Heart2Harp
75 posts
Jun 11, 2010
12:21 PM
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Hi all,
I'm learning to tune my harps. I have Richard Sleigh's book and toolkit. I used to fantasize about how easy it would be to tune the instrument...no need to buy more harps (and justify the 40$ spending to my wife). But so far, I've broken every reed I've tried tuning.
This is what happens: At first I manage to put the reed back in tune (which makes me feel very happy). Then a minute later, for some reason I don't understand, the reed drops way out of tune again. Next thing you know, it's not vibrating anymore...and then it breaks.
I'm so frustrated!!!!! It looks so easy on videos and in books. Any words of support? Advice? (I suppose you'll all say: keep practicing). Anybody else in this situation?
Thanks for letting me vent
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Heart2Harp
Heart2Harp
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Buddha
2008 posts
Jun 11, 2010
12:22 PM
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use a lighter touch.
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"Musicians are the architects of heaven"
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Ryan
294 posts
Jun 11, 2010
12:46 PM
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It's possible that the reeds were already blown out to begin with. If the reed is blown out, the retuning won't hold. At that point that point the reed needs to be replaced, it can't be retuned.
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Heart2Harp
76 posts
Jun 11, 2010
1:10 PM
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@Buddha:
I suppose I could use a lighter touch. I do push down on the reed with my thumb while filing it. And I suppose I could put less pressure on the file.
@Ryan: what do you mean by the reed is ''blown out''. Do you mean that there is a breakdown of the metal at the beginning (rivet side of the reed)?
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Heart2Harp
Heart2Harp
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Ryan
295 posts
Jun 11, 2010
1:24 PM
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It just means that the reed's metal has become overly fatigued. At this point the reed will dramatically drop in tuning, or will occasionally even break in half. Often blown out reeds will have small micro fractures, and if you continue to play them they will break.
Although, just because a reed goes a little flat, it doesn't necessarily mean it's blown out, so it is definately worthwhile to learn how to tune.
Last Edited by on Jun 11, 2010 3:52 PM
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Heart2Harp
77 posts
Jun 11, 2010
3:37 PM
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bumpitty bump
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Heart2Harp
Heart2Harp
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7LimitJI
185 posts
Jun 11, 2010
4:41 PM
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Sometimes a reed just breaks.
Usually it goes flat a bit, but can be re-tuned.
If a reed drops by approx half a semi-tone its usually cracked.
It may tune up, but will not hold its tuning.
And like you say breaks very soon.
Nothing to do with lighter touch.
Its called experience.
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Youtube
Due to cutbacks,the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched off.
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shanester
78 posts
Jun 11, 2010
7:44 PM
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I started tuning my own a few months ago. It could be that you are creating stress fractures from playing to hard. I have had a couple.
You can't see the fatigue, but if you are substantially out of tune, like close to a semitone, that could be what is happening. The reed will eventually shear off.
Also, when you tune, be sure to sand or file in the direction of the length, of the reed, and not across it, this could create a weak spot that will fail.
Also, try using a finer file or sandpaper, that is less likely to gouge the reed.
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