Re: [Harp-L] Re: Overblow Squeals

[Bobbie Giordano <bobbg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 02:03 PM 10/12/2005, Paul Bowering wrote:
>Just a mini poll for all those who regularly employ
>overblows. What method do you use to stabilize the
>reed and why?

I'd like to remind of something...

This squealing noise is produced not just during overbends, but during 
regular bends as well, because the noise comes from the closing reed in the 
chamber, which would be the silenced reed in an overblow or overdraw, or 
the normal bending reed in a blowbend or drawbend.

>1) Wax / Nail polish - some say there is the added
>benefit of sealing that little air gap between the
>reed's root and the plates but does it dampen the
>reed's vibration?

I would say all of the known "fixes" for this problem dampen the vibration 
to some degree, and to me, the turbotape does it the most, which may also 
be why it seems to be the most effective method of stopping the abnormal 
squealing noise.  But, there is, to me anyway, a faintly noticeable dulling 
of the reed's natural ring using turbotape.

As the one who came up with the wax fix for reed squeals, I do tend to 
acknowledge it's more tricky to apply and of course doesn't behave as well 
in hot climates.  What I did like about it is how purposely applying heat, 
from a lit match held close above the tiny wax blob causes it to run and 
seep under the reed and/or pad creating that tiny cushioned seal.  Still, 
I'm not convinced any of these fixes are more than just temporary bandaids 
for what is really still a geometrical or mechanical design flaw that can 
be addressed by some as yet unknown adjustment in the reed profile, reed 
fixing, slot design, or whatever.

And, at 06:16 PM 10/12/2005, ben bouman wrote:
>Seydel is now producing an aluminium comb where they have done
>this in the milling process ... very, very comfortable.

Yes, the Favorit is a pretty nice harp.  I'm curious how the nickel silver 
reedplates against aluminum comb and with brass reeds is going to affect or 
be affected by the other dissimilar metals.

>And.... there is more sensational news coming from Seydel in
>the near future which will upset a llot of people!!

You may just be right...  ;)

[They've already hired Michael Timler away from HarpOnline.com, who has 
been replaced by Tony Ramos, BTW.]

Keep a keen eye on Seydel...

Bobbie