Re: [Harp-L] Seydel 1847 stainless steel reed harmonica

Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx> · Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:46:32 -0400

On Apr 16, 2007, at 8:56 PM, Rick Dempster wrote:
.....Just a thought on this remark: I've often thought wood combed
harps sounded different to plastics. However, I've come to the
conclusion that the reason is exactly as stated above.

Same here. For years I disagreed with Vern Smith on the subject of  
combs. It turned out that I wasn't disagreeing with him. I felt I was  
getting a different sound between the two and it turned out to be a  
combination of several things.

1... My chromatics were all old and wood and had a particular sound.

2... I got a new plastic combed chromo (same model, same key). It  
sounded different.

ergo. Between the older chromos being 'broken in', had swelled combs,  
more gunk in the nooks and crannies, they were softer, had less  
volume, and bent and slurred easier. Also, I had changed out the  
springs with safety pins.

3... My diatonics were all old, They were responding to me because I  
played them the same way for years. Newer diatonics sounded  
different. They were louder and brighter, and took some play time to  
get them to hold a bend in the position(s) I wanted.
         I have fallen into the habit of deliberately using a slightly

leaky harmonica on some tunes because I want a light, reedy sound.  
Note

that when I say'slightly leaky', this may simply mean harps with more

offset to the reeds.

I will be doing that on ONE tune at the Buckeye Harmonica Fest next  
week. I will use TWO chromos on the same tune. They are BOTH same  
key, same model. One is old (wood) and will be used for the sweet  
ballad part. The other is new (plastic) and will be used for the jazz  
waltz part.
        The harps that I have adjusted for overblowing sometimes do  
not

produce the sound might I want on a particular song.

Exactly, that's why you pros need to carry 18 standard, 18 special  
tuned, 18 minor, and 18 custom set-up harps.

MINIMUM six dozen
smokey-joe

Regards,
Rick Dempster
Melbourne,
Australia