How to Refinish a Draw Reedplate

Happy New Year Harp Techs, a solid fitting reed plate is essential to making an airtight harmonica. Specifically, air directed for the sole purpose of vibrating the reeds rather than sneak out of unnecessary nooks and crannies, will make for a good playing harmonica.

This is the mating surface of the draw reed plate. Corrosion and pitting allows air to leak out between the comb partitions and mating surfaces. Restoring the reed plate surface is a fairly simple process.

Secure (blue masking tape the edges) a sheet of 3M Wet-or-Dry sandpaper (400g) onto a super flat surface, such as, Granite, Sheet of Plastic or Glass. Deposit a cap full of water onto the sand paper. https://www.amazon.com/3M-Wetordry-Sandpaper-11-Inch-5-Sheet/dp/B00004Z4BE

Inspect the surface. Looking better, but more to go. Once the surface is clear and clean, rinse the slag off the reed plate with a little dishwashing detergent and water.

This reed plate is ready to go go go!

Your Harpsmith, Kinya