User:Nacoran/Portal:Blues harmonica/Customizing repair

Harmonica customizing and repair plays an important role in the Blues Harmonica community. Contrary to many other instruments, the harmonica is often mass-produced and it is almost impossible to buy a hand-made harmonica from a major supplier. These harmonica, as they come out of the factory, are rarely prepared with the attention necessary to satisfy a professional player. Most players have learn how to disassemble their instrument and modify them in a way that make them sound better, more responsive and generally better instruments.

The customizing process involves many different techniques:

• Reed embossing
• Gapping
• Arcing
• Comb sealing for wooden combs
• Tuning