Re: [Harp-L] Re: Stainless Steel Harmonica Reeds

[Rupert Oysler <orupert@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello John,

As far as I know, Douglas Tate never used Stainless Steel reeds, though 
he had always hoped to try them, and it was his belief that they would 
provide a more stable and durable reed platform. It took the rebirth of 
Seydel with the strong backing of their new investors, to fuel the huge 
scope of work and expense involved in bringing this new reed material to 
the harmonica world.  Possibly Douglas spoke about a Stainless Steel 
_comb_ (rather than reeds) at that '97 SPAH convention? His personal 
chromatic used before the Renaissance had Hohner reedplates and brass 
reeds, and the Renaissance also did. Seydel has now created their own 
brass reeds for the Renaissance.

Douglas and Seydel were introduced in 2005, by mutual friends, who were 
aware of Douglas terminal illness and also of the rebirth that was 
taking place in Seydel. Douglas became very interested in the quality 
and character of the Seydel company and people, and was too ill to 
travel, so Seydel's new management and Karl Pucholt, the chief engineer, 
came to England to meet with Douglas.

Those present recount the joy in watching the two engineers (Douglas and 
Karl) communicate (in different languages...) over days of detailed 
investigation into the Renaissance. A mutual agreement was reached (not 
a sale), as Douglas became convinced of the engineering quality behind 
Seydel, and Seydel became convinced that they could adequately carry out 
Douglas's wishes.

I hope this helps,

Rupert Oysler
www.seydelusa.com



MilwHarmonica@xxxxxxx wrote:
> Hello, Dave and Rupert.
>  
> I'm hoping that you talented and knowledgeable professional  customizers can 
> answer these questions about the SS reeds of Seydel.
>  
> What is Douglas Tate's historical connection with Seydel?
>  
> I know that Douglas and Bobbie Giordano sold the Rennaisance chromatic  
> company to Seydel several years ago, when Douglas was near death. 
>  
> At the Rennaisance harmonica's SPAH Convention introduction in 1997,  Douglas 
> had said that he had been using stainless steel reeds on his chromatics  for 
> nearly 40 years, with no reed fatigue and no maintenance (no re-gapping, no  
> re-alignment, no re-tuning done, none needed). As we  know, he was a superb  
> harmonica player and won several harmonica contests in his musical career.
>  
> Where did Doglas Tate get the SS reeds for his early harmonicas? Did he  work 
> quietly with Seydel, or did he have them made on his own?
>  
> Thanks for your reply.
>  
> John Broecker
>
>
>
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