Reed Plates

Why and When to Replace Your Reed Plates?

Reed plates are a replaceable item on a harmonica, much like strings are on a guitar. Over time, individual reeds start to go out of tune, or break entirely. If your harmonica is sounding a bit dull and flat, chances are a set of replacement reed plate will breathe new life into it!

The main reason to replace reed plates, rather than purchase a new harmonica, is the difference in cost between the two options. Typically, replacement reed plates will sell for 50% to 60% of the cost of a whole new harp. As the harmonica's other components, such as the comb and cover plates, tend to last for years and even decades, replacing reed plates effectively extends the lifespan of a harmonica for a fraction of the cost of replacing it entirely.

How Long do Reed Plates Last?

Reed plate lifespan will depend on a number of factors, including the type of harmonica, reed material, amount of playing and specific techniques. As a guide, reed plates in instruments where bending of notes is not possible (chromatics, tremolos, octaves), should last for many years, sometimes into double figures. Diatonic harmonicas with standard brass reeds may last for up to two years of regular playing, but this does depend on technique. Beginners, who often rely on heavy draws to bend notes, will sometimes find that individual reeds will perish quite quickly - one reason to get tuition from an early point! Stainless steel and phosphor bronze reeds have an extended lifespan compared with brass reeds, but tend to be featured on more expensive harmonicas, which offsets any potential saving.

Can I Replace Individual Reeds?

It is possible to replace individual reeds on harmonicas where reeds are sold separately. However, this is a slightly fiddly operation that may not be suitable to be undertaken by all players.

Can I Buy Replacement Reed Plates for All Harmonicas?

Unfortunately, not all harmonicas have replaceable reed plates. The general rule is that harmonicas below around £30, and which are generally made in China, do not have replacement reed plates available for them. This includes Hohner models, such as the Blues Bender and Blues Band, and Suzuki's entry level models, such as the Easy Rider.

Can I Swap Reed Plates Between Different Harmonicas?

MS Series Hohners and Lee Oskars have the capability of swapping reed plates between different models. With the MS Series, this means that you can, for example, install thicker or thinner reeds in most of the range, or swap them for a different coating (eg chrome plated). Lee Oskar harmonicas are also modular, meaning that you can install natural minor, harmonic minor, major diatonic or Melody Maker reeds in the same harmonica.

Other harmonicas do not feature this level of compatibility, although, sometimes players can make things work with judicious drilling of holes!

Where specific reed plates and/or keys are not listed, please contact us - we can obtain plates for most models and keys, and the lead time is usually only a few days.