SUZUKI HRT-01 Harmonica Repair Tool Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- Suzuki
Table of Contents
HRT-01 Harmonica Repair Tool
Instruction Manual
HRT-01 Harmonica Repair Tool
Caution
- Please be advised that this tool kit is not suitable for all Harmonicas.
- It is recommended that you work in a quiet place without interruption, to focus your full attention.
- Generally parts will have limitations in durability.
- We are not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this product. Please make sure that you understand the instructions before using.
Before use
Maintenance may be required on your Harmonica after a certain period of use.
Adjustments tailored to each player will become indispensable for refining
performance. The HRT-01 is a basic tool set that takes portability into
consideration, so all normal maintenance other than reed replacement is
possible. It is recommended that you obtain knowledge of basic maintenance and
-if possible- some training from a skilled professional. It is better to
practice with a broken or low cost Harmonica at first, before starting
maintenance on a more expensive model.Once you understand the basics, it may
be easier than you think.
CONTENTS
Wrench / Spanner
Used to adjust the position of the reed.| Spatula
A basic tool and is used for various tasks.| Midium/Coarse File
Used for tuning. File a head of reed to tune up.
Flat head fine grade file
Use for tuning. File at base of reed to tune down.| Screwdriver(+,–)
Used for attaching and detaching screws.
Main maintenance
Harmonica cleaning
For daily maintenance of your Harmonica, it is enough to remove moisture
and keep the mouth piece clean and dry. We recommend MIC-30 Suzuki Micro Fiber
Cleaning Cloth. If particles accumulate inside the instrument after long-term
use, disassemble it as shown in the diagram and clean it. The disassembled
plastic body can also be washed with water. Since the reeds are delicate,
handle with the utmost care so as not to snag or bend. Wipe off the mouth
piece by spraying with a Harmonica cleaner on a soft lint free cloth. It is
important to re-assemble the Harmonica so that there are no gaps in each part.
Carefully check the body and reed plate, reed plate and cover, etc., and re-
assemble so that there are no gaps due to particles or misalignment. The reed
plate and cover are slightly curved so that they can be assembled without
gaps.
Adjustment of the reed clearance
Clearance
The reed has a gap called ‘reed clearance’ for the air to flow. Bass requires
more air to flow slowly, so the clearance is higher. The treble requires the
air to flow quickly and more forcefully, lowering the clearance. If the
clearance is too low, it is easy to get stuck at the beginning of the
response, and if it is too high, it can feel like air leakage. It will be
possible to adjust the clearance to suit the performer.
The reed is curved from two-thirds of the length of the reed. Example of
reed clearance Use a spatula to adjust the clearance to your preference.
A：When making the clearance higher.
B：When making the clearance lower.
Reed tuning
Learn how to shave reeds before tuning the reeds.
How to shave reed
When making the pitch higher.
It is possible to raise, by shaving the tip of the reed thinly using the
medium/coarse file.
①Shave the tip with Midium/Coarse File| ②Since shaving burrs remain on
the shaving part, arrange it with the file.| ③Since shaving burrs remain on
the shaving part, arrange it with the file.| ④Since shaving burrs remain on
the shaving part, arrange it with the file.
When making the pitch lower.
The pitch can be lowered by shaving the root of the reed in the direction of
the arrow with the flat head fine grade file.
Once you have learned how to shave reeds, you can progress to tuning.
How to tune reed
-
Remove cover
After confirming notes to be checked, remove the cover as shown in diagram 1 (image is a Tremolo Harmonica, but think about otherHarmonicas in the same way.) -
Check sound
Use a Tuner (preferably one that can read the pitch in 1 cent units) to tune while checking the out of tuned notes, with the cover removed. At this time, if you do not check the sound by firmly pressing the air outlet side up and down, as in diagram 2, the sound will change when the cover is attached. If you are having trouble blowing through in this state, please check the sound with the cover on. For tremolo Harmonicas, you need to check the upper and lower reeds separately. If it is not easy to check notes at the top and bottom separately, please hold the reed on one side with your other hand so that only one side sounds and you can check the pitch. -
When tuning draw notes.
As shown in diagram 3 (cross section view) the drawn reed is attached to the outside, so tune it according to the procedure of ‘How to shave reeds’. -
When tuning blow notes.
As in diagram 4, ❶ use a spatula to push the reed up and ❷ lodge the reverse end of the spanner under the reed and ❸ use the medium/coarse file to shave the tip of the reed.
< When making note lower>
Shave the base on the back of the reed from outside with the flat head fine
grade file. Caution: Please check again as the clearance may change after
tuning
**Adjust the position of reed.
**
The reeds are attached to the plate with very little clearance. Due to
disassembly or re-assembly, the reed position may move and the reed may come
into contact with the late and the sound may not be heard correctly. In this
case, use the spanner to correct the reed position as shown below.
Holding it over a bright light makes it easier to see this slight gap.
Caution: if there is too much movement on a reed, it may detach or
fracture, so care is needed.
SUZUKI MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MFG. Co., Ltd.
2-25-7, Ryoke, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Pref. 430-0852 JAPAN
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