The Happy Harper
3 posts
Jan 18, 2009
7:45 AM
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I have several harps (special 20s) that I have played and then after a good bit of playing one of the reeds goes south and honks flat like a duck fart. It's obviously not a technique thing on my part cause one day it is fine the next it's not.
So, I thought the point to tuning reeds was to save these old harps and since it seems like everybody but me is tuning harps these days I try to get these reeds back in step by sharpening the note by following the careful instructions on-line. But they just don't get back to where they need to be. I ended up filing right through the tip of one in the process of filing,playing,filing,playing as it just wouldn't budge.
So the question is can you fix a blown reed or should I just use the thing for parts? (I may try the reed replacement at some point too)
Do I tune it or toss it in the spare parts bin?
Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
Jason
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MrVerylongusername
115 posts
Jan 18, 2009
7:58 AM
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You can't go on retuning forever - eventually the reed, or the harp needs replacing. I say toss it.
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oldwailer
453 posts
Jan 18, 2009
1:20 PM
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The best thing to do is send those old harps to me--I'll take good care of them.
When the reed goes south, you can replace the reed. Rupert Oyslter's video shows how to do this--and there is plenty of instruction online. It will then need to be retuned, of course. I haven't finished one yet, but I'm working on it. . .
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Violin Cat
10 posts
Jan 18, 2009
4:22 PM
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tune it or replace it....if it's welded (suzuki) might have to toss it...If you toss them toss them to my house!
J
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MrVerylongusername
122 posts
Jan 19, 2009
12:16 PM
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"I carefully replace the coverplate, then hurl the harp at the floor, leap after it and stomp it flat with the heel of my running shoe. Joey rolls into a tensed crouch; I pick it up and toss it out the window.
You gotta kill 'em when they die, I say, snatching his wineskin of the corner off the bathrom door and squirting myself a mouthful."
From "Busker-s Holiday" by Adam Gussow
Now THAT'S how to deal with a dead reed!
(Really enjoying the book Adam!)
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eharp
195 posts
Jan 19, 2009
5:06 PM
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i got to remember to carry some totally wasted harps for the theatrics!
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wheezer
43 posts
Jan 20, 2009
5:26 AM
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Hi Happy Harper,
No, don't throw those blown special 20's out. Google
'Harponline' a German company. They can supply new single reeds for your 20's, they are the same reeds used in the Marine Band Handmade harps.
You can either use the old rivet, drill and tap the reedplate and screw the new reed in place or if you don't have any small taps for cutting threads you will find that there is room on the 20's to use a nut and bolt for fixing the reed. Go to youtube and enter N62KNM and I have a video there showing how to do the screw method.
I have just had a count up and out of about 50 harps I have 12 Hohner inc. SP20's, old type (pre MS) Pro Harps, 1 Cross Harp (pre MS) and a few MB's I have had to change reeds in all of these at some time.
I reckon that it costs about $1.50 to change 2 reeds in a harp. How much would 12 harps cost to replace?
Practice on an old junker to start with 'cos you're
bound to make a few mistakes but when you get the hang of it and play the harp you repaired you will be one happy man.
As for welded Suzuki reeds, drill through the spot weld to remove the duff reed. I don't know where to buy new Suzuki reeds but if you have any old plates around you can usually find a reed to do the job and screww it in place.
I forgot to mention that with SP20's I open up the back of the covers and have them chromed because the nickel plate starts to lift making them uncomfotable to play.
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The Happy Harper
4 posts
Feb 01, 2009
7:57 PM
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Thanks for the tips folks. Really appreciate it!
I have started my very own harp graveyard
I will probably give replacing a reed or two a try in the near future.
Thanks to Wheezer for the video and everyone for the advice.
and of course thanks to Adam for starting this whole crazy thing.
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