shadoe42
12 posts
Mar 04, 2011
4:06 PM
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I posted this question on HarmonicaBoogie as well but thought I would post it here.
On my G harpmaster suddenly the two blow sounds completely weak. Sounds like a ton of air leakage from somewhere. I have done my best to isolate this. I am wondering..have I blown out the reed? I don't think it is my technique as I don't seem to have this issue on my other harps. Gap to much on this reed? if so how can I go about fixing it? Or is just time to get a new harp?
thanks,
ed
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The Musical Blades
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Jehosaphat
8 posts
Mar 04, 2011
4:44 PM
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first off is the reed still in one piece and sitting straight in its slot?
If you 'plink' the reed does it go plink or plunk?
Plunk can mean a dead reed.
Is the gap about the thickness of the reed from the plate?
No gunk holding the reed open?
Is the reed plate nice and tight to the comb?
Also check the 2 draw reed as above,a lot of air can escape there too
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MP
1469 posts
Mar 04, 2011
5:44 PM
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2 blow is a very strong reed. it is unlikely that you've blown it out. could be a host of things, but i suspect the gap.
do what Jehosophat suggests.
and try this.
remove the top plate. w/ a strong blunted toothpick press about a third of the way from the tip end down on the reed. then sandwich it back and check. the reed should resemble the reeds adjacent to it. too airy decrease gap from the bottom. too much resistance too small of a gap.
i hope it works
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
576 posts
Mar 04, 2011
6:33 PM
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Nobody really blows out 2 draw reeds. Run the harmonica under warm tapwater. Tap it out. 70 percent chance it will be good to go. You always look at the simplest problem/solution first, then move on.
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"There are only two things money can't buy - true love and homegrown tomatoes." - Lewis Grizzard
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shadoe42
13 posts
Mar 04, 2011
8:52 PM
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Thanks guys. i had the thing apart again tonight when I got home to make sure of all the advice. I had earlier made sure the reed was clear and nothing was stopping it.
adjusting the gap has helped. The 2 blow is now stronger than it has been. I suspect now it is just a matter of getting it exactly right. Any advice on how to properly gap the reeds would be appreciated.
One of the things I would like to be able to do is set up my own harps and do maintenance tasks such as this.
thanks so much for all the pointers.
ed
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The Musical Blades
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MP
1470 posts
Mar 04, 2011
9:16 PM
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richard sleigh has an instructional called turbo charge your harmonica. it's $27 i think. he also offers a nice tool kit w/ very good tools.
just search richard sleigh and check richard sleigh products. this should keep you busy for years.
there are lots of vids on the subject( a few by choppajoe are highly recomended) but i think pictures and step by step info is better in the long run. he'll tell you the why of things.
MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
Last Edited by on Mar 04, 2011 9:17 PM
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