Slidemeister (Chromatic & related only - no Diatonic discussion) > Visitors & Newbees Stop Here First!

Took It apart-Basic Questions

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fspechtn:
I'm a newbie. Just bought a Chromatica 12. Took off the plates and:

1.What are the white cover tips on 1-7 blow?
2. Why are 8-9 blow reeds completely white covered?
3.The 10,11, and 12 blow reeds are below rather above the plate. Why?
4. Why are the 1-7 draws reed tipped with more metal, progresively less as you move to higher reeds? Do you use a file to adjust the
end metal content to achieve  a different sound?
5. The blow reeds seem to be made of paper-are they?  and the draw reeds of metal. Why?
6. Are any of these reeds replaceable indiviually or do you need to replace the entire plate?
7. Can't seem to find a way to take off the plate from the comb?Maybe you don't.
8. If the slide sticks is it advisable to use "slide oil?' If so, how best to apply?

So glad I found you folks right away due to the link on SPAH.

keithfre:
Here's an attempt at a few answers. I'm presuming you have a Chromonica or some such.

The white bits are presumably the valves (also known as windsavers). Anything that looks as if it's made of paper is a valve, not a reed.

The metal pads at the tips are to lower the pitch where there is not space for a longer reed. I wouldn't advise trying to change the sound by interfering with them, though you can carefully file them to raise the pitch if it's flat (too low).

The reedplates can be removed from the comb, though when they're nailed rather than screwed it's not much fun. Reeds can be replaced individually, but it's a skilled job.

I don't recommend using oil on the slide, as it may eventually gum up the reeds and/or valves. Water is a good lubricant, and alcohol can be used to clean the slide.

Hth,

Sean:
Good questions.  The blow reeds are always on the inside of the reedplate.  The draw reeds are always on the outside.  As Keith said, those paper things are called windsavers.  They are designed to close up the blow or draw reed that is not being used so it takes less air (saves some wind) when playing a note.  The shorter reeds do not always have windsavers because there is less room for air to leak around the unused reed and therefore less need for them.

You can see the windsavers rather than the low pitch blow reeds because windsavers are placed on the opposite side of the plate from the reed.  Blow windsavers are on the outside, draw windsavers are on the inside.  You can peer in at the draw windsavers by shining a flashlight in through the mouthpiece. 

The longer windsavers are two pieces.  Often a white bottom piece and a tan top piece.  On the shorter windsavers, there is only one piece (the white one). 

Replacing reeds is possible on most models (I'm not sure about yours).  As Keith mentions, it requires some skill and even special tools.  The various manufacturers sell tool sets you can use to remove and replace reeds. 

Sean

fspechtn:
Thanks for your responses. Very helpful.

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