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Forums :: Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Temperature for tuning

1 reply [Last post]
Tue, 04/06/2021 - 08:36
abalas
abalas's picture
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Level 10
Joined: 09/03/2014

Hello Kinya

I'd like to do my first steps with tuning my harps. I did some tests in advanced with the app Cleartune. Because the harps were still assembled with the coverplates on, I set the reference frequence to 440Hz. On all harps I tested, were the root notes on 4 blow about 10-15% sharp. Is it, because the harps had the room temperature and not the "body" temperature?

In case of yes, do I have to preheat the reads to body temperature before tuning? Or are just all my harmonicas out of tune?

Many thanks in advanced,

Attila

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Tue, 04/06/2021 - 19:49
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Joined: 02/07/2010
Hi Attila, good to hear from

Hi Attila, good to hear from you. @440Hz, most players will show +10cents (sharp) on their tuner--me included. My recommendation is to calibrate your ClearTune chromatic tuner to 442Hz. This will make tuning easier for you. The "Compromised Just" recipe that my customer's enjoy, is one that I had modified from the original recipe that Rick Epping taught me:

BLOW: 1/C=0c, 2/E=-10c, 3/G=+1c, 4/C=0c, 5/E=-10c, 6/G=+1c, 7/C=0c, 8/E=-10c, 9/G=+1c, 10/C=0c

DRAW: 1/D=+2c, 2/G=+1c, 3/B=-10c, 4/D=+2c, 5/F=-10c, 6/A=+3c, 7/B=+10c, 8/D=+2c, 9/F=-10c, 10/A=+3c

Before your begin your tuning session, please review:

https://www.bluesharmonica.com/harp_tech_studies_3

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

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