Bending Cover Plates to Avoid Reed Rattle
Thu, 11/24/2011 - 20:21
Hi Kinya,
What's the best way to bend the draw reed plate to avoid reed rattle on the lower part of lower keyed harps? My current approach is to manically crush and mangle it with a plyers until it looks like it went through the disposal. I'm thinking you might have a more efficient approach. ;)
Thanks,
Steve
Hello Steve,
How was your "gobble-gobble" day?
You did not identify your harmonica make/model, but I will assume it is a Hohner product. The tip of the long reed is clicking up against the inside-front (near mouthpiece) portion of the draw cover plate, therefore, the focus will be creating more clearance for your reed to swing. The most elegant method I found:
STRATEGY ONE
> Remove cover plates
> Cover top and bottom of the leading edge of your cover plate with painter's "blue" masking tape. This will prevent scratching and mangling of your cover plate. Always endeavor to make your modifications look "factory".
> With a $14 Vise Grip #23R (an awesome tool I used back when I was doing A/C Heating sheet metal work):
1. carefully lock onto the first 1/16" deep x 3 1/8" length of the cover plate (the part that will seal up against the comb),
2. and bend the tool towards the natural curvature of the cover plate,
3. keep going until you close the gaps on both sides of the cover plates.
> When done properly, there will be more clearance for the reed.
If all this sounds like too much work, or you need more clearance try this ...
STRATEGY TWO
> peer into the back opening of your harmonica and note the spot on your inside cover plate where the #1 draw reed is hitting.
> place a small piece of electrical tape (or 3M Micropore medical tape) on the spot you had identified. This will create a soft pad for your reed and dampen the clicking sound.
STRATEGY THREE
> donate your harmonica to me for my donor parts drawer, and purchase the new Hohner Thunderbird!
Let us know which strategy worked for you.
Your Harpsmith,
Kinya