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I want to break a reed
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MindTheGap
1451 posts
Apr 11, 2016
3:15 AM
I've never broken a reed. I've only had one go a bit flat on a cheapo bluesband harp. Out of curiosity I want to break one. I have a couple of super-cheap harps I'm happy to sacrifice. How do I do it and which reed to work on?

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Ian
321 posts
Apr 11, 2016
3:38 AM
Isn't the 4 draw the one that people complain about breaking the most? I'm like you, never broken one. I have a fear of one hitting the back of my throat if I do! Harp shrapnel!
Harmlessonica
220 posts
Apr 11, 2016
5:01 AM
For some reason I thought this was titled like the song... 'I want to break free. ..'

MTG you clearly have too many harps. :)

Are you after fixing practice?
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Last Edited by Harmlessonica on Apr 11, 2016 6:15 AM
SuperBee
3590 posts
Apr 11, 2016
5:48 AM
get on the 5 draw and wail it loudly while bending it as far as you can...or...play butterfield's version of born in chicago...the album track from the first album...play the harp outro with gusto, full volume and speed, just like on the record, with a D harp. this may destroy the 4 draw first

i think a D harp is your best bet, maybe an E harp with the 5 draw.

another option would be some violent loud uber-flat 9 blow bends.

it will take repetition and gusto...and bending very flat will help, i feel sure

i'm interested to know how long it takes.

Last Edited by SuperBee on Apr 11, 2016 5:49 AM
SuperBee
3591 posts
Apr 11, 2016
5:51 AM
use brass. steel is more likely to snap off. brass more like to fail gradually. when it goes flat, back off so as to avoid the danger of inhalation
MindTheGap
1454 posts
Apr 11, 2016
5:54 AM
Harmlessonica :) Now you say it.., that's what Freddie was really singing, "I want to break reed..." I didn't know he fixed harmonicas.

Let Project Reed Failure begin. I'll let you know. Hopefully it won't just snap as Ian suggests. It's going to be the bent 5D on an A harp. Any higher key or note is too shrill.

I should do a cumulative thing, a bit every day, and keep a log. If it doesn't break quickly, I'll probably loose patience.

Last Edited by MindTheGap on Apr 11, 2016 5:56 AM
SuperBee
3593 posts
Apr 11, 2016
5:58 AM
D harp is easier. most common break there is in my experience and via reports
Killa_Hertz
1006 posts
Apr 11, 2016
6:32 AM
Ive never broken a reed either. I am also curious as to :
A) what it will be like when it does happen.
B) What it takes it actually make it happen.

LMK how it goes. I have a super cheap no name harp I could try this on. but it has plastic reeds like the LeeOskar. so it might actually be tougher than a SP20.

SP20 are notorious for breaking reeds. Try one of those MTG.
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