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Flat-sanded comb and draw reed plate (diatonics) for improved airtightness
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Adjusted reed gapping tailored for better response
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Reed curvature adjustments to balance responsiveness and control
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Cover plates checked for leaks and proper alignment
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For chromatics: the slide mechanism is inspected and lightly modified for smoother action
Advanced reed work
Our Advanced Reed Work is a significant upgrade from a standard stock harmonica—perfect for players seeking enhanced response, control, and tone. This setup delivers smooth, effortless bends and enables overblows (and overdraws) on holes 4 through 7. You’ll also notice a clear boost in volume, improved airtightness, and a more responsive feel across the entire instrument.
Don’t be intimidated by the word "overblow"—for years, it’s been a myth that overblow-optimized harmonicas require gentle playing. This is not the case with our custom setups. Our harmonicas are adjusted to play hard or soft while still supporting advanced techniques.
Read more about overblows and gapping (here)
We developed a unique technique that prolongs reed life and tuning stability. It’s something we’ve used on all our custom harmonicas for over a decade, and it has proven to work extremely well. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference—and you won’t find it anywhere else.
The Advanced Reed Work includes everything from our Basic Reed Work, with added precision and customization at every stage.
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Precise, professional-grade tuning
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Increased volume and projection
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Enhanced response on standard blow and draw notes
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Clean overblows on holes 4, 5, and 6
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Reliable overdraw on hole 7
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Effortless, smooth bending (diatonic models)
Plus, with the Advanced setup
- Each reed slot is slightly embossed to increase air efficiency and improve response
- More refined gapping, curvature, and alignment to bring out more potential of every reed
- Greater consistency across the full range of the instrument
- For chromatics: more adjustments done to the slide mechanism and valves
Technical specification
Here are some of the technical specifications for the Advanced reed work.
Flat sanded reed plate
On diatonic harmonicas the draw reed plate is carefully flat-sanded to improve airtightness
Cover plates
Cover plates are checked for leaks and proper alignment
Slide mechanism
On chromatic harmonicas, we modify the slide mechanism for smoother action and improved airtightness
Embossing
Each reed slot is slightly embossed to increase air efficiency and improve response
Windsavers
Each windsaver is carefully checked and adjusted for better performance
Prolonged reed life
We’ve developed a unique and secret technique—used on all our harmonicas—that extends reed life and significantly improves tuning stability over time
Reed curvature
Reed curvatures are adjusted to balance responsiveness and control
Tuning
We apply greater care and precision in tuning compared to our Basic Reed Work
Serial Number
Each harmonica is fitted with a unique serial number to identify its model and level of reed work
Tuning Temperament
Most of our custom diatonic harmonicas are tuned to 442 Hz using a compromised temperament, which offers a balanced sound suitable for both solo playing and ensemble work. This tuning provides smooth chords without sacrificing melodic accuracy—something most players find works perfectly for their needs.
If you have a specific tuning preference or temperament in mind, I’m happy to customize it to your request.
Chromatic harmonicas and harmonicas designed for folk music are typically tuned to Equal Temperament for better compatibility in ensemble settings and key modulation.
The Tuning in Cents
Blow | 0 | -5 | +2 | 0 | -5 | +2 | 0 | -5 | +2 | 0 | Cents |
Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Hole |
Draw | +4 | +2 | -1 | +4 | 0 | +6 | -1 | +4 | 0 | +6 | Cents |