I've created The Tuning Card to help you tune a harmonica freestyle - without necessarily using temperament. Learn more about temperament here. The Tuning Card helps you tune what you need.
Springy and sturdy, this tool has a tip that has been carefully prepared using a five-step process. It will get under even the most closely gapped reeds.
It's made from 0.06" tempered carbon steel but it behaves as though it was much thinner! The trick is to advance the tool at a sharp angle to get under the reed.
(New version 2021-06!) This tool is made from tempered high-carbon steel and both tips are finished by hand. The tips are carefully sharpened to the correct specification to allow it to emboss the slot effectively without shredding or otherwise damaging the slot. I ensure that each tip is perfect.
These are the tools you need to keep your harmonicas sounding great and playing well. You may also use these tools to correct factory defects to make your instruments more powerful and play more smoothly.
This kit features a high-quality Grobet file for tuning.
Use these tools to flatten the comb and reed plates.
Straight, flat reed plates fitted to a flat comb are the best framework for the reeds. Even a thousandth of an inch of space between the comb and reed plate means the reed will be less efficient at converting air flow into decibels.
0-Cut is right on the margin between coarse and fine. It's perfect for removing brass with a light touch. It's coarse enough to have power but doesn't leave scratches and tracks on the reed.
Warding shape: Like a flat triangle with teeth on every side.
Raise or lower the pitch of a reed with the reed plate on or off the comb.
With the purchase of this product, you get full access to the information you need to get the job done. Just ask! I will help you through the process via email if you need assistance
Almost every harmonica player had owned a Marine Band 1896 harmonica. They are the traditional gold standard diatonic harmonica.
The Five Cent Tuning Tool™ is used to make small changes in pitch to reeds on the blow plate without needing to take the reed plates off the comb. Use it to touch up the tuning of reeds that are only slightly out of tune (by about five cents or less) without messing up the reed shape or gap.
A pilot hole for this tap can be drilled with a 3/64" drill bit - that's a commonly-available drill bit in the US and Canada. In most cases, the rivet hole is already the perfect size and no further drilling is needed.
To use this tap, I recommend you use a tap handle or pin vise. I can provide one if needed.
