1-big thing: HOW TO GAP FOR BENDABILITY
Hello Harp Techs,
Harmonicas that offer the best bending experience have perfectly gapped reeds.
Why it Matters
Playing a harmonica that has had reeds gapped for your unique breath pressure will enhance your bending skills and unlock the capabilities of the instrument.
Learn the fundamentals of REED GAPPING by viewing Reel #7, "How to Gap Your Harmonica Reeds for Optimum Bendability" available at:
https://harpsmith.com/benchcraft (Reel #7)
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hi Norlo, to build your confidence, practice on your box of discarded harmonicas first. It will be well worth your effort.
Feeler Guages (shim stock) is inexpensive and can easily be aquired over the internet.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
- Hello Harpsmith!
1st question: My thinnest feeler gauge is 0.04mm ( .0015). Where did you find a 0.025mm?
2nd question: I just started studying on bending technique. I have an A harmonica out of the box and i can "easily" bend the 6 hole but it's kind of hard to play it unbend (draw). Why this happens? I don't have this problem with my old A harmonica.
Thank you!
Hello Elsa, pleasure to make your aquaintance.
Q1: Where did you find a .001" (0.025mm) feeler gage?
A1: I ordered mine through <precisionbrand.com> Steel Feeler Gage .001 UPC No. 19115
Q2: I have an A harmonica out of the box and i can "easily" bend the 6 hole but it's kind of hard to play it unbend (draw). Why this happens? I don't have this problem with my old A harmonica.
A2: It appears the gap on the #6 DRAW reed free-end is too shallow. The quick fix would be to increase the gap to .006" (0.15mm).
For the ambitious Harp Tech:
[BLOW #6 Reed] set the Zero Point at .001" (0.025mm) and free end gap at .005" (0.13mm)
[DRAW #6 Reed] set the Zero Point at .002" (0.05mm) and the free end gap at .005" (0.13mm)
Keep me posted Elsa.
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thank you Harpsmith! I think i fixed it! Now i'd like to experiment a little bit with the tuning of my old A harmonica..! I have a special 20. Is there somewhere i can find the tuning chart for my SP20? What type of tuning is used for the SP20s from the factory? compromised just intonation?
Thanks again!
Ask and you shall receive! Here is the link to the Compromised Just Tuning chart:
https://harpsmith.com/benchcraft
- Scroll down to the Download For Temperament (tuning) Charts
- Select Compromised Just (Special 20, Rocket, Marine Band Crossover)
- For your convenience, all my charts are in the harmonica key of C. Because the note seperation (scale degrees) are identical for all Richter Tuned Harmonicas, your focus will only have to be on the "CENTS"
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Thank you Harpsmith!
Good video! Thanks for sharing. I don't have all those tools (near impossible in Argentina) but I do have a Lee Oskar harmonica tool kit. I'm too scared to do gapping on my harmonicas tho!