Re: [Harp-L] Harpmaster vs session

["Robert Laughlin" <harmonicaman1968@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

So, being a softer metal, the brass reed needs more thickness to stiffen it 
up to address the tonal range of a harp and still stay within reasonable 
slot dimension? (compared to, say, a thinner reed made of phospher bronze?)

Or am I blowin' smoke,,


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Vern" <jevern@xxxxxxx>
To: "Robert Laughlin" <harmonicaman1968@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: "chris o'sullivan" <proharper@xxxxxxxxxxx>; <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2014 3:38 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Harpmaster vs session


> On Apr 11, 2014, at 2:23 PM, Robert Laughlin 
> <harmonicaman1968@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> > So, the next logical question is,,
> >
> > Do phosphor bronze reeds last longer than brass?
>
> Bronze is supposed to be more resistant to fatigue than brass.  That would 
> make it last longer. This is very difficult to demonstrate requiring many 
> harmonicas, lots of time to play them to failure on a machine, and careful 
> data analysis.
> > Do phosphor bronze reeds have a different characteristic behavior or 
> > tonal quality than brass?
>
> No.  The properties that affect vibration, elasticity and density, are 
> very much alike.  The sound comes from the changes of flow area as the 
> reed swings through the slot.  There won't be any perceptible difference 
> audible between reeds designed to have the same stiffness and pitch.
> > It's my understanding that brass is softer than phosphor bronze. Am I 
> > right?
>
> Yes.
>
> See:  http://www.diffen.com/difference/Brass_vs_Bronze
>
> Vern
> >


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