Many times when notes seem to "hesitate" or "stick", they need to be adjusted. The reed that is hesitating is most likely even (or parallel) in relation to the reed plate that it is attached to. You may notice that the surrounding reeds that do not "stick" when you play them, are slightly away from the reed plate. "Gapping" is a term that refers to adjusting the offset of the reed to increase playability for the individual player and their playing style.
- The proper "gap" is essential for the reed to vibrate- The vibrating end of each reed should be slightly above the level of the reed plate (rivet side up) so that your airflow can get between the reed and reed plate which makes the reed vibrate and thus creates the sound. Too little gap is bad and too much gap is bad.
- Gapping, what is too much or too little- Insufficient offset of the reed will cause the reed to "hesitate" or "stick" when attacked quickly. In this case, increase the amount of reed offset to prevent the hesitation. If you overdo the gapping, the reed will never stick when attacked, but will also never close completely when played lightly with less airflow. In this case, decrease the amount of reed offset so that air leak is not a problem at lower volumes. Use the light yellow portion of the chart below to help determine which is the correct amount of "gap" for your playing. You can also look at the surrounding reeds on the plate that need no "gapping" to help you judge the correct amoount of gap for the offending reed.
- Players with a strong, quick attack- Players with a strong attack and/or players who use a lot of quick tonguing, should adjust their gaps slightly higher than normal.
- Players with a softer attack or using overblows and overdraws- Players with a soft attack and/or players using overblows and overdraws, should adjust their gaps slightly lower than normal.
- Should I bother to gap my harmonicas?- If you don't feel there is a problem, don't do it. Remember, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
- When is the best time to gap my harmonicas?- The best time to "gap" is when a harmonica is brand new (which also applies to tuning it). If you wait until it is nearly worn out, the act of gapping or trying to tune a reed could ruin it. Brass reeds will weaken and fatigue over time, it is best to make adjustments when they are brand new and strong. Old weak reeds will ultimately develope microscopic cracks and lose their pitch (they go flat). At this point, attempts to make adjustments may cause them to snap off entirely.
- Repair & Maintenance Kit- Detailed instructions and the tools necessary for most repairs including "gapping" come complete in the Lee Oskar Repair & Maintenance Kit. This repair kit is useful for all makes of harmonicas. The chart below is a reprint of a portion of the manual that comes with the Lee Oskar Repair & Maintenance Kit and is supplied courtesy of Lee Oskar Enterprises.
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