How to Tune an Antique Pump Reed Organ.

The "safest way" to tune the delicate fragile Brass Reeds in a Pump Reed Organ. (No Files or Reed Scraper needed!)

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• How-to
• Restoration
• pitch.
• Tutorial.
• Musical
• Instrument.
• organ.
• Musical Tuning

[jawdust3]

you can also bathe the reeds in meths to remove dirt, that is often the easiest way as you can do them all in one go.

[Musique3579]

@jawdust3 Thanks. Never heard of that way before. I'll try it on my next "find," whenever that is.

[jawdust3]

@Musique3579 yeah, that or just taking a very thin piece of paper (5 pound notes are the best if you live in the uk) and dragging it through the tongue of the reed. This dislodges dirt very well from the place where it affects the pitch most.

[Musique3579]

@jawdust3 I do this. Thanks.

[jawdust3]

@Musique3579 Infact I've heard that it's best not to attack the metal at all unless entirely necessary. Reeds rarely go out of tune unless they have been damaged in some way, which can't easily happen because they are in sealed chamber. Usually they just need thorough cleaning after years of sitting around gathering dust and grime.

[Musique3579]

@jawdust3 There are opinions about this from what you said to Ultrasonic Cleaning is best. Because I have a Piano Tuners background, I have yet to find a Reed Organ that was in tune after cleaning for the very reason I stated in this video. But, it took so many years to bring a Reed to this state. You must have lucked-out big time on whatever instruments you have found. Once in a while I have come across one that just needs a little "touch-up." But usually, it is a mess. Alas, my tuners ear.

[Musique3579]

@pumpingprog I use the Beeswax before insering the reed back into its cell. They can sometimes be quite nasty to get out 1st time around. Here is a very good idea for anyone who doesn't want to tune the whole instrument, and it will still sound well. Just pick out the notes that are furthest off and use the Sandpaper method. It will give you a fine up-grade of sounding much better.

[pumpingprog]

@Musique3579 Very courageous lesson! I feel more confident to try it myself now!

Regarding the wax. The technical manuals for Wurlitzer electric pianos which use somewhat similar reeds although they are struck instead of air blown recommend using beeswax for fine tuning.

[PhilTheMetalhead]

Interesting stuff, its always good to learn how other instruments work. :)

[Musique3579]

@dibfranciss How I wish you had as many available as there are around here. Hundreds for sure and rarely a buyer. 99% need restoration and some people even give them away. So glad to hear of progress on the Shoninger. That is a great instrument you have. I will be glad when able to get the next Reed Organ lesson posted. All the best-

Justin~