Gerry
76 posts
Apr 07, 2017
10:29 AM
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I've just got two new Session Steels (A and Bb)
I've retuned both to Paddy Richter but the A has a very weak and breathy Blow 2. I've got another Session Steel in A to compare and there is definately something up.
I've tried gapping, lightly embossing and the reed plates look pretty well straight.
The only thing is the rivet and reed end have, what looks to be rust on them.
Any ideas? I don't think I can return this as I've retuned the plate.
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arzajac
1823 posts
Apr 07, 2017
12:07 PM
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Hi Gerry,
There are plenty of reasons why a particular reed can feel airy. None of those reasons have to do with embossing; I just want to make it clear that embossing *never* fixes a problem although it's very common for folks to try.
Airtightness is a likely cause. All reed plates look straight but you would need to use a straight reference to see. It doesn't take much to make a harp sluggish. Your harp needs a solid foundation. And by that I mean every slot in perfect contact with the comb.
Seydel stock Session combs are excellent, so I doubt that's the problem. Anyway, they are designed to flex a bit and seal up minor leaks. but it can only flex so much. Sometimes it's pulled in both directions at once because both plates are off... Be sure to consider the flatness of both the blow and draw plates.
Rule out a defect in the comb (you can't check it with a straight reference because it's recessed). Swap out the comb with the other Session that's working well. Maybe it's a hair or some other debris?
Once you have covered the basics, consider the more advanced stuff:
A problem with either the blow or draw reed can cause the trouble you describe. Is the draw reed gapped too high? Are the reeds centered and aligned with the slot?
What about the shape of the reed? When you hold the plate so that you can look through the slot (from the side) push the reed through the slot. What part of the reed enters first? The correct answer should be "all of it". If the tip or the belly enter first, that is likely the cause. Consider the shape of both the blow and draw reeds.
If you still are having trouble after considering all the things I just mentioned, please post a clip of what it sounds like. That may further help track down the problem.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica Combs and Tools.
Last Edited by arzajac on Apr 07, 2017 12:09 PM
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Gerry
77 posts
Apr 07, 2017
11:35 PM
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Cheers Andrew, I finally fixed the problem. I did have a spare orange comb and found that the plates dropped into the recess much easier than the new purple one. I couldn't see any sprue or lip anywhere but ran a blade around the vertical wall. It took several attempts to get the plates in but I think that was the breathiness cured.
Also the reed was over a quarter tone flat. I retuned it but it still sounded slightly different to the rest.
Finally I soaked it in hot water. After a short period of long sustained notes it suddenly sounded better.
I think the rust at the rivet may have been a small filing or piece of debris as when it sounded good it also went slightly sharp. I retuned again and this morning it sounds great.
I've learnt a lot in the last 24 hours...
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Killa_Hertz
2292 posts
Apr 08, 2017
10:49 AM
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As Andrew said .. I often find the reed shape it to blame. You ll notice it may be high at the reed end and the tip is entering the slot first.
Another thing could be very fine debris at the rivet end. If you run a very thin feeler Guage in there to clear anything out. And maybe also knock any touch edges down on the slot. Not really embossing, just making the edges smoother and cleaner. that works best for me.
Also your plates shouldn't be rusting. They are stainless steel, no? I know stainless CAN still rust, but....
Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on Apr 08, 2017 10:51 AM
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Gerry
78 posts
Apr 09, 2017
3:48 AM
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The plates aren't rusting but it appears to be either the rivet or the reed.What I'm thinking is a small piece of debris got between the reed and plate and it's that that has rusted.
I've another Session Steel in A purchased about a month ago. That one is crisp and responsive, the newer purple one is say, 10% warmer sounding. It's not a complaint just an observation.
It's proof that all harps can be different.
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Gerry
79 posts
Apr 10, 2017
11:01 AM
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Okay, a final update. Out of sheer curiosity I swapped the plates of the two "A"'s over.
Amazingly, Blow 2 on the Red SS was also rusted. It's clearly the rivet/reed material. No other reed exhibits any sign. Secondly, the warmer sounding Purple has now migrated to the Red,meaning it's the plate that sounds this way.
Finally, I think I've tracked down the culprit causing the breathiness. The Red plates were again very tight in the Purple comb. On close inspection there were very small "hairlike" shavings of plastic coming from the edges of quite a number of comb holes.
I definately believe these were the cause of the plates not seating correctly and the weird note I was getting before I soaked the plate. I also wonder about breathing this stuff in.
I'm still happy with Seydel as the Purple Bb had a tight comb but sounds and plays perfectly. But there is possibility that there's something going on with the Key of A Blow Reed 2.
I've learnt a lot and this experience has proven to me that the fundamental tone is only coming from the plates or at least 98% of it
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