[Harp-L] re:sticky 9 blow



Blake inquires-

I have a 9 blow that only works with force. Usually, when a reed chokes it
is because of too much velocity - it works with a gentle blow / draw, but
not with more force.  Well, I have a 9 hole that only works when I play a
blow bend. a gentle or moderate blow gives me nothing.

Hi Blake, and All, Often when a reed fatigues another symptom besides the obvious lowering of pitch is that it may settle back into the slot, reducing the gap to flush, at which point it would no longer speak. You may try to raise the gap but the reed may simply break off, possibly at the stump. It is unclear from your post whether you equate bending with blowing harder, which is not uncommon, but is not the best thing for reed longevity. While it would be the draw reed producing the bent note the blow note can fatigue leaving the bent note still able to produce sound. If you can get the reed working it would probably need to be tuned,and it might get you through your session, there is really only one way to tell.If this was one from me you might want to know that repairs are moving out quicker all the time, and I may be able to help, although some time is required to do it right. It sounds like it will need repair eventually anyway, but good luck and have great sessions and gigs!

-James Gordon

Here's the catch - normally I'd just fiddle with the gapping in my usual
ignorant way until I got a result - but this harp's a custom. I don't want
to screw it up. I know I could send it back, but I have both gigs and
recording sessions in the next couple weeks, and I want the good harp in my
hands, not in the shop.>
Any suggestions for a repair novice?

- Blake





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