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Forums :: Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

5 Draw More than 1/4 Step Flat

2 replies [Last post]
Sat, 03/08/2014 - 11:24
curciopaul@gmail.com
curciopaul@gmail.com's picture
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Joined: 06/09/2013

Kinya,

Playing about a one-year old Marine Band Crossover in the key of A last night and the 5 draw was choking on me.  I noticed it was flat as well.  On the Cleartune app on my Droid, it was reading less than half way between C# and D.  I attempted to tune it, based on what I learned from your videos on this site, scratching metal away from the free end of the 5 draw read.  It actually seems to be getting flatter though.

Is that far out just too much to tune?  Is this reed on its way out?

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Sat, 03/08/2014 - 15:22
#1
harpwrench
harpwrench's picture
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Joined: 01/18/2010
Yes the reed is toast!

Yes the reed is toast!

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Mon, 03/17/2014 - 18:19
#2
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Toast

Joe's right on the money. Your 5 draw has fractured near the rivet end. 

See for yourself. Simply remove the cover plates and plink the 5 draw reed until it goes "THUD" and will bend/break at the fracture.

Please refer to past Harp Tech Studies for step-by-step instructions on replacing that reed. Remember to go through your old shoebox for out-of-commissioned Hohner "donor" Harmonicas (hopefully you didn't burn out those 5 draw reeds as well ;o) Don't feel too bad, as far as replacement reeds goes, I replace more 5 draws than all others.

Good candidates for donors: Marine Band, Special 20, Golden Melody, Marine Band Deluxe and of course, Crossover

Let us know how it goes. Will I see you in my class next month?

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

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