Improve Your Harmonicas - Reed Gaps

[@davidchurch62]

I really appreciate the kind comments. It's fantastic to see folks are finding this helpful.

[@dandevins1677]

After almost 30 years of playing and just replacing harmonicas in Reed plates when they went out of tune I have decided to get into fixing them. I've never thrown one away so I will have lots of harmonicas to practice with . I found these videos to be very helpful. Thank you.

[@dchurch911]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. 30 years of playing is just awesome! I can't imagine life without music. Congratulations for stepping into tuning and doing your own repairs. It may sound weird, but I've always felt more attachment to my older harmonica. Harmonicas are friends who may need my help once in a while. *Plus they're not as cheep as they were 30 years ago! The payoff of tuning and adjusting gaps is huge and takes so little effort. Having a deep collection spare parts is a fantastic advantage.

[@lucianoblues]

Thanks for your video. I decided a few days ago to get into this art and fix my own harmonicas and your advice here has been very encouraging to me. Greetings from Brazil.

[@abnervalbuena9774]

Thank you. Small speech, better action and very useful information made simple.

[@gerritwhite7308]

Well-explained, clear, precise, and concise. If only all tutorials were like this! Thank you.

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

Great video - you made the basic adjustments real simple. Just what my brain needed.

[@raveendranathv2909]

1:15 1:40

[@steveprisby2250]

Very helpful David. Simple and effective. Just tightened up two harps. Many thanks.

[@tonykitt8]

Beat reed adjustment video - ever! Thanks.

[@juliantroilo8314]

Great video! Is there one to learn how to adjust a trémolo harmonica?

[@wubbalubbadubx2]

Hi David. Great video. how do you determine when the blow reed is impacting the draw note and needs the adjustment (vs the draw reed) and vice versa? I know this is especially pertinent with the -3'. Thank you...trying to minimize variables when I open up a harp!

[@cstuartcook9390]

The best I’ve seen by far.

[@ianmoore5502]

best melodica tut on the web...inspiring workshop

[@clintmurphy5436]

I've watched alot of videos on how to properly set up harp reeds, using "specialty" tool specific for tuning up a harp. After watching this video and seeing your tool kit, the engineering and design of your tools make the best sense in harp tuning to me, especially when setting up gaps. Now I'm 100% new to harp tuning, but what I like about your tools is the fact that the bending of a reed to open or close gaps is almost completely controlled by the tool itself, which means as long as I'm careful, I'll never damage a reed by over bending it. As soon as I finished your video, I immediately went to your site and ordered a full tool kit. Thanks buddy.

[@dchurch911]

Wow Clint, Thank you. This is such a nice comment. I actually saw your order a few hours ago and packaged it up for shipping tomorrow morning. I should have received notification of the generated shipping label. I'm clearly bias but totally agree that the gapping tool is virtually fool proof! I wont admit to how much I used to struggle to set reed gaps. My hands are not always as steady and sensitive as I'd like them to be. The problem of setting gaps really hit home when I watched harmonica guru Adam Gussow struggling with the same task. What chance do mere mortals have? He obviously did not have the right tool for the job. I headed straight to my shop and went to work on creating a gapping tool that did not require the hands of a surgeon or years of experience to use. I actually sent Adam Gussow an email and thank him for the inspiration.

[@clintmurphy5436]

@@dchurch911 You're quite welcome. I've never once in my life tried to tune on a harp, but i'm pretty mechanically inclined, and common sense tells me that reed needs to be flat like the plate its mounted to, and just lifting on, or bending the reed to increase gap size has the potential to bend the reed into a U shape. By design your tools put the force at the base of the reed where its secured to the plate, and that will help keep it flat as possible while you are making your adjustment to the gap. Pat yourself on the back my man, you did good, and again, thank you!!

[@墨西哥人]

Muchas gracias por su video, wuieto saber su usted vende estas herramientas para la armónica? Tengo chinos que tocan la armónica y quieren comprar la herramienta.

[@dchurch911]

@@墨西哥人 www.dbombmute.com/shop/harp-plane.html

[@perdidodude1]

Awesome.Thanks for sharing.

[@ramosfurtado5313]

Hi Dave, Please let me know when I will be able to order the tools for repairing harmonicas as shown on your video. Your website say "Back on the 4th of Jan'23. Many Thanks

[@fflach_heulyn]

Hi there, when will your tool be available again, and do you post to the UK? Many thanks.

[@dchurch911]

I am currently on the road. The shop will reopen on July 21st. Yes, we ship to the UK. Thanks for asking.

[@fflach_heulyn]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I've had a quick look and your website looks closed. I thought I'd mention it just incase there was some sort of technical issue. All the best.

[@dchurch911]

Thank you, we are back open and everything is in stock.

[@rickd1201]

Wow I didn't know you needed all those tools in the back for a harmonica 😂 that was a great video thanks my harmonicas were playing really bad after I I noticed they had a little while I took them apart I noticed this little plastic on it like they got ruffled from the water and I figured they're just there for protectors of the Reed when they sell them and someone didn't take them off I really don't no

[@dchurch911]

Lol, good one! When all else fails, I run them through the thickness planer.

