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Stop those Dogs from Howling! - Part Two

"Monster Harmonica Workbench" with Kinya Pollard

by Kinya Pollard

Last issue illustrated how to revive your marginally out of tune harmonica "by ear" - all without removing the reed plates from the comb! Similar to Part One, this issue will focus on the subject of reviving marginally out of tune harmonicas (again, mounted on the comb) using a Chromatic Tuner.

Tuning by Chromatic Tuner is an extremely accurate method of tuning your harmonica. Instead of matching a reference pitch by hear, your Chromatic Tuner will compare the sound of your reed to the Tuning Specifications established by the manufacture.

Definitions:
- Marginally out of tune (a reed's pitch flattened no more than a half step, or one semi-tone)
- Severely out of tune (a reed's pitch flattened greater than a half step, or one semi-tone)

Anatomy of Tuning
- To raise the pitch of a flattened reed, material must be removed from the "free" (vibrating) end. This will lighten the weight, enabling the reed to vibrate faster.
- To lower the pitch of a sharpened reed, material must be removed from the "fixed" (riveted) end. Conversely, this will weigh down the free end resulting in a slower vibration of the reed.

Anatomy of Tuning Specifications
- Concert A (440 Hertz) is used as the basis of tuning most musical instruments. Blowing or drawing on harmonica reeds will cause the reeds to respond at a lower pitch than 440hz, resulting in an instrument that will be "out of tune" with the rest of the band. For this reason, the manufacturer recommends tuning the harmonica in the 441hz to 443hz range. This will ensure a minimum of 440hz during your performance.

Materials required:
- Lee Oskar Tool Kit (or equivalent)
- Jewelers flat head screwdriver
- Lint-free swab
- Seiko Chromatic Tuner #ST909 (or equivalent)
- Tuning Specifications

1. Calibrate your Chromatic Tuner to the above factory specifications (Hohner: 442hz and Lee Oskar: 440hz). Begin by blowing a continuous and even breath into hole #1, then check the Chromatic Tuner to see if the needle points to the correct amount of "cents" as determined by the harmonica manufacture.

For example: when tuning either a Hohner Marine Band or Special 20, blow hole #1 should be at 0 cents, blow hole #2 should be at -12 cents, blow hole #3 should be at +1, etc. Write down the number of the reeds that do not match the tuning specification chart. Repeat this procedure throughout the blow side of your harmonica.

2. Repeat the above procedure on the 10 holes of the Draw side.

3. Expose the reed plates by removing the two cover plate screws, then pulling the cover plates away from the comb. Without the cover plates as a reference, I recommend writing "Blow" on the top reed plate.

4. As a point of reference (working from Left to Right, just above the reed), with a pencil write the number of that reed directly onto the reed plate. Draw a circle around the number of the reed(s) that was identified as being out of tune. Repeat this procedure with the Draw reeds.

5. For the Blow side, insert the hook end of your reed offset tool into the chamber of the out-of-tune reed. Gently twist upward until the reed pops through its slot. Next, slide the reed support tool under the exposed reed and carefully remove the reed offset tool.

6. With your fine chisel (moving from back to front) make three to six small scratches (approximately 3/16" each) near the free end of the reed. Wipe off debris with swab.

7. Slide the reed support tool away and allow the reed to "plink" its way back into the slot.

8. Alternate between Steps #1 and #6 until the needle of your Chromatic Tuner points to the correct amount of "cents".

9. For the Draw side, the procedure will take less effort. Simply use the flat side of the reed offset tool to lift the identified reed and provide clearance for the reed support tool.

10. Alternate between Steps #1 and #6 until the needle of your Chromatic Tuner points to the correct amount of "cents".

Keep in mind that the reed plates are a fine and delicate component of your harmonica that requires a Jeweler's touch and patience. I recommend practicing and experimenting on a "throw away" harmonica until you acquire this touch.

"In action -- watch the timing"      - Lao Tsu

Stay tuned for the upcoming issue of Monster Harmonica Workbench where we will address the technique of reed offsetting. Light to heavy breathers, and everyone in between will all benefit from adjusting your instrument to respond to your particular playing style.

Kinya Pollard the "Harpsmith"