How should you gap the reeds for better draw bends?
How should i be adjusting the gapping of the reeds to get good draw bends. I specifically having trouble with one Hohner rocket harmonica in the key of A with the whole step 2 draw bend. This is weird because I dont have that problem with my other cheaper A harmonica, nor my Bb and C harmonica. I find it harder to get to and hold the bend on that one harmonica.How should i be gapping this harp. I tried maybe closing the gap on the 2 blow reed but i dont know if that did anything.
I did watch your videos on gapping but I wasn't sure if a tight gap or a loose gap was necessary for these bends and if they needed to be on the blow and draw reeds or just on one. Thank you, Kinya
Hi Gamma, just checking in with you. Did you get an opportunity to try these settings on your harmonica?
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
I didnt get around to it because of personal stuff but you just reminded me so let me see...
ok so it worked! I got the gaps to around your specifications (more or less i dont really have the tools to get the correct tolerance and am i also finding out that im not that great at adjusting the gap). but the important part is that the bend is coming in much better and now i have a better idea of the gapping.
Thank you so much!
Hi Gamma, the more opportunities you find yourself "under the hood", you will probably find your gapping skills improving as well.
p.s. I found many Feeler Gauges online that were priced under $10
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
Hey Gamma, good to hear from you. You know that HOHNER Rockets are my most favorite harmonica ;o)
TRY THIS: Assuming the reed profiles for both the 2 BLOW and 2 DRAW are perfect--remember the door hinge reference https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harpsmith_bench 11D Part 2 Reed Profiling @ 2:30 min
Calibrate both reeds to:
@ZERO Point Gap (rivet pad end of reed):
@FREE End Gap:
Remember your reeds are essentially made of a Clock Spring material, so after calibrating your reeds; don't forget to plink, plink, plink to lock in your new settings. Stay in touch!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya