1-big thing: TUNING Principals
Hello Harp Techs, initially for me the task of tuning the harmonica was my least favorite thing to do ... but now, a few thousand reeds later, I find learning new tips, tricks and the physiology of harmonica tuning extremely satisfying.
WHY IT MATTERS
You folks can benefit from my experience and leap frog over the trials & tribulations phase of learning harmonica reed tuning.
For example; when doing your rough and final tuning (on the comb), be mindful of the following conditions:
- the BLOW reeds use our (+positive) warm, humid breath pressure
- the DRAW reeds use our (-negative) breath pressure to pull (vacuum) in dryer cooler air
When comparing DRAW reed tuning to BLOW reed tuning, have you noticed how challenging it can be to stabilize (lock-in) the BLOW reed tuning? It can be maddening ... the more you try the worse the situation gets!
You Can Relax Now -- being mindful of "reed physics" will inform your approach to Harmonica Tuning:
- Warm air will FLATTEN (b) the pitch
- Tuning tools (Files, Stratchers, Draw Scrapers, etc.) will heat up the reeds and FLATTEN (b) the pitch
- Condensation (moisture) will weigh down the reeds and FLATTEN (b) the pitch
- You will notice as the reed temperature restores to room temperature, the pitch will rise (# sharpen)
TIPS & TRICKS
- Especially when tuning BLOW reeds, do not over work the reed -- start with three passes of your tuning tool, then move on to the next reed.
- In my shop I use small bursts of cool compressed air to blow off condensation. Lint free swabs (used on electronics benches) work well
If you want (or need) to get more into the weeds about harmonica tuning, go deeper by checking out:
- Harp Tech Studies Video Series (navigate this site under EQUIPMENT)
- HARPSMITH Benchcraft on my YouTube channel (@HARPSMITH900)
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
