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From: "William R. Epping" <104124.33~ompuServe.COM>
Date: 28 Aug 96 11:30:00 EDT
Subject: Re: Reed Gapping

A couple of questions were raised regarding my last posting on reed gapping
which I thought I'd copy to the list:

1. "What should I be expecting or shooting for as a starting point for
offseting my BR? Any rule of thumb or relative measurements?"

One rule of thumb for gapping which may not be too far off base is that the
offset should be about the same as the thickness of the reed's tip. You may
wish to gradually close the gap, testing between each adjustment, until the note
starts to choke on you when played at your loudest volume. Then back the reed
off again, a little, and it should be about right. Bear in mind that your
loudest volume when testing the harp may not be as loud as it is in the
emotional heat of a musical session, and adjust your reeds accordingly.

2. "What is a good way to check the side gap on MS reeds (ZA5S)? There isn't
much of a gap, and i currently use a small light to check for uniformity."

The easiest way to check the side gaps, or the reed's alignment in its slot, is
with the reedplate off the comb. Hold the reedplate up to a diffused light
source such as a white lampshade or sheet of white paper with a bulb behind (an
old accordion technician once told me that "northern sky" is the best light
source to view a reed, as the sun's glare is always behind you). Hold the reed
tongue down, flush with the top surface of the reedplate and observe the amount
of gap along either side of the reed. Shift your perspective side to side a
little to make sure you are looking at the reed from directly overhead and are
getting a true picture of its alignment. A reed can be centered by prying it
sideways with a thin slip of metal or, more preferably, using a small wrench on
the reed base or "boot".

3. "I use a #1 pozidriv , and it still hacks up the screw-heads. The driver
itself is pretty big, and only the tip fits into the head. I expected a
driver more like a mini jewlers screwdriver. Any other suggestions? I
guess that i could replace the whole screw and nut unit, but the Hohner
hardware is very nice."

The Pozidriv #1 is the correct screwdriver to use on MS screws. The screwdriver
should be held firmly in the slot and care should be taken not to overtighten
the screws so they won't strip. The large handle of the Pozidriv screwdriver
allows more control and power over the screws, which are self-tapping.
Replacement screws are available from Hohner and are also included with the MS
replacement reedplate set.

Regards,

Rick Epping
Hohner, Inc.