of the slot at the same time. This would be tube type embossing tools, or the ones with a ball at the end, like a tuning fork.
I use the term burnishing to describe closing one side of the slot at a time. This is how I got started with this process. I was an Art student, and studied zinc and copper plate printing techniques. One of the tools I used was a burnishing tool. When I first heard about closing harmonica slots I heard the term burnishing first, embossing later on.
I went home from that SPAH convention and dug out my old burnishing tool and adapted it to work on harmonica slots.
After years of using that basic design, I came up with a new version of a burnishing tool that you can use to close up the entire slot. You hold it like a pen, so it is easy to control.
Plus I have been building light boxes with all sorts of improvements. Anything to make customizing harmonicas easier, more predictable....
And less time consuming, so you & I can spend more time playing!
Check it out... http://hotrodharmonicas.com/harmonica-slot-customizing-tool/
Thanks!
Richard Sleigh
http://hotrodharmonicas.com
http://rsleigh.com
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ridge
542 posts
Aug 28, 2014
6:30 PM
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Richard thanks for making that magic cube video and addressing the issue of looking to the left or right of a reed when working on the slot. This ALWAYS drives me crazy. Glad to know it's not entirely my fault.
I would like to add (unsolicited) that if you even are considering working on your own harmonicas to improve their performance that Richards videos and tools are well worth the (minimal) investment. I'm a frugal SOB and I finally came to my senses and forked over the dough.
Happy harping!
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Ridge's YouTube
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Frank
5166 posts
Aug 28, 2014
6:33 PM
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You make that look like child's play Richard...Pretty amazing skills you've got :)
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Mullet
16 posts
Aug 28, 2014
8:36 PM
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Thanks Richard!
It's always great to have more perspective on sizing/embossing.
I think for me the next step is one of your sizing tools and perhaps a light box to go with it.
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Barley Nectar
501 posts
Aug 29, 2014
8:09 AM
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Pretty cool site Richard. What are the tonal advantages of embossing the slot? I just buy reed plates and play them as is. Maybe doing this before installing the RP would be benifical. Are you in Erie, PA? Thanks for your time and info...BN
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Kingley
3677 posts
Aug 29, 2014
8:23 AM
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Barley Nectar - Generally speaking an embossed slot makes the tone more "brassy" sounding. It's brighter sounding basically. Although that's not always the case and usually depends on how heavily you emboss the slot. An embossed reed slot and a well gapped reed makes a harp a lot more responsive. However embossing is not the cure all that some seem to think it is. Often simply a well gapped harp with good arcs in the reeds is all that's needed to make a harp play well. If you haven't tried embossing I'd say give it a go and just try lightly embossing a harp to see if you like the effect. Don't use your best harp though just in case you don't like the effect. Some words of warning when embossing. Use a very light touch and only do three or four passes on each slot before testing. You will also have to "plink" the reed to get it working freely again. Sometimes when embossing you'll also knock the reed off centre and will need to realign it in the slot.
On most of my harmonicas these days I gap them, set the arcs if needed and very lightly emboss them. For me it works well and I'm happy with the result. Your mileage may vary.
Last Edited by Kingley on Aug 29, 2014 8:24 AM
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Frank
5172 posts
Aug 29, 2014
8:53 AM
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