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2-draw issue

5 replies [Last post]
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 12:42
UkuleleRob65
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Hi Kinya. A question for the Harp Tech:

I just picked up a new D Marine Band Deluxe. All reeds play nicely, except the 2 draw. It feels constricted somehow, and is definitely quiet. E.g., I need to draw a lot harder to get it to sound equal to other draw reeds in the harp.

For reference, I have three other Ds, a Rocket Amp, a Special 20, and a Blues Harp. None exhibit this same issue. Each draws easier and is louder.

I took the covers off and ran a shim down the 2 draw without taking the reed plate off the comb, just to make sure that I hadn't inhaled a crumb or hair into it the first time I played it, and no issue there. Also, it's my understanding that if it were an alignment problem, I'd hear rattling or something.

Before I pull the reed plate off and start tinkering with that reed, anything you can think of that I should look for. E.g., reed curvature? Any of your videos you can direct me to with ideas?

Thanks!

-Rob

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Thu, 09/28/2023 - 17:43
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Aggressive Zero Point

Hello Rob, I have found a few of the new HOHNER Marine Band (Deluxe, Crossover) reeds with the Zero Point set at <-001">; not unusual for Overblow setups, but too aggressive for typical Blues/Rock/Country/Blue Grass type playing (.001" ~ .002")

TRY THIS:

  1. Disassemble your harmonica, then examine the Zero Point profile against a white surface (light box or mobile phone screen)
  2. If you had determined the Zero Point was too aggressive <.001">, you will need to "FLOSS" the reed
  3. To FLOSS, carefully insert a .002" feeler gauge (shim) inbetween the DRAW Reed #2/Reed Plate Slot. Next, nudge it "all the way back" towards the rivet pad (it will probably be very tight). Remove the .002" feeler gauge
  4. Do a visual inspection. Did the gap of the Zero Point increase? 
  5. Yes--assemble the harmonica and play to test
  6. No--watch my training video:

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench (11d) 

Need more coaching, don't hesitate to contact me at kinya@harpsmith.com

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

 

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Fri, 09/29/2023 - 11:05
#2
UkuleleRob65
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Thanks!

Kinya: Thanks so much! Won't have time to work on it til next week, but I'll watch the zero point video first, work on the harp, and get a report back to you.

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Sat, 09/30/2023 - 10:24
#3
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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I'll be here ... Your

I'll be here ...

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

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Mon, 10/02/2023 - 19:57
#4
UkuleleRob65
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Kinya Pollard, Superhero

Hi Kinya. As usual, you nailed it. Took that new D Marine Band Deluxe apart tonight. I use a frosted lamp shade as a light source, and that 2 draw had something like no zero point space at all. Took a .0012" to it, and surprise, couldn't get it in. So then flossed it with the .002". Immediate cure. That 2-draw is now just as easy and powerful as the 2 draw on any of my other Hohner models.

I prepared to flat-sand the draw plate, and noticed a curious thing. Like absolutely NO high spots on the plate. Gave it just a few passes on the sandpaper just for good luck, but gotta' admit, unlike some other Hohner draw plates I've sanded in the past, this one seemed to demonstrate perfect quality control from Hohner.

Thanks again!

-Rob

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Wed, 10/04/2023 - 07:53
#5
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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World Class Reed Plates and Reeds

Congrats Rob! Well done.

You are correct regarding the new HOHNER reed plates and reeds coming out of the Trossingen factory--absolutely world class parts.

Your HARPSMITH, Kinya

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