tuning a 'country tuned' harp

Hi Jim

Country Tuning is super cool (also known as major 7th tuning in cross harp position). No special tuning recipe required.

Simply tune (raise) the 5-draw reed from F to F# (on a C harp). This will allow you to play a complete major diatonic scale in cross harp (2nd position).

TAKING IT TO THE BENCH

1. Remove cover plates
2. Lay the harmonica flat onto the work surface, with the draw reeds facing you
3. Secure a shim (plinking tool, etc.) underneath the #5 draw reed
4. Stabilize the reed with your left index finger, exposing the tip of the reed
5. With the right hand holding the tool (jewlers file, ceramic, dremel, etc.), carefully remove metal from the first 1/8" of the free end of the reed
6. Next, temporarily hold the draw cover plate back in place, then play the 5 draw reed
7. Check this pitch against your chromatic tuner, and/or tone engine set for 1/2 step higher than original pitch (F# on a C harp)
8. Once your chromatic tuner displays "0" (not flat nor sharp), and/or you cannot hear beats (quiver), you have successfully converted your Richter tuned harmonica to Country tuned--congrats!
9. Attach both cover plates
10. Now go amaze your audience ;o)

DID YOU KNOW

Lee Oskar took this a step further by creating his popular Melody Maker line of harmonicas with the 3 blow tuned from "G", up a whole step to "A" (on a C harp). This means the player can easily play a complete major scale, starting on the two draw without bending any notes! Another benefit of raising the 3 blow (a whole step) will be realized by harmonica players having a difficult time nailing the 1/2 step bend on the 3 draw (Bb on a C harp) on a standard Richter tuned harmonicas. Now, with simple bending techniques, the "Bb" will literally "pop in" (pitch perfect)!

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Welcome back Jim. You would say, "raising the E one semitone (aka 1/2 step) will tune the pitch to F".

Notes: 

• B/C and E/F are "naturally" one semitone apart
• Don't forget to visit this website's HARP TECH SERIES video tutorials for step-by-step guidance on tuning methodologies

Your Harpsmith, Kinya