Francois23
3 posts
Nov 10, 2009
11:00 AM
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Hi i'm a beginner with a problem on my 4blow.
it started to stick from time to time.
I dont know if sticking is the exact term for that but it just won't play right away all the time.
Is it a problem with gapping ?
waht can I do to fix it ?
Thanks
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MrVerylongusername
626 posts
Nov 10, 2009
11:05 AM
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Maybe - but more likely it's just gummed up with some dried saliva. Give it a sharp tap - holes down - on a solid flat surface. Usually frees the reed up a bit. It's unlikely to be gapping unless you've already been poking around inside.
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Francois23
4 posts
Nov 11, 2009
8:44 AM
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I tried tapping it , I still have the same problem, I don't really know how to take off the reed plate. Since its a blow reed I can't see what's in there if theere's anything . How do I fix this?
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tookatooka
763 posts
Nov 11, 2009
8:58 AM
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What harp is it?
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MrVerylongusername
628 posts
Nov 11, 2009
10:05 AM
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Unless your looking at a Marine Band, taking a reedplate off should be pretty straightforward (7 or so screws) - Since you say you're having trouble I'm guessing it's an MB. It's a lot of work to get full access to the reeds on a Marine Band as you have to prise apart the reedplates from the comb. but if you've got the covers off you can see if the reed moves by GENTLY touching it through the slot with something like a cocktail stick. That should be all you need to do. Rest the covers back and and try blowing (you don't need to have them on tight just yet). if you've managed to free the reed, well you're sorted, if not you could try GENTLY massaging the reed at the foot end with very GENTLE downward pressure. Whatever you use should be soft enough to not scratch the reed -cocktails stick or matchsticks are ideal. This process should increase the gap a little and should stop the reed choking. Try blowing the hole again. If everything is ok press the covers back on and knock the nails down.
If your harp is not a Marine Band and has a plastic comb, then you could try dunking it in a glass of water for a few minutes (you can add a denture tablet too, but rinse it afterwards - be aware denture tablets can tarnish some phosphor bronze plates). Shake the excess water out and leave it to dry in a warm cupboard for a few hours. That should free up any gunk clogging up the reed.
NB.
Don't do this if your harp has a wooden comb!
Don't put running water into one of the holes!
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Francois23
5 posts
Nov 11, 2009
11:39 AM
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Thanks these are great advices,
the harp is a cheap big river, I didn't actually looked at the reed plates, I just assumed it was just like the MB. I have a question you probably can answer: What does reed embossing do and are they embossed when you get them from the store?
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MrVerylongusername
629 posts
Nov 11, 2009
11:44 AM
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embossing reduces the gap between the edge of the reed slot and the reed itself to reduce air leakage. The brass that they use to make reedplates is soft and easy to work, very little pressure is need to deform the metal, pushing it down and inward.
IMHO though I would not be worrying about embossing until you have sorted out the basics of breath control, single note playing and note bending. embossing is about improving responsiveness, it is not a cure-all for under-developed technique.
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Francois23
6 posts
Nov 11, 2009
11:54 AM
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MrVerylongusername,
I believe I'm a little passed that basic stage.
I would actually need someone to tell me how to organize my practice so I keep getting better without wasting time. I guess I don't know what to start with so I do everything at the same time wich does'nt seem like the best way to me.
I can bend all notes, tongue block a bit , play octaves, clean single notes, double stops and all that. I usually practice bending exercises and scale exercises and I learn licks from the Walters ( Tom ball sourcebook). What do I do with all that? Knowing that what I'd like is to jam along with my buddies and pull off decent licks on a standard 12 bars.
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MrVerylongusername
630 posts
Nov 11, 2009
12:17 PM
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Ah OK - sorry, but you described yourself as a beginner. Sounds to me like you are perhaps more of an intermediate! :-)
That said I had been playing for 20 years before I ever embossed a harp. Most of the harps I play are straight out of the box with no or very little work. I've said before I think there is too much emphasis on customising and not enough on woodshedding in this (and other) harp forums. It's all good skills to learn, but practice is what really counts!
Of course that's just my opinion.
I also think you learn the most when you play with other musicians. Scales and licks are good foundations, but they need a context and a groove.
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RyanMortos
460 posts
Nov 11, 2009
4:12 PM
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Ditto what bluzdude suggested.
If that doesn't help cement the harmonica inside the case and allow it to swim with da fishies.
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~Ryan
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
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nacoran
385 posts
Nov 11, 2009
8:31 PM
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If you want to try embossing make sure you don't try it for the first time on an expensive harp or a harp that you love. You may destroy a couple harps in the process. (I'm at 3 and counting, but I'm getting closer!)
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