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Forums :: Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Too tight of tolerance?

2 replies [Last post]
Mon, 02/16/2015 - 20:04
Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture
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Teacher 3Level 7
Joined: 06/03/2011

Hi Kinya,

Is there such a thing as embossing too much?  I know you can go to the extreme where the reeds don't move but I guess what I'm trying to say is, are there disadvantages to getting as close as possible?

-Taylor

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Fri, 02/20/2015 - 13:28
#1
Meaux Jeaux
Meaux Jeaux's picture
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Joined: 10/25/2014
Too tight of tolerance?

Having the tolerances tight will give better compression, however the reeds now

are more responsive and therefore need to be played with a softer attack. A hard

attack may cause the reed to fail faster. When a harmonica is set up properly it is

only nessessary to breath through the harmonica (good advice no matter the harp).

Peter

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Fri, 02/20/2015 - 14:11
#2
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
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Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Peter brings up a super

Peter brings up a super important point here.

If you set the tolerances of your harmonica to respond to your every beckon call--while in the comforts of your workshop (read: kitchen, bedroom, broom closet ;o)--your adrenaline charged playing heard during a loud live performance; could render your harmonica unplayable.

Finding compromise with your gapping and embossing is the Rule of the Day.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

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