gapping explained
This might be explained elsewhere. If so, can you point me to a link. I am trying to understand what changing the gap of the read actually does progressively as the gap opens up. And at what point it has gone too far.
In simple terms if you have 5 stages with 1 being closed what is the effect you can hear? What happens at stage 2 3 4 etc as it opens too far to 5. Where is the sweet spot you are trying to achieve and how do you know?
The reason I ask is because watching youtube videos on the subject suggests all your wordly woes can be solved by putting a bit of cardboard under a reed and trashing your perfectly good brand new harmonica. I suspect this is wrong.
Thanks.
That looks like the very thing I am after. Thanks. I just watched a couple (very well explained) and now I'm going to pop a can and watch the rest. :)
It's MILLER time! (not my brew, but fun to say).
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
I watched all the gapping videos. Very interesting. Is there such a thing as a gapping chart for a particular setup and model that you work to, or do you just do it by eye. The reason I ask is because I suspect some of my standard Marine Bands would benefit from being adjusted and it would be handy to have a 'basic' setup chart just to see if they are madly out of spec before tinkering. (I don't like the harsh wooden comb so these are ones that can be experimented on as I bought others with composite combs for my lessons.) Also, as a beginner player, knowing it is set up correctly, I can then convince myself that the fault is all mine and not the instrument.
Actually if I had spent years finding the perfect setup I would be reluctant to share it. Knowledge is money. :) But I thought I'd ask.
I am an engineer (I restore and repair jukeboxes) so I am fascinated by this side of things.
Hi Dave,
In an effort to "reproduce" gap tolerances for my customers, I used to slide a series of feeler guages underneath every reed, then document the thickness of that particular guage (e.g. .004", .005", .006" .007") for all 20 reeds. A technique I learned during my automotive spark plug days.
Over time, however, I found "sighting" the in/out action of each reed through a well lit light box was infinitely more effective. This topic of "profiling" can be found on this forum and Harp Tech videos as well ;o)
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi. Back again:)
If I have a Manji that plays well (easier to bend) and a Crossover that is hard work....So is it a legitimate thing to do to copy the gaps on the Manji across to the Hohner Crossover?
I can see this might not work across harmonica makes due to differences in reed technology, but would that principle work say from a Super 20 to a Crossover or a Crossover to a standard Marine Band?
My other question is....By sight, the gaps of the reeds get progressively smaller as the reeds get smaller. But is that actually the case in practice?
Last question (for today)...If I measure the gap on a good sounding draw reed, would it be logical to apply that exact measurement to the blow reed in the same hole? Or is the gap not the same for draw and blow?
Thanks.
Dave,
Hi Dave
Q: If I have a Manji that plays well (easier to bend) and a Crossover that is hard work....So is it a legitimate thing to do to copy the gaps on the Manji across to the Hohner Crossover?
A: No. The reed slot tolerances and reed composition makes a difference
Q: I can see this might not work across harmonica makes due to differences in reed technology, but would that principle work say from a Super 20 to a Crossover or a Crossover to a standard Marine Band?
A: Correct
Q: My other question is....By sight, the gaps of the reeds get progressively smaller as the reeds get smaller. But is that actually the case in practice?
A: Yes. That is accurate.
Q: If I measure the gap on a good sounding draw reed, would it be logical to apply that exact measurement to the blow reed in the same hole? Or is the gap not the same for draw and blow?
A: No. In many cases, the gapping for the blow reeds will be greater than the draw reeds. In every case; however, be mindful of calibrating reed gaps in pairs (same hole).
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi Dave, good to hear from you.
A few years ago, David and I filmed Harp Tech Study #4 -- Reed Gapping. All seven of our Harp Tech Study series can be found under the left sidebar title, "NEW EQUIPMENT"
I reviewed a few of the Harp Tech Study #4 chapters this morning, and believe it will answer many, if not all your questions regarding reed gapping.
If not, please get back to me regarding the specific elements of the process, and I will do my best to respond with the best possible answers.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya