The 5 draw
Again , this time playing the Bb harp, the 5 draw went flat on me and is now the same pitch as 5 blow. Probably not tool, but rather the mechanic, again.
So the question is should I attempt to raise the pitch back? Or is this more likely and indication of a crack in the reed making it not repairable?? Luckily a harp player at the club is a bit more advanced in his Tech work and happens to be going to a supplier tomorrow for spare reeds. That's 3 harps now in 6 months I lost the 5 draw on.
John
Hi John
Peter's got it down! Vigorously plinking the out of tune reed will erase all doubts on whether, or not there is a fracture.
Don't feel bad John, I replace Andy Just's 5 draw reeds often.
There is no doubt in our minds, you are a "passionate" harmonica player; therefore, I recommend you experiment with increasing the gap on both the 5 blow and 5 draw reeds. This will allow you to huff and puff, blow the house down, and hopefully not detune your reed!
ps What brand/model harmonicas do you play?
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thanks for the advice guys. I will plink the reed vigorously this evening and see what the results are. I will be inspecting the reed with a light source and a magnifying glass as well. New reeds are on order.
Thanks for the 'passionate' acknowledgment. That sums up how I approach learning this wonderful instrument. I'm considering augmenting my learning curve this year by taking private lessons with a professional musician and front man Doug Varty to help with my timidness on stage at the jams.
Please google/YouTube Doug Varty.
Harmonica models:
I started with an 1896 marine band in C like most people do and add keys as I progress through LOA. I consider it a reward of completion to myself. After collecting 6 harps, unfortunately they were all stolen from my car. (Note to all: don't leave them in the car overnight).
I quickly replaced the harps but from another player so they were second hand but very clean and different models.
So, I have 1 Lee Oskar(D), 2 1896 Marine band (G, Bb) 2 marine band Deluxe (LF, A), 1 Suzuki Hammond (C), 1 Big River(LD), 3 Special 20 (LE, A,Ab), and 1 Hohner Pro Harp(E).
I don't like the Lee Oskar or the Big River at all.
1896 marine band (the classic) I enjoy playing and the tones but the nails are a pain in the 'ask'.
Special 20's- hmmm. No complaints and seems to be the real workhorses.
The best I have played are the Marine Band Deluxe. I intend to make that the model of choice until I have a chance to try/afford the Crossovers.
Gapping. As time goes I am getting better at the minor adjustments for playability. I tend to close the gaps from the factory placement. Experimenting with a bit more open on the 5 might help the issue I'm having. Honestly though I haven't discovered 'the sweet spots' yet as I am just now learning to get the high end bends and attempting to add that to my playing. Overblows elude me, but I find it intriguing that the harps (most of them) require a particular set up to achieve that technique. (Next year maybe?)
Thanks again
John
Hey John, just for grins--put a Seydel with Stainless Steel reeds harmonica on Santa's list. Stainless steel is an exceptionally durable metal.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Doesn't it always end up this way?
At the jam last night the lead calls the song In F.
Oh boy, shakes 4,5 just don't work that well. I managed anyway trying to stay away from 5 draw. However the Harp is now with the friend who has spare reeds and more experience than I.
Again thanks for the advice guys.
Hi John, Your goal should be to build up your inventory of harmonicas, so that you always have a "back up" harp when you jump up onto the bandstand. If you don't have another in the same key, use your 3rd position harmonica; for example, with the Band Key in F, you could use your Eb.
I would also recommend you practice reproducing your middle harp licks on the lower end (2" and 5 = F). This way, the next time you blow out your 5 draw, you can drop down to the bottom and impress us with your soloing skills ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
My friend retuned the reed he thought. However trying it once it was obvious it was out. So after reviewing more Harp Tech videos ( which are fabulous) I attempted to fix the Bb. As you noted i vigorously plinked the reed. The evidence was right there in more of a thud or absence of plink. sounded just awful. Bit more plinking and playing around and wallah! Broken reed.
Not to be dismayed after watching great videos I tuned my A harp to Kenya's chart. At least it sounds excellent and I learned how to tune the complete harp.
Again, to take your advice, I will purchase a new Bb and continue the repair on the old one giving me a spare.
John.
I was blowing out harps left and right when I started out a couple years ago. Strangly enough I went through 4 or 5 Seydels Stainless Steels in the course of about 3 months. They sound and play great but for some reason they go flat on me faster than any other. And they're a little less easy to tune up once they go flat (can't scrape stainless steel like you can brass). That, on top of the hefty pricetag, made me switch the the Crossovers. Haven't been happy with the company lately and the Crossovers seem to have gotten a little less consistent since they first came out. But I still think they're the best out of box harps to go with.
Thanx for you input Taylor.
Remember to be mindful about your breath pressure--especially when drawing on the 5!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
jg,
Try "plinking" the reed several times, if the reed is fatigued/cracked it will often
break when plinked. If it plinks and seems to be intact your can raise the pitch
back up by removing material from the rivet end of the reed. i can't speak for
Kenya but the majority of reeds I replace are 4-5 hole draw.
I think the 4 hole fatigues faster because it only has one bend and players tend
to floor it when they bend it, and at times when one can't hear themselves they know it
will sound good so we tend to resolve there. The 5 hole only bends a quarter step most
players eventually learn this and avoid bending the 5 draw or do so sparingly so as not
to over tax the reed. If your club member is going for parts you may want to have him
pick up some reeds for you it never hurts to have spare 4-5 draw reeds.
Peter