i made my own centering tool, but i found as well as orientation, the direction the reed is pointing it can also move the reed in parallel to the slot. left and right. so it takes a lot of gentle teasing to get the reed centered and aligned. over working a reed can make it become loose. i would practice on an old cheap harmonica that you are not too worried about befor trying to correct or improve your best harmonica..
It’s good that folks are working on their own harps, but there is a flaw in this method. The point of embossing is to gently roll the edge of the reedslot inwards, as shown, but do so progressively. It’s better to make small changes, verify and then make more small changes. The moment you press the metal back, because you went too far, you lose the proper edge on the slot and it will produce a tinney sounding reed. Perform this one time under a magnifier or microscope and you’ll see exactly why you never want to have to press the metal back.
The tools you show in this video were designed and made by Richard Sleigh. It would be nice if you gave him credit for his work. BTW - more advanced versions of these tools are now available from Richard at hotrodharmonicas.com
Thanks for the video! Can anyone provide the optimum distance between the reed and slot in thousands of an inch? From a previous profession I have a nice stereo view microscope so I have a nice advantage....Once I can figure out how much is to much and how much is to little !?!
@@oldiowan no problem. I’ve been focused on customizing harps for the last couple years, and after extensive learning and trying, I’ve got it sorted out. I can now set them up for full ob/od’s and crazy responsive. For the average player, it won’t really benefit them much aside from requiring less force to play, and bends do come much easier… that being said, the average player tends to play one volume, and doesn’t adjust to their instrument. I’ve had a lot of clients send harps back for re-tune because they had never played such a responsive harmonica, and they end up bending the 4/5/6 holes too far too many times. It does absolutely make a difference, but it isn’t something that the average player needs to trouble themselves with, until they move towards proficiency… then it’s 100% worth the time and effort. Hopefully that makes sense.
Most people call this method "heavy embossing", because as you mentioned instead of just embossing the front 2/3 part of the reed with globe like object (a glass ball for instance), you take move the reed to sides and emboss all the slot with a lineer tool. Thanks for sharing I'm gonna try this but could you please explain how did you prepare the embossing tool? You told that you made it out of a metal saw but how? Did you flatten the cutting edges and make a smooth tip? Thanks
It makes the gap between the reed and reed plate smaller making the harmonica more responsive when inhaled e.g. air tight so you hear the harp sound instead of gushing air
i made my own centering tool, but i found as well as orientation, the direction the reed is pointing it can also move the reed in parallel to the slot. left and right. so it takes a lot of gentle teasing to get the reed centered and aligned. over working a reed can make it become loose.
i would practice on an old cheap harmonica that you are not too worried about befor trying to correct or improve your best harmonica..
It’s good that folks are working on their own harps, but there is a flaw in this method. The point of embossing is to gently roll the edge of the reedslot inwards, as shown, but do so progressively. It’s better to make small changes, verify and then make more small changes. The moment you press the metal back, because you went too far, you lose the proper edge on the slot and it will produce a tinney sounding reed. Perform this one time under a magnifier or microscope and you’ll see exactly why you never want to have to press the metal back.
Very good! I like your method and tools, Thank you for sharing.
its a great alternative, i suppose if do it once, it wont have any effect on the rivet. I have to get me one of those reed tool. thanks
Sir where can I purchase tools for harmonica repairs, Reed changing etc and also purchase reeds for diatonic harmonicas, k m pant
Thats my own product, but you can buy original tools for that 😉
The tools you show in this video were designed and made by Richard Sleigh. It would be nice if you gave him credit for his work. BTW - more advanced versions of these tools are now available from Richard at hotrodharmonicas.com
Is there any danger of the reed becoming easily moved after moving it around so much?
its not dangerous,its safe method
Thanks for the video! Can anyone provide the optimum distance between the reed and slot in thousands of an inch? From a previous profession I have a nice stereo view microscope so I have a nice advantage....Once I can figure out how much is to much and how much is to little !?!
Too much if it rubs the side of the reed, too little if you have air leakage when trying to play overblows and overdraws.
@@norfolknwhey4787 THANKS!! Makes sense!
@@oldiowan no problem. I’ve been focused on customizing harps for the last couple years, and after extensive learning and trying, I’ve got it sorted out. I can now set them up for full ob/od’s and crazy responsive. For the average player, it won’t really benefit them much aside from requiring less force to play, and bends do come much easier… that being said, the average player tends to play one volume, and doesn’t adjust to their instrument. I’ve had a lot of clients send harps back for re-tune because they had never played such a responsive harmonica, and they end up bending the 4/5/6 holes too far too many times. It does absolutely make a difference, but it isn’t something that the average player needs to trouble themselves with, until they move towards proficiency… then it’s 100% worth the time and effort. Hopefully that makes sense.
@@norfolknwhey4787 Makes a LOT of sense!! I got away from playing due to health reasons but am considering a "Comeback"!!
Most people call this method "heavy embossing", because as you mentioned instead of just embossing the front 2/3 part of the reed with globe like object (a glass ball for instance), you take move the reed to sides and emboss all the slot with a lineer tool. Thanks for sharing I'm gonna try this but could you please explain how did you prepare the embossing tool? You told that you made it out of a metal saw but how? Did you flatten the cutting edges and make a smooth tip? Thanks
with electric saw and electric file...sorry for too late answer...have you done it?
Hey, where did you buy the centenring tool?
João Gonçalves, Hi, all this tools are handmade, centering tool is made from old stapler )
what does this do?
It makes the gap between the reed and reed plate smaller making the harmonica more responsive when inhaled e.g. air tight so you hear the harp sound instead of gushing air