phogi
432 posts
May 21, 2010
4:00 AM
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I've been tuning harps. After about ten of them, I decided to try using the engraving bit method. Boy is it easier than using a hand file. Plus, the reed does not warp like it does when I use a file.
I've tried files, pointy objects, and the engraving bit methods. Next I'll try the rubber abrasive wheels and prob buy one of those fancy chisels Richard sells.
What is your favorite method? Why?
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harpwrench
261 posts
May 21, 2010
5:44 AM
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I use a file to raise pitch, Richard's draw scraper to flatten. Why? Efficiency, accuracy, and least risk of damage to reeds/slots. Also, the material being removed is easily managed for cleanliness. You don't want dust/ chips migrating to other reed slots, which causes issues. The Seydel stainless reeds are the exception; I use a diamond tip rotary bit on them because the material will ruin the file/scraper.
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walterharp
343 posts
May 21, 2010
5:55 AM
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people made fun of me a few years back on another board when i mentioned the same preference. there is the damage issue and you have to make sure that the rotation is toward the end of the reed, or you can catch the end of the reed and mess it up.
as far as chips and dust, be really careful to always clean it before testing. brass is bad stuff to inhale, looking at the material safety data sheets
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GermanHarpist
1473 posts
May 21, 2010
7:04 AM
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I also had good experiences with the rotary tip. I use it to raise the pitch. One of the reasons being, that you don't change the sides of the reed, but only in the middle (of the tip of the reed..).
To lower the pitch I use a tool (from the hering tool set), with which you can take away material from the whole reed. Somehow it seems to me that, because the rivet end of the reed is so important in the vibration process, I don't want to put to much of a grove into it. Just remove material as smooth/equal as possible. Of course this will in a way change the sides of a reed, however IMO it isn't as crucial to the sound as the sides of the reed at the tip.
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YT
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