[Harp-L] Re: Reed Length

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill wrote:

I have heard rumors that the 270 Deluxe (which I love) has longer  
reeds (for
a given pitch) than the regular 270s.

Does anyone know if this is true? If so, which of the Hohner chromatics
currently have longer reeds? And do any of the diatonics have longer  
than
usual reeds (like maybe the Crossover)? I tried to take some apart to
examine, but I did not get a good "read" on the situation.

Steve replies:

Like all current Hohner chroms, the 270 Deluxe has new reed profiles  
similar to those used in the Classic diatonics, which are extremely  
durable and responsive. These were introduced across the board to  
extend reed life and reduce the risk of breakage, so you'll find the  
same reeds in all current production models. Older instruments will  
have reeds with the previous profiles. This has nothing to do with  
reed length however.

All Hohner Classic diatonics (Golden Melody, Special 20, Marine Band  
1896, Deluxe & Crossover) have the same basic reed design, none of  
them features longer reeds.

Steve Baker
www.stevebaker.de
www.bluesculture.com