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The 1 blow is out on my brand new Hohner Special 20

3 replies [Last post]
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 14:04
90.hitesh
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Joined: 06/27/2024

Hi Harpsmith,

The harp tech section is one of the most useful parts of the entire forum, I thank you for being here.

I have a new Hohner Special 20 Progressive in the key of A, with the first blow hole in a bad state. While the pitch is off by at least 10 cents, the extremely low volume gets it into a really bad shape.

I have shared a link with a recording of the harmonica played without the cover plates. The file has 2 recordings, the first part is the harmonica played without my hand covering any reed, while the second part covers the 1 draw reed. The second part increases volume but the sound is too unclean, eventually even going into an overblow.

https://soundcloud.com/hiteshchandra-tripathi/a-harmonica-special-20-1-blow/s-SoH7NSriefC?si=8c156be49bdf4e21b173832638dcd1f6&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

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Tue, 08/06/2024 - 14:47
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
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Joined: 02/07/2010
Trouble in paradise

Hello 90.hitesh, Bummer to learn of your issue with your Special 20 harmonica. Thanx to your audio file, I was able to assess the problem with your #1 BLOW Reed is that it is slightly off it's axis; therefore, some part of the vibrating reed is "clipping" the inside of the #1 Reed Plate Slot. Fortunately, there is an easy remedy--if your game.

You mentioned that you already have the cover plates removed. Now try this:

  1. With a Pozi Drive Screwdriver (I recommend the Wiha 262/PZ 1 x 60) remove the six (6) reed plate fasteners (machine screws)
  2. Using some sort of "light box" (your mobile phone's screen, etc), or simply hold your BLOW Reed Plate up towards a light source
  3. Center your eyes (we all have a Master Eye) over the #1 Reed Plate Slot. You will notice the sliver of light surrounding your reed, is not evenly distributed. Reach up and push the reed in/out of the slot with a toothpick, and you will see the part of the reed that is touching the reed plate slot.
  4. Of course, Harmonica Reed Wrenches can easily turn and "center" the reed inside the slot. If you do not have this tool, a thin metal shim stock*, aka Feeler Gauge (.001" / .025mm), can be inserted between the gap of the reed and reed plate slot, and enable you to nudge/center the reed into place. 
  5. Be sure to "plink" the reed to make certain the operation was sucessful
  6. Re-attach the reed plates onto the Comb (note: the reed plates with the threaded holes is the DRAW side). Convincingly--but not too tight, torque the six reed plate fasteners into place. Lastly, attach the Cover Plates
  7. Now go make some MUSIC!

*many Harp Techs use the thin piece of metal found inside a Retailer's security tag (plentiful on old CD cases)

For future troubleshooting reference, if you do not find the Harp Tech Video here, you can check out my YouTube Channel; HARPSMITH Benchcraft @HARPSMITH900

Let us know how things went for you.

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

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Sat, 08/10/2024 - 08:03
#2
90.hitesh
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It is now working well

Thank you for the detailed comments Harptech. I went through those points, found them to be very useful for such a situation. I ended up cleaning my reed well from the outside, cleaning the reed plate, closed the cover plates, after which a few blows focused on the 1 hole got it working well again. For now it is playing correctly, thank you again though for your analysis of the challenge with the reed. Best regards to you.

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Tue, 08/13/2024 - 19:12
#3
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Joined: 02/07/2010
Congratulations! Your

Congratulations!

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

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