Joeharp 310
3 posts
Jun 13, 2015
3:54 PM
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Hello, I want to ask some more xp players if they adjust or fine tune some of the reeds on an out of the box harp. I`ve been playing for about three years now but I never try filing reeds on any harp. I can play "intermediate i`d say but trying to get new sounds,could that be part of my problem. Would appreciate any info on this matter,
Thank You,
Joeharp 310
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arzajac
1651 posts
Jun 13, 2015
6:12 PM
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Hi Joe.
It would be a little more straightforward if you focused on what you would like to accomplish rather than what the interventions are that will get you there.
What are your expectations? What would you like your harps to do that they aren't doing at the moment?
Adjusting can mean several things. Gapping would be the most basic. By adjusting the resting position of a reed, you affect how it responds. By setting it higher, the reed responds better to higher breath and by setting it lower, it responds better to low breath. By adjusting both reeds in the chamber, you can optimize the response of each regular note as well as all the available bends.
If making fine adjustments to gapping still leaves you wanting more - say you are having trouble with hitting all the semitone bends on the three hole with control, there are other interventions you can do to get them to play better. In general, I refer to making the harp more airtight and making adjustments to the reed shape.
When you say fine tuning and filing, I assume you mean tuning. In that case, what do your ears tell you? Are you happy with how in-tune the single notes are? What about all the available octaves? And chords? If any of those things are not to your liking in an out-of-the-box harp, you can adjust. Again, what are your expectations?
I hope that helps.
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Custom overblow harps. Harmonica Combs and Tools.
Last Edited by arzajac on Jun 13, 2015 6:12 PM
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Destin
129 posts
Jun 13, 2015
7:09 PM
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Hi Joe,
Most stock harps can make all the sounds you need, including overblows. The only thing you may be missing is gonna be 1 overblow and overdraws. I have been playing a little over 4 years and most mods that I have done were not to get new sounds but mostly just tuning, cleaning and a little gapping.
I leave the real work, like setting up for overdraws to the guys that focus on that stuff. I choose to spend my time practicing. Not saying that it wouldn't be great to get really good at working on harps, I just don't have that kinda of time to work on set ups and playing.
On another note Jason Ricci once told me that working on harps can make you a better player.
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Joeharp 310
4 posts
Jun 15, 2015
2:34 PM
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Thanks for the advice guys,just thought I might need to adjust or "tune"certain reeds to get those low bluesy bends. I can bend fairly well,just trying to blend them in more smoothly. I will continue to practice and I`m sure I will prevail. Luv the blues and thanks again.
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GMaj7
703 posts
Jun 15, 2015
4:19 PM
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I'm really glad to see Destin chime in on this.
He is a FANTASTIC player, especially in the jazzy blues context.
He is also professionally trained in other instruments.
Notice that he emphasizes practice.
All good marksmen have to clean their rifle and adjust their sites... but very few are actual gunsmiths..
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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