Skip to main content

3 draw bends too sensitive.

3 replies [Last post]
Tue, 04/21/2015 - 23:46
luckyharp
luckyharp's picture
Offline
Teacher 6Level 10
Joined: 12/28/2013

Hi there,

On my suzuki harpmaster, happens in the last days that the 3 draw is so sensitive,

bend is became difficult becausecause It goes very easily from half step to one and half, making

almost impossible to bend only one step. Is there any setup action i can do for that ?

Thanks

 

Luciano.

Top
Sun, 04/26/2015 - 11:19
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Greetings Luciano. It is good

Greetings Luciano. It is good to hear from you.

My recommendations:

INCREASE THE BLOW REED GAP

  1. Remove the cover plates
  2. Identify your 3 BLOW reed slot and note the gap (space) of the tip of the free end of the reed-relative to the inside of the reed plate.
  3. Placing the tip of a round wooden toothpick, onto the center of BLOW #3 reed (about half the lenth of the reed) deliberately, but gently push-release-push-release-push-release the reed down into the reed plate slot. This will increase the gap (space).
  4. Hold, clamp or bolt the cover plates back onto your harmonica, then play your half step, whole step and finally your step and one half notes on the 3 hole.
  5. If you have better control over your bends--STOP tweeking and go make beautiful music.
  6. If it "sort of" plays better, but you feel a little bit more would put you into harmonica heaven--then repeat Step three.

DECREASE THE BLOW REED GAP

  1. If the situation was made worse, unravel a paper clip and bend the tip at a right angle.
  2. Insert the bent end of the paper clip into hole #3, then gently push up onto the reed until it rises out of the reed plate (you should be able to see the tip of your paper clip).
  3. Repeat Step 4

If these efforts do not improve the situation, let me know and I will provide you with more tips ;o)

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Top
Thu, 04/30/2015 - 04:23
#2
luckyharp
luckyharp's picture
Offline
Teacher 6Level 10
Joined: 12/28/2013
Thanks a lot, I did opened a

Thanks a lot, I did open a bit the blow reed gap and now works fine.

Would you wirte down a essay of what gapping does teoretically, like from what I learnt:

1) increasing the gap requires more air to have the reed vibrating

2) decreasing the gap makes the note more responsive but if too much the reed stops vibrating.

3) decreasing the gap on a blow reed makes easier the overblow

I'm particulary interestd in what happens when you touch both gap (blow and reed).

For example, in my case I thought that the blow reed gap was too little and that caused it to start vibrating too early. So I opened it. What about the opposite reed ? What happens if I reduce the gap and if I increase it ?

 

Thanks.

Top
Thu, 04/30/2015 - 20:33
#3
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Hi Luciano. Congratulations

Hi Luciano. Congratulations on resolving the problem!

On this site, bluesharmonica.com, much has been written and filmed regarding the dynamics of how our crazy little diatonic harmonica actually works.

The important thing to understand is that for every "bendable" note(s) available per hole, BOTH REEDS (blow/draw) will influence the "playability" of your instrument. It will take some patience to learn which settings are required for your playing style (heavy vs.light). This is why, when possible, I have my customers come to the Harpsmith Shop for the final adjustments (if necessary).

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Top