Embossing Tool

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.

Embossing increases the efficiency of the reed as it goes through the slot. By using a tool to press down onto the edges of the slot, a small ridge of metal is created in the slot. This ridge decreases the space between the reed and the slot. The closer tolerance will cause the reed to make more sound and require less breath force to activate.

To benefit most from embossing, you need to emboss the entire slot. For a quick shortcut, see these instructions on only embossing half of the slot.

Full-length slot embossing can be easy! The embossing tool is effective on stainless steel as well as brass reed plates. I recommend using a mineral oil when using this tool. If you over-emboss a slot, the presence of oil also speeds up the process of plinking and clearing away burs.

The tool is made small because embossing is more about precision than force. Apply pressure with your fingers instead of the weight of your arm and you will save time and have a lot of success.

The tool can be groomed with some fine sandpaper once in a while to keep it in working order for a very long time - at least several hundred harps. You won't have to worry about wearing it out.

Free download: Embossing instructions:

(Note: The old version of my Embossing tool is shown in the video.)

Click to download full-slot embossing instructions (PDF file)

Embossing takes practice and you need to know how to check the work you are doing. Here is a YouTube video on how I emboss. In it, I show you a few tricks to make sure you are doing quality work.

I offered some Mysterious Embossing Instructions which included a clue you can download and print out.

This next video explains the clue I gave, my reason for offering it in this way and a demonstration of how I use indirect light and a three-dimensional view to make quick and effective work of embossing harmonica slots.

With this method, you get benefits similar to using a microscope and a light-table but avoid the respective disadvantages and limitations of those devices.

Even more information!

Here's some more information about improvements I made to this tool a few years back.