tookatooka
627 posts
Oct 13, 2009
9:11 AM
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There's been plenty of chat about reedgapping on this forum but we don't hear much about the importance or non-importance of arcing.
I'm in two minds as to whether it is entirely necessary because I haven't noticed any difference when a reed is arced or not.
Having watched the YouTube videos on Harp manufacture, I haven't been aware of any arcing being done at all.
In the past, I have adjusted my reeds by closing down the gap so that it is virtually level with the reedplate (eg. no noticable gap)and then create the gap by gently arcing the reed along it's length.
I then experimented by ignoring any arcing and set the reedgap by massaging just the rivet end of the reed and there was no difference at all.
Any views or comments about arcing are invited and appreciated. Thanks.
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Last Edited by on Oct 13, 2009 9:13 AM
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Preston
520 posts
Oct 13, 2009
9:28 AM
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I like the striaght reed with little or no arch. I've tried all the various ways like you have, Took. My playing style and personal preference are for very tight gaps.
Sometimes I put the smallest arch on the very tip of the reed, but ONLY if I've lowered the gap so much that it is chokeing out. Raising just the tip will allow the air to flow under the reed and start the vibration.
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Bluzdude46
231 posts
Oct 13, 2009
11:36 AM
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I too close it down from the rivet end and then work it from the middle to the open end to get the gap back up. I can see the "arc" when I'm done. There has been a couple of occasions where I've had to go back in and open it more. After it "settled" the reed would choke if I pushed it to hard.
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jawbone
111 posts
Oct 13, 2009
1:52 PM
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How do you guys arc the reed? I lift the reed with something flexible and then massage the centre with something flat - is this the best way?
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If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
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tookatooka
630 posts
Oct 13, 2009
1:59 PM
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That's the way I did it. I have a thin feeler gauge and a little nylon tool used for tuning IF coils in electronics, (a bit like a small nylon screwdriver). So long as it's fairly soft and won't scratch the reed, a cocktail stick, matchstick, piece of bamboo skewer will suffice. A piece of paper will work just as well as a feeler gauge.
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harpwrench
98 posts
Oct 13, 2009
2:06 PM
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Right on Preston, flat is where its at......
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