Ed Hopwood
4 posts
Mar 20, 2015
7:47 AM
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I love this instrument but its driving me crazy.
Harps go out of tune after a while. I've been trying to tune them myself and can do ok but I've messed up a few reeds which I now have to replace.
At the moment I'm using jewellers files, not particularly good ones. I can tune ok just about ( I have Richard sleigh's book which is useful)
But I'm struggling to gap the reeds.
Its something I'd really like to get into, especially as I play different styles which suit different tuning systems.
Is there hope? Do others tune their own?
Any general tips greatly appreciated.
Cheers.
Ed
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arzajac
1615 posts
Mar 20, 2015
8:00 AM
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Keep at it. It's possible to tune reeds without messing them up or even changing their gaps. See this:
http://harp.andrewzajac.ca/Tune
Also, be sure you are not blowing out reeds due to poor technique - you will never be able to get a blown reed back in tune.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
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Ed Hopwood
5 posts
Apr 05, 2015
12:38 AM
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Hi there, sorry for the delayed response. Thanks for the feedback, thats very helpful and I shall be ordering your octave tuner if poss to get to u.k. I notice you use an electrical tool rather than a file?
The guy that used to tune my harps also usess something similar. I've been using a cheap file which is prob not the best. Could you possibly recommend another tool for this?
many thanks
Ed
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GMaj7
665 posts
Apr 05, 2015
4:36 AM
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I use a low power/high RPM variable speed rotary tool.
I have a few on hand that I sell, but I also sell them to Seydel and it might be cheaper to buy it from them directly.
I use a polymer bit that works great...but you can't get that through them.
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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arzajac
1625 posts
Apr 05, 2015
5:30 AM
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I get asked that question a lot.
"Where can I get that engraver?"
"a cheap file which is prob not the best."
Well, if it works, there is nothing wrong with a cheap file! It's not my preference, but I can get the job done with one if that's all I have on hand.
But if you are fighting with the tool or if you feel you are distorting the reed, you may want something better. Use anything that works for you.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
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SuperBee
2513 posts
Apr 05, 2015
6:23 AM
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my cheap rotary tool lost its bite...but my file and draw scraper do the job. i break out a sanding wand at times when i feel the other tools are too aggressive. whatever you use, you'll develop a feel for it if you are methodical. i count file strokes, try to be consistent in weight of stroke etc...i mainly use the draw scraper on the fixed end, file on the free end. but i file the fixed end too sometimes
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Chris L
84 posts
Apr 06, 2015
7:34 PM
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Andrew's (arzajac's) blog and videos are excellent, as are Richard Sleigh's book and vids, and there are many others on line, but my experience suggests that in the beginning there will be a few wrecked reeds like you describe. I have little to add except to strongly recommend getting a couple of the cheapest junk harps you can find to practice on. Do everything you can to make them as responsive and in tune as possible. If you fail, small loss. If you succeed you can give them to little kids who will then have the opportunity to play with an in tune and semi-responsive garbage harmonica.
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