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Forums :: Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

reed adjustments for blow bending

2 replies [Last post]
Sat, 01/08/2011 - 06:34
JuniorWright
JuniorWright's picture
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Joined: 07/19/2010

Hi Kinya,

I have two C harps (Sp20). One is very easy to tongue block blow bend the 10 blow. The other is very difficult. What reed characteristics make one easy and the other difficult? What do I need to change on the difficult reed?

Thanks, Pete

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Sat, 01/08/2011 - 18:15
#1
Jon M Harl
Jon M Harl's picture
Offline
Level 4
Joined: 12/21/2009
10 blow bend

One way I was taught to set the gap on the blow bends is to rapidly inhale and exhale through the hole. Then bring the gaps down to where it just stalls, then raise them a little bit. You must remember that the blow and draw reeds interact on the bend so if you adjust the one you have to adjust the other to coincide. Also, the blow reeds should gap higher than the draw. Hope this helps.

Jon Harl
Custom Seydel Harmonicas
5731 Meridian Ave.
San Jose, CA 95118
Tel: 408/445.2591
Cell: 408/531.5755
jonharl@mac.com
www.customseydels.com

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Sun, 01/09/2011 - 09:20
#2
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
10 blow bend

Hello JW, Thanx Jon,
Jon's methods should work well for you. Just remember the length of the reeds in that neck of the woods are really short and easy to muck up, "be gentle JW, don't hurt me". The gapping on the free end of both the blow and draw reeds are pretty low (<.003).
~Kinya

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