Tools

Two cards are included in the price.

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.

Reed support tool and plinker

This tool has tips that have been carefully prepared using a five-step process. It will get under even the most closely gapped reeds.

Advance the tool at a sharp angle to get under the reed.

Embossing tool

(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.

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.

Shim stock is very useful to have on hand. Use it to de-burr after over-embossing or for measuring air leaks.

I tried sheets of tempered shim stock but ran into trouble. I can't cut small pieces easily without crumpling the edges and that defeats the purpose!

Grobet USA, Made in Italy, Swiss pattern file.

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.