arzajac
1545 posts
Jan 10, 2015
3:15 PM
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This video is about an embossing technique.
I offered some mysterious instructions on my website (including a free download): http://harp.andrewzajac.ca/node/257
This video explains the clue I gave, my reason for offering it in this way and a demonstration of how I use indirect light and a three-dimensional view to make quick and effective work of embossing harmonica slots.
With this method, you get benefits similar to using a microscope and a light-table but avoid the respective disadvantages and limitations of those devices.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
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JInx
951 posts
Jan 10, 2015
3:27 PM
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thanks, much appreciated
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orphan
388 posts
Jan 11, 2015
7:01 AM
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Great lesson in changing our view to see things as they are instead of the way they appear. I printed off your clue and spent the last week trying to figure out what it was. I wasn't even close! But it did get me to thinking about the dynamics of the reed. Your video added another piece to the puzzle.
I rcvd. the R&D GM comb along with the French Tuner on Fri. Installed the comb last night. Still need to do some reed work but I like the fit and look of the earth friendly comb. You are a real asset to this
forum. Thanks!
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Barley Nectar
595 posts
Jan 11, 2015
8:09 AM
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Thank you Andrew, excellent demonstration. The "Clue" is enlightening and clever...BN
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isaacullah
2904 posts
Jan 12, 2015
11:03 AM
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Great tip, Andrew! Thanks for sharing!!
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YouTube! Soundcloud!
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harpwrench
963 posts
Jan 12, 2015
1:30 PM
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Are you using this view while you're embossing, instead of a light table?
Last Edited by harpwrench on Jan 31, 2015 6:31 PM
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arzajac
1549 posts
Jan 12, 2015
3:38 PM
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Joe, I use a lot of mineral oil as I emboss. I've found that works best for me; maybe I do more gentle passes rather than fewer harder passes, but that's what gets me closest to where I want to be without overshooting the mark. As such, the view from the light table is not very telling and I never could get comfortable working on one.
I emboss under an overhead light and I can see the top surface of the slot under direct vision. As far as I'm concerned, it's not a moving target. The dynamic part is the reed as it passes through. So I do one pass of full-slot embossing, wipe, plink and toot then reassess visually. I go back for touch-ups as-needed, one reed at a time until I am where I want to be.
My point, though, is that there are many ways to do this well. If someone is looking to get great results, they don't need to rely on or invest in a lot of equipment.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
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harpwrench
964 posts
Jan 12, 2015
4:15 PM
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I guess my point is it isn't an embossing technique, it's an evaluation or viewing technique, more useful to see how the reed closes than how your embossing looks IMO. Can be used with any flavor of embossing technique. When I watched Richards video when it came out, I noticed it looked like he's giving a reedplate a peek from that angle too, although he doesn't mention it.
Last Edited by harpwrench on Jan 31, 2015 6:30 PM
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arzajac
1550 posts
Jan 12, 2015
5:09 PM
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LOL! Yes, you can apply this to any technique used to emboss the slots.
I think the way you see your work is very important. More so that which method or tool you use to actually move material in and close up the space. You can't be effective unless you continuously evaluate what you are doing.
This is a simple, low-tech way to see your progress with great precision.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
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HarpNinja
3998 posts
Jan 13, 2015
7:18 AM
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I use an LED light box that works great. It provides a lot of clarity in watching the reed in the slot. I use a jewler's loupe on occassion as well as magnification from my light thing (don't know the technical term), and have some of those magnifier glasses like Dana uses in Ghostbusters 2 when they come visit her at the art museum.
While I totally concede that magnification is extremely valuable, it is something I've never felt totally comfortable doing as I work - it is easier for me to check than do while I am embossing, if that makes sense.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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arzajac
1552 posts
Jan 13, 2015
7:41 AM
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"it is easier for me to check than do while I am embossing, if that makes sense."
It makes perfect sense. Sometimes, it's faster to do things together and sometimes trying to do two things at once is less efficient and makes things slower.
Anyway, the goal is accuracy; speed is secondary. No?
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica service and repair.
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HarpNinja
3999 posts
Jan 13, 2015
10:44 AM
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Right, but I think the best accuracy would come from the best view in real time.
I haven't done a ton of customs lately as the real world has proven to difficult to keep it up seriously, but I would love a good microscope for improved accuracy.
My eyes + magnification have been adequate, but I see the upside.
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Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
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harpwrench
966 posts
Jan 14, 2015
4:26 PM
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If you can see what you're doing it saves time going back and fixing that spot that's too tight like AZ has to in the video. They don't need to be microscope-close. But like Dick Sjoberg says, every customizer has his own truths.
Last Edited by harpwrench on Jan 31, 2015 6:31 PM
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