Option 2 for Attaching Manji Reeds

Hello Harp Techs, I hope everyone is healthy and safe. I’ve certainly been one to take advantage of the shelter in place to work on my chops… working on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” song (F#m) as my project (thanx Brandon Bailey for the inspiration). My midi DM48 was dropped one octave and patched through the Yamaha VL-70 tone engine as a muted bass. I used the DM48 (octave drop disabled) to play the synth part. The BOSS RC-2 looper pedal provides the “four on the floor” drum beats, and I solo in third position on a Richard Sleigh (corian comb) Low E through my LW/JR mic and twin 8” Valve Train with LW delay… 

At the conclusion of my last Forum post, I promised you a “how to” use a flat headed 0-90 machine screw with washer and nut to secure a new Suzuki reed in place. https://www.bluesharmonica.com/how_replace_manji_welded_reeds_0_80 Check it out:

The #55 hole that was drilled through the reed plate and reed, will serve as the pilot hole for the countersink bit. On the side opposite the reeds, insert a countersink bit into the hole and with steady gentle downward finger pressure, give the bit about three turns to start ...

This is how the countersunk hole should appear

Shown here is a flat head 0-90 x ⅛” brass machine screw

Drop the machine screw into the countersunk hole

This is what you should see on the opposite side

Line up the replacement reed over the shaft of the 0-90 machine screw

Position the 0-90 brass washer over the machine screw

The 0-90 nut is super small and difficult to hold by your fingers. This handy “nut holder” works well

Use a 0-90 nut driver to tighten the new reed in place

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

P.s. all fasteners and tools were purchased at https://www.micromark.com/