[@rickd1201]

@@dchurch911 awesome video and it was made in simplicity which I liked no doubt I'm new to the harmonica just about 3 weeks in. But I definitely love the sound and the sorrowful sound it has. Best to you always keep up the good work

[@dchurch911]

3 weeks in is awesome. Have a great learning journey!

[@lolwhittingham]

Thanks for a educational video, just what i needed. can you tell me...... if i need to open or close the gap of 3 draw reed if i'm having trouble bending to just one step (I can bend it to 3 step but not one). On an other harp I dont have a problem. Hope you can help.. many thanks again.

[@dchurch911]

This could be caused by excessive gapping. But, if you are proficient at bending I suspect the 3 may be leaking. This may cause you to struggle into a deep bend technique where you normally have finer control. I would check the comb and plates for flatness. If you are in a development stage of bending be aware that this could simply be a subtle difference between harps... In that case it just takes time and focus.

[@lolwhittingham]

@@dchurch911 Thank you for that valuable information. I will spend some time these forthcoming days/weeks, going over the things you have mentioned. Appreciate your help. Cheers, Lolwit

[@ikust007]

Anymore harmonica & woodworking videos !??

[@facovaleful]

Friend where can I get the EZ gap? I've looked for it on the internet and I can't find it, I'm writing to you from Mexico City. Thanks for your answer.

[@dchurch911]

The E-Z Gap and other harmonica tools are only available directly from our online shop at www.dbombmute.com

[@facovaleful]

@@dchurch911 thank you very much friend!

[@gaitistarb]

Wow….fantastic!! Do send to Brazil?

[@dchurch911]

Yes, We ship to any valid address world wide :)

[@Kurtie7]

Thank you. Very well spoken...explained. I have subscribed and will be viewing your other vids.

[@Redshift313]

I have to get an EZ Gap tool asap

[@c-note4146]

Sometimes I find a reed that’s slightly twisted, as in; near the gap, one corner of the reed is closer to the base plate than the other. Suggested remedy? Thanks for sharing

[@dchurch911]

Typically that is a poorly seated read. I fix that with a light but solid tap using a small hammer. Rather than hitting the rivet head directly you can use a "nail set". You can find a small nail set at your local hardware store. It's a very rare problem but If the tip only was somehow bent you could slip the corner of a razor blade under the body of the reed then gently press down on the high corner of the reed to bend it back in place.

[@mmonkssilva]

Can't find the right gap on the 3rd hole of my Seydel Session Steel in D. Bending on this hole has been pretty tricky.

[@dchurch911]

Bummer, the 3 draw bend on a D Harp should be pretty easy. Maybe there is a slight twist in it...? You could try giving that rivet head a light tap or two. That gap should be roughly the thickness of a matchbook cover. Wish I was there to give you a hand with it.

[@mmonkssilva]

@@dchurch911 Hey! There is no twist. But the things got better after I narrowed the 3 blow reed until it is almost completely closed. Bends got easier after that! Thanks bro!

[@sepultura7771]

Are you using an effect to get that much wah or just your hands, I know how to do the wah effect ,but you seem to get a hell of a lot of it

[@dchurch911]

Great question! I am using the dBomb harmonica mute. Here's a link to to the demo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmUXp-Jga-SiZY

[@lessthanpopi]

Hey man! This tool is a must have! When will the shop open again? I’ve checked the website and it stated june 6th

[@dchurch911]

Dang, I swear I opened it on the 6th! No wonder there have been no orders:/ doh

[@john-nx4xn]

Where can I buy YOUR reed gap tool?

[@dchurch911]

The EZ Gap Tool and our other products are exclusively sold at www.dbombmute.com Thanks for asking, Dave

[@ikust007]

I came for harmonica and I find a woodworker ..??!! Brilliant !

[@meh4371]

How do you play single note with the cover plates removed though? I ALWAYS end up doing a chord but have no trouble at all playing a single note when it's fully assembled.

[@dchurch911]

I have a few ways of doing that. One is to just hold the plate flat against to my lips. That's pretty primitive. My standard procedure is to hold the sandwich together. I don't have any trouble hitting single notes or playing splits for tuning. Another option is a "French Tuner" harp.andrewzajac.ca/FrenchTuner But you make a good point. The ultimate test can only be done with a fully assembled harmonica.

[@meh4371]

@@dchurch911 Another question, is there any kind of consensus on gaps?, I'm confused about what's low/high and what's a tight/open gap (as in which is closer/further from the comb) and which notes need a wider/smaller gap based on size/length. I'm also wondering if there's some certain amount of breath required no matter what instead of it literally playing the split second you breath into it with the smallest breath possible. Not understanding how reeds should be adjusted for overblows/overdraws either, nobody seems to describe it well, but with regular blow/draw I'm assuming it's as simple as having the blow and draw reed from the same hole play with equal breath.

