Wurlitzer EP reed tip shape

[Electroharmony]

Wondering how important for proper tone it is for the reed tips to be shaped into a pyramid?  I recently came across a a wurly with an odd tone, upon closer examination the reed tips have been filed into a very sharply slanted triangle, if you will.  The notes are ~in tune but just sound off...

Anyone have any input on this?


 
         

[pianotuner steveo]

The main reason why the pyramid shape is important is to help prevent the solder from touching ( shorting out) the side of the pickup. A funny noise can mean that the solder is barely shorting. If you look at the reed in question in a dark room, you may see a spark....

A dead short causes no sound and / or the famous wurlitzer crackling noise.

The crackling can also be caused by condensation this time of year when moving a wurli from the cold outdoors to indoors. If turned on too soon,it will snap, crackle, and pop....