Stuck 4 draw reed
Hi Kenya, The reed on my 1896 marine band harp stopped on me. I dismantled and cleaned it; but the reed still didn't free up, so I had to fairly forcfully push it to get it moving again. I thought this was the end of the problem. It was playing well for a couple of days. Then it decided to do it to me again. I resolved this issue by getting a hair clip and pushed the reed free again. However I dont want this problem occuring again. What do you think is wrong, and what can I do about it?
It' alright now. I think I have fixed the problem by bending the draw and blow reeds back into place
Hi Karl, I am suspicious that:
- the reeds are not centered within the slots. Have you separated the reed plates from the comb and hold the reed plates up to the light--and with magnification--peer through blow reed 4 and draw reed 4?
- Is there an even amount of light on the sides and top of the reeds?
- If not, use your reed wrench (or shim stock) to pivot the reeds into position
*check for debris ... sometimes harmonicoccus gets stuck between the reed plate slot and swing reed.
- are the reed gaps set properly?
- start with .005" on the blow
- .004" on the draw
- ... then adjust to your playing style
Let the readers know your findings.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Hi Kinya, Now the 4 hole blow reed is stuck. What is going on? Please help me