Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Decreasing the Reed gap

3 replies [Last post]
Tue, 04/24/2018 - 10:29
Erin303
Erin303's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/21/2018

Dear Kinya,

i am a proud owner of a Hohner Service Kit now and started to play around with reed gapping. 

When i checked your videos about it again i found many different ways for increasing the gaps but I did not find any videos about decreasing the gaps. And all the harmonicas I have problems with so far (well only two) have reed gaps that are too big.

I checked the video with the title “decreasing “ but still don’t see you doing it. Am I clicking the wrong video for my fat fingers or is there no video showing that. Because increasing he gap seems easy to me as you just have to lift he reed up in either of the 4. Ways but what about pushing the reed down under through the slots! Is that the way or is there a more elegant method?

thank you Very much!

All the best!

Erin

Top
Wed, 04/25/2018 - 19:12
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Hi Erin, To decrease the reed

Hi Erin,

To decrease the reed gap:

  1. line up the reed rivet head under your thumb--with the index finger supporting the reed plate. Then apply downward pressure (squeeze) the reed into the reed plate slot ... check the gap--still too high? repeat the process untill you are satsified. This will look like Grandma pinching the cute grandson on the cheek :o)
  2. another proven method is to set your reed plate on your workbench (reed side up), then lay the flat side of your reed plinking tool (or feeler guage ≥ .007") on the back part of the reed (approximately 1/8" foward of the rivet head), apply downward pressure--pushing the reed into the reed plate slot ... check the gap--still too high? repeat the process.
  3. wait! there's one more ... similar to #2 except use a toothpick--positioned in the middle of the reed--to gently "bounce" the reed down into the reed plate slot

Check back with us ...

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Top
Wed, 04/25/2018 - 22:50
#2
Erin303
Erin303's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/21/2018
Thank you so much! i know

Thank you so much!

i know also checked your video again and spotted the very end where you explain method one. I will try what you wrote above now and report my success :-) 

Many thanks and all the best!

Top
Sun, 04/29/2018 - 17:42
#3
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Bravo! Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Bravo!

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com