Re: [Harp-L] reed replacement compatibility

[G <gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:35:54 +0100
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] reed replacement compatibility
>Am Montag, 27. November 2006 17:40 schrieb Captron100@xxxxxxx:
>> All things being equal, are different brands of harp reeds 
>> compatible in other brands of harps (e.g., can i use a Hohner reed
>> in  a Seydel or Lee Oskar harp)?  Most of my scrap harps are
>> SP20's.
>> ron
>
>No, you can´t use harp reeds from one model in another harp model. 
>Usually it´s  not even a good idea to use (e.g.) a reed from a SP20 
>Key of G in a SP20 A, though it should work if you have no 
>alternative (of course you have to remove a lot of material from the 
>reed´s tip.
>Additional Hohner classic harps G-C# and D-F# are incompatible because 
>the slot size is different.
>Gruß,Frank

No, it's not that black and white.  
  Hohner SP20, Marine Bands and Golden Melody diