How to replace a reed on a harmonica (two ways!)

Replace harmonica reeds just like you change strings on a guitar!
You don't need to throw away a harmonica because of a blown reed. Just like broken guitar strings can be replaced, so can harmonica reeds. In fact, you can change a harmonica reed in the same amount of time it takes to change a guitar string (usually less!)
This video shows you two methods for replacing a reed - one method uses a rivet, the other uses a screw. Both methods give you exactly the same quality result. The reed will be as good as new!
You can find my reed replacement kit here:
harp.andrewzajac.ca/tools/Reed...
and in the USA
rockinronsmusicsd.com/harmonic...
Full email support is included with the kit.

[@dennisrocker]

Thank you. You've answered some questions for me, plus youve given me encouragement. After all these years of neglect.

[@theguywitheyebrows]

thanks a million, you just eliminated the only issue i have with harmonicas!! i eat reeds up in my quest to not be terrible at this pocket-sized instrument! subscribe earned

[@Mehwhatevr]

I had no idea you could do this. I was searching to buy a whole new "reed plate" or whatever you call it. (I don't know 😂) I figured out how to disassemble my harmonica so I could replace the reed plate, I didn't know I could save the reed plate and replace individual reeds. awesome!

[@jackdawes120]

Great video. Clear simple and no waffle. Cheers.

[@norfolknwhey4787]

If you use the nut & bolt method, how can you center the base like you did using the rivet? I’ve only used rivet pins, but I can see the benefit of using a bolt. Excellent content, thank you for posting.

[@Kurtie7]

Thank you very much, Andrew...tools are good..

[@Redshift313]

Thank you Andrew !!! This past year and a half I went through 15 Special 20s and HoHner did not have warranty service during 2020. I managed to get all but 5 going by scavenging parts from the 5 !!! I greatly appreciate your help 👍👍👍

[@borisfogelson5225]

Fantastic video as always. Thank you Andrew. What screws you recommend for replacing nails on 270 chromatic reed plate?

[@frankkerner8699]

Charlie nmccoy

[@precinct1baltimorecountyre588]

Thanks I'll now give a try refurbishing my Dad's old harmonica he had so many types.

[@beboron3930]

Thank you sir where do we order single reeds and rivets?

[@giusepperesponte8077]

I’ve been practicing harmonica work on an easttop 008k harmonica since they’re the cheapest pro harp I can find, if I break something I don’t want it to be on my crossovers. I just tried to remove the base of a reed that I accidentally broke, but when I tried, the rivet couldn’t be removed, the rivet just would not come out no matter how hard I hit it. From this experience I’m pretty sure that easttop harps have the appearance of being riveted, but in reality the rivets must be welded in place, I would assume glue but with how hard I was hitting it, glue wouldn’t have held. Edit: also I tried filing the bottom side of the rivet to try to free anything that might be holding it, still no luck.

[@garysellars8914]

Hi Andrew i have the thread tap from the reed replace kit. Is that a 1.6mm tap? Anyway what do you recommend to enlarge the hole in the rivet pad? I don't have a drill press.

[@skkwatra]

Are individual 'Note to Note' reeds on different Brand harmonicas the same specs, and also inter-changeable? {I just blew up the 3-Blow reed on my Suzuki Hammond C-key harmonica, while trying to increase its pitch from a G to an A tone by grinding its open end (I have done this to other harps in the past with success).} I look forward to your reply, please🙏

[@jorgewillianalvaradojimene2577]

Hi Andrew, how did you get the replacement rivets? I have a hohner special 20 C harmonica and I need to replace the bent 6 reed because it sounds "obscure", no clear sound, but I need to find the reed and the rivet or screw for that.

[@bahons72]

Where can I buy a single reeds?

[@benkleschinsky]

Is there any downside to using screws instead of rivets?

[@patobeccar]

Hola quiero comprar no entiendo como

[@ArtofDreaming1]

no more reed screw nuts??

[@prasadpankar3794]

Woow wooooww wwwwwwoooo... TO THE POINT...! Thanx a lot...!!!!!

[@saml9772]

Freakin awesome