[@dchurch911]

@@meh4371 Gaps are described relative to the reed plate or slot, regardless of the comb or weather it is a blow or draw reed. A tight gap is another way of saying a minimal distance from the reed to where it enters the reed slot. There is no absolute rules for gapping reeds. Each player is different and each harmonica is unique. Some players prefer tight gaps others not... But generally speaking longer deeper pitched reeds are set with more gap distance than shorter higher pitch reeds. Almost all players appreciate having consistent playing reeds from one end of the harmonica to the other. The majority of players prefer a responsive harmonica, one that requires the least amount or air to produce sound. Overblows/draws are easier to hit with a tight, leak free harmonica. Embossing (burnishing) makes it even easier. It further helps to have the reed enter the slot relatively level rather than tip last/first.

[@Voltanaut]

Amazing video.

[@lerosh2226]

Hi guys,,where would I buy the reed tuning tool ,,can't find one in the UK ,?

[@dchurch911]

Harmonica tools ship worldwide from www.dbombmute.com

[@stevanrose7439]

I have always thought that if it’s not broken don’t fix it. But now that I’ve watched this video I feel that my harps can be made better. I have some that it’s kinda hard to get those high notes 🎶 and I’m gonna do some surgery to see if I can improve them. Wish me luck.

[@dchurch911]

Wishing you the very best of luck:) Ps don't start with your favorite harmonica. :o

[@JankoM1987]

Such helpful video! Thank you!

[@kevinscottsphr5214]

This is great, mucho thank you! :)

[@miranda_585]

Puede ser con subtítulos en español. Gracias

[@Newfoundmike]

What is Quality Harmonica Nowadays. I paid 30 bucks for a Echo harmonica that lasted 35 years . Bought another for 120 and it lasted 6 months ! 😌

[@dchurch911]

That is sad:( No question there are problems with quality control now days, and not just with harmonicas. Unfortunately that type of harmonica is a bugger to work on.

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

Dave will the EX gap be available nov 13th?

[@dchurch911]

Yes, we expect to reopen on Nov. 13th. All items will be in stock at that time.

[@arcanemuses]

Thank you

[@dchurch911]

You are most welcome Aaron!

[@joelfafard]

Thank you!

[@ikust007]

Thank you sir.

[@Uflyppc]

very good

[@flaviosherlock8827]

Please where I can buy the reeds of chromatic Suzuki?

[@dchurch911]

I would ask Suzuki about that.

[@flaviosherlock8827]

@@dchurch911 today morninG I saw in the suzuki web that reeds are avaiable.The problem is who sell it?where we can find it?ow my god

[@perokeeplays]

My reeds are so unresponsive to these tecniques idk why they ara going back to its initial postions even i apply pressure

[@dchurch911]

Thank for the comment. Stainless steel and some bass alloys can be pretty stubborn. I highly recommend starting this type of work on a cheap or broken harmonica. Reeds do have a lot of spring and memory. The right tools makes it easier to contol the pressure needed to overcome this. It does take some experience. It may help to make a pencil mark at the point where the tool is slid up to. Then repeat this a little further up and make another mark... Don't be afraid to over gap and under gap the reed using more pressure. That's why a cheap or broken harmonica is the victim:)

[@perokeeplays]

@@dchurch911I tried for 4 5 times now its getting better and now it responds better to my air blowing. Thank you for guide. It helped me a lot. I was trying to fix my melodicas note gaps. Some notes needed more air to sound which cause also delays. Now managed to reduce to gap so it sounds quicker and need less air.

[@ChanChan-eq2gx]

잘봤습니다. 도움이됐습니다.

[@dchurch911]

감사합니다, 가장 친절합니다

[@ikust007]

Was able to fix my love (Crossover A)

[@dchurch911]

That's awesome! The Crossover is a mighty fine harmonica:)

[@ikust007]

@@dchurch911 love it . But $$

[@CandidHarper]

Hi is your website down?

[@dchurch911]

It is up and working fine. www.dbombmute.com It was recently down while we were attending the Yellow Pine Harmonica Fest. Thank you for asking.

[@roberttemple2521]

Do you really advise others to run an electric toothbrush perpendicular to the reeds?!! That is one way to REALLY mess up reeds. If one uses a standard toothbrush and lightly brushes the reed[s] parallel, brushing from the reed base to its tip, the job gets done with no snagging [which can ruin a reed when withdrawing the brush]. Just my two cents on that portion of the clip here. Do you talk about reed arcing in your other videos? If one wants to learn overbends, learning to properly arc the reeds is essential in some cases, particularly in the lower keyed harps and particularly at the bass end of those harps. Something to consider. Peace.

[@dchurch911]

Thanks Robert I appreciate the comment. Yes, I do recommend using an orbital electric toothbrush over manual brushing. I go into more detail about that in a Marine Band renovation video that is still in draft form. From my experience the bristles of a manual brush are more likely to be caught between the slot and the reed. As you pointed out this is bad. I agree never brush from tip to rivet! But, I've found that the electric brush (Oral-B w/ AA battery $6.99) glides over the reeds and slots much nicer in a perpendicular motion. Naturally, very light pressure is used for this. The Marine Band renovation video will include shaping reeds and embossing reed slots. The harmonica is pretty crusty so we are covering extensive details related to cleaning... Thanks again for your feedback.

[@brobinson8614]

Thank you