How to smooth the edge of the reed plate And how to adjust cover plate
Wed, 01/26/2011 - 19:10
reed plates appear even on the comb, however, when playing the corners feel sharp. How do you smooth the end near the first hole of the reed plate? Also, I put my cover plates on some new bamboo combs and a few cover plates have a hair line crack allowing air, how to fix this problem? Thanks
Hey Blues King,
Sorry for the delay for my response--doo doo, I mean duty called.
Remedying the sharp edge issue on your reed plates, is a relatively easy task to perform (it's always relative ain't it?):
1. Disassemble your harmonica
2. The front two corners of the reed plate are already cut at a 45 degree angle.
3. With a flat jeweler's file parallel to the reed plate, begin filing away the corners until this area becomes a small radius
4. Next, with a manicurist emery board begin shaping this corner into a smooth comfortable finish. If it feels comfortable to your fingers, it will feel comfortable to your face.
As for the cover plates, I'm not clear on the location of the leakage you are experiencing. But if shaping the cover plates with your hands does not correct the problem, try applying 3M "Micropore" medical tape to those areas from the inside of the cover plate.
Let me know! Kinya