From: Pat Missin Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 18:08:09 +0100 Subject: Re: harp-l-digest V2 #25
On the subject of tuning tools, Siegfried wrote: Pat, I wont reduce your invention, but I think to have found meanwhile the > almost ideal method of tuning a reed. Recently, I bought a manicure set for > my wife. The set consisted of an electric motor (2 gears), a flexible shaft > and various corundum-fitted grinding tools. Among these I found a spherical > and a cylindrical grinder (both 2.8 mm) the top instruments to work a reed. > Only disadvantage: I had to buy a second one for my wife.
Yup. I also use a small rotary grinding tool, but I find the sanding/polishing stick, fited with some extra-fine abrasive, is capable of very fine pitch adjustment, whereas the electric thing will quite happily saw through a reed if I let my attention wander for a second. I must stop watching the TV whilst retuning harps....
...and on the subject of overblows made easy, Chris Michalek writes:
>the deal with overblowing with the covers off is nothing new. I suspect >Steven Rousseau was damping the blow reed with his lip thus only letting >the draw reed sound and produce an overblow. I also touch on the subject >on my >web page (which is grossly overdue for an update, but I've been sick for >the past month and a half)www.umn.edu/nlhome/m515/micha018/wrldharp.htm > >
I remember being told about this trick by Kitt Gamble, about 8 or 9 years ago and, if I remember correctly, it's mentioned in Steve Baker's Harp Handbook (every harp blower should have a copy!) I used it once or twice in the studio, when I needed really clean obs from my Lee Oskars. And an unsolicited testimonial - Chris's web page is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the harmonica: can't wait to see the updated version. Be well Chris.
Later,
Pat Missin - pa~lobalnet.co.uk
"...my music's a lot better than it sounds!" (with apologies to Mark Twain) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
