Another Amazing Tool From the Workbench of Master Builder Richard Sleigh

Hello Harp Techs,

Mastering reed plate slot embossing (sizing) is a mandatory skill for all Harp Techs. For many of us, this skill was developed over thousands of reed slots--by trial and error. With each one, your X-ray vision became sharper and more accurate.

Well, what if you didn’t have the time to travel down this arduous path--is there an easier way? Not yesterday, but today we have the Richard Sleigh Light Table.

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of bench testing the new RS Light Table. Rarely does a tool prove out to perform better than expected.

With the RS Light Table, not only will your reed plate slot embossing (sizing) processes become more accurate, but you will be able to complete the task more quickly.

Not since the development of the Sjoberg HarpTuner (Dick Sjoberg and John Ingham of Masterharp), has there been a “must have” tool for serious Harp Techs.

• The RS Light Table has a working platform that pivots above the tubular light engine to accommodate the Harp Tech’s comfort.

• A button magnet holds tools in place.

• The top part of the reed plate stabilizer squares the reed plate, with the insides angled to clear a moving reed wrench handle.

• A milled slot will allow the moving reed to pass through, during the “plinking” processes.

• The white lighting dimmer knob will enable the Harp Tech to adjust the output of the long lasting, high lumen, and energy efficient LED (light emitting diode) lamp.

• The acrylic cube is my favorite, with engraved lines--this crosshair aiming “sight” will guarantee your eyes will be dead centered over the reed!

• Located at the farmost right corner is a trap door that swings open to provide the Harp Tech easy to reach access to Richard’s magical blend of wax and felt wiping surface.

• Bottom surface double duties as a tool and parts surface, as well as wrist support.

Close up view of the acrylic cube and crosshair lines.

View of Richard’s magic wax and felt wiping pad.

 See the sliver of light surrounding reed #1

Seasoned Harp Techs know that embossing is only half the trick for building a high performance harmonica, the other half is setting the reed profile (gapping). How precisely the reed enters/exit the reed slot (imagine a door lying on it’s side--the entire length swings in/out at the same time).

The RS Light Table makes setting reed profiles (gapping) a predictable task. Simply exchange the wood embossing tray with the acrylic lens tray.

Place the edge of the reed plate into the stabilizing slot (free reed facing away from you), then sight the triangular sliver of light come through the edge of reed and reed plate slot. Next, using your reed tool--slowly push the reed through the slot, and pay attention to which part of the reed closes off the light. Tip: refer to past Harp Tech Series regarding Reed Profiling to properly guide you through the reed straightening process.

I suspect the demand for the RS Light Table will be good. Richard will have to batten down the hatches, stop building custom harmonicas, no more performing for awhile, and only build Richard Sleigh Light Tables!

Richard can be reached at rrsleigh@gmail.com

Your Harpsmith, Kinya