The fundamental improvements you can make to a harp are to make each piece fit together perfectly for an airtight seal. This is one of the most straightforward things you can do to make a harp play better. 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.
With a good frame, the reeds can function the way they are supposed to. Want even more power? A good frame also means reed work becomes much simpler because all sides of the slot are at the same level and are well supported. A good foundation is mandatory for best results when doing reed work.
The Flatness Tool™ is used to measure flatness. It is an extremely precise straight edge reference. It has a reed groove so that it can be used on both reed plates as well as the comb. One you find where the comb or the reed plate is not flat, you can correct it.
The Flatness Tool™ can also be used to make combs extremely flat. This is the tool I use to flatten my Dark Combs and it's why they are the flattest combs on the market. My method of flattening combs is very easy to learn with a little practice. There is no guesswork involved since you are using a proper reference as your guide.
Use the Reed Plate Claws™ to straighten any reed plate. Most reed plates have a curve right down the middle of the plate and it's the most common factory defect. It's easy to correct with the reed plate claws and it will add power and control to your instrument.
Use the Reed Plate Claws™ on both the blow and draw reed plates. Straighten the draw plate before flat sanding it. On the blow plate, the reeds get in the way of flat sanding so all you need to do is straighten them using the reed plate claws.
The Reed Plate Holder will help you hold the reed plate steady as you straighten it with the Reed Plate Claws. Once you get comfortable with the claws, you may no longer need the Reed Plate Holder.
It has two slots to accommodate many different sizes of reed plates. Use the smallest slot that fits.
I offer a Compact version of the Reed Plate Claws, too. This is the tool most players who want to do quick improvements to their harps will use.
