Sequence of events
Hello Kinya. I am finally getting more serious about adjusting my harmonicas. Recently completed adjusting the gap of the reeds on my first Special 20 Key of A harmonica which was not playable (purchased 5 years ago). I cannot beleive the difference. This is now my favorite harmonica and can't wait to work on my other keys. Thank you for being so organized in your lessons. Question: What sequencd should I use in tuning my harps. Should I follow the sequence of the lessons or should I gap the reeds first.
Thanks Kinya. A follow up clarification. Zero point, sizing and profile setting is covered in Study 4 and 6. The last process is to tune the reeds. When is it best to set the gap? Also, I can't find the Ultimate Sizing Tool. The reference given leads to an "unknown site". I think you may have created a compulsive wannabe HarpTech.
In reading this exchange between you and James, do I understand that there are lessons on this website from you regarding harmonica maintenance/tuning? James refers to it but I haven't seen anything on this website regarding this subject with Kinya as teacher. Thank you.
Hello James and Ihobdey
James, profiling and reed gapping are terms used synonymously. The UST was licensed to Seydel by Dick Sjoberg a few years ago. It looks totally different than the original design, but fundamentally it works the same. I only own one UST (lucky me!), which I keep in my primary workshop located in Monterey, CA, but while in San Jose, CA I use the Richard Sleigh Hotrod Harmonica's "burnishing" tool.
As of this moment, the only sizing (aka embossing, burnishing) tool I was able to locate in Cyberspace was Andrew Zajac's tools, available through Rockin Rons Music; https://rockinronsmusicsd.com/andrew-zajac-embossing-tool.html
Ihobdey, James and others are referring to the seven Harp Tech Series that David and I produced numerous years ago, and make available here at bluesharmonica.com. The standard practices and techniques are solid, however, I am always updating my work through this Forum. I must admit, it's really hard to locate on this site, so I will include the following links. Warning, these videos are pretty addicting and you may forget to eat, sleep or bath:
- https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_studies_1
- https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_studies_2
- https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_studies_3
- https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_study_4_reed_gapping
- https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_study_5_reed_replacement
- https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_study_6_reed_sizing
- https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_study_7_sj%C3%B6berg_harp_tuner
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hello James, congratulations your successful maiden harp tech voyage!
Recommended sequence:
Your Harpsmith, Kinya