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squeeling like a stuck pig haha ;P

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Sun, 06/07/2020 - 09:36
R3Dz
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Hello Kinya,

 

So I bought a seydel lightning (key of A) and I've been anxiously waiting for it but apparently canada post will take another 2 weeks to deliver :|

I couldn't wait that long to have a new toy so I bought a Manji in the key of A from a local store haha

This is part of my try them all plan ( gonna compare apples with apples, key of A is my home base at this point)

So I get home with my new manji and I'm giving it a go and it's exactly as good (well almost) as my marine bands except that 3rd hole squeels when I hold any bend 2 steps or more. It doesn't squeal right away but soon enough and on the 3 step it starts very fast.If I hold the bend the squeal will get worst and worst untill it slaps me (I swear I'm not making this up!). It's as if the bend is lost and I feel something slaping me back, maybe the air or something...

I have a golden melody that does the exact same (minus the slap) thing but I've been able to tweak my breath ( I'm not sure how to describe this) to stop it almost completly ( I can hold it a solid 15 seconds right to the bottom before it even tries to squeal) so it's very playable anyways.

The Manji is another story, everything I do breath wise to try to stop it squealing seems to have zero effect on it. My first thought was let's move the reed a little... oh wait oops can't do that it's welded....

I've read about using different materials (wax...etc) on the base of the reed will stop them squealing but I'm really not keen on going that path.

So I'm thinking to myself here, if the problem is alignment (that could be a problem no ?) could I simply pick it off from it's spot and re-install it (with a screw) to make the problem go away ?? Also I'm thinking the culprit would be the blow reed yes ?

Maybe I could first try to just adjust the 2 reeds on hole 3 first (gap/shape them with a light box). Maybe it's twisted or something ?

I'd appreciate your thought on the subject.

 

Ragards,

 

Chris

 

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Tue, 06/09/2020 - 09:36
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Hey Chris, I'm sorry you got

Hey Chris, I'm sorry you got slapped on the first date! Bummer.

I have a couple of hacks that I would like you to try, but first;

  1. Hack #1: Increase both the #3 blow reed's "zero point", as well as the free vibrating end. It appears you are familiar with the fundamentals of harmonica maintenance standard practices, so let's "take it to the bench",
  • With the blow reed plate removed from the comb, while pinching down #3 blow reed so that the tip is flush to the top of the reed plate, hold the reed plate up to a light source, then with magnification--site the reed with your "master" eye. The slivers of light peeking through the flanks of the reed should be clear of any and all obstructions.
  • If it appears free of obstructions, release your pinched fingers from the tip of the reed, then plink the reed convincingly with your reed tool. If you have a good chromatic tuner, it will display: "E" 
  • Starting at the free end of the reed, slide a .002" shim (aka feeler gauge) between the bottom of the reed and top of the reed plate. Next, gently move the shim all the way back towards the reed pad. Repeat this 3-4 times.
  • If you had a difficult time sliding the shim under the free end of the reed, this tells me the free end Gap was too shallow. #3 gap should be around .004" to .005"
  • After adjusting the free end gap, reassemble the Manji harmonica, play it and see if this strategy stopped your Manji from slapping you.

If not, let us know and we will hook you up with a wonderful couples counselor.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

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Tue, 06/09/2020 - 20:29
#2
R3Dz
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Hahaha I'll have to look for

Hahaha I'll have to look for my shims ( I kinda lost them derp). Been waiting for covid to end so I can buy one of those visors with magnification haha.

When you say zero point you mean the part of the reed that's close to the weld(rivet end)right ?

 

I'll give this a look as soon as I get a chance to get some workbench time and report back.

 

Thanks a lot Kenya

 

p.s: don't worry about the counceling I'm sure I'll get along with this manji one way or another ;P

 

 

Chris

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Wed, 06/10/2020 - 08:00
#3
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Zero Point clarification

Hi Chris, yes, zero point is the "spot welded" (rivet) end of the Manji reed. To clarify, it's not the space under the reed pad, but rather the spot directly above the point where the slender part of the reed transitions to the wider pad.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

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