So I had been playing a mix mash set of marine bands and hohner blues harps. I've been slowly replacing my BH ms's with marine bands (which I prefer). I picked up an 'A' harp and went to It to the blues harp. Everything is to be expected except the 3 draw bend just isn't there. 3 draw works perfectly but when I try and bend it just won't have it. It sounds like a lot of air.
Here's what I know: -I doubt it's me. Even being new at this my three draw bends are consistent. - I've tried for a week to break it in
What should I do? Does it need to be gapped?
And I know some people will say "what do you want it's a stock marine band" and that may be so. But how to I fix this?
I'm about a million miles away from being an expert but I reckon your gapping idea is probably worth a crack. I've fixed the odd windy harp that way.
Like I said, I'm not an expert by any measure so maybe wait and see what the consensus is from the wiser forum members...
Last Edited by on Apr 04, 2011 5:17 PM
Thanks dandeej78. The weird thing is I took the cover plates off to take a peak but looked to be roughly the same as the others. I don't know what I should do...... But thought it would be best to educate my self first.
@703 the following is from Joe Spiers, who is a very well respected customizer. I have found these extremely useful with my own harps, and I am sure you will too, if in fact gapping the reed is your problem.
@Seven.Oh.Three. the space around the 3draw (meaning the size of the slot) might be a little wider then the rest, hence it may need a tighter gap. ALSO, your 3 BLOW also affects the bending, so check that reed too. Bending is symbiotic resonance between the two reeds, so both are important, and both need to be adequately gapped.
I recall BBQBob (where'd he go?) talking about a problem with the rivet that sometimes affects the low draw notes on MBs and makes them less responsive. His fix was to use a nailset to give the rivet head a sharp tap with a hammer. Might be the problem. Worth a try - nothing to lose.
Thanks everybody for all the responses. When I get back from work I'm gonna see if I can fix this. Doesn't sound too tricky. Patience sounds like the key. I guess it's a series of trials and error especially since I don't have experience to reference.
I'll compare it to another common keyed harp. I'll assume that a blues harp ms will have a common size gap.
I spent som time working with the draw reed then turned my focus to the blow reed. I got more out of the blow reed than with the draw. You learn something new each day. Although now I'm back to not having an excuse for the poor sounds coming out of it.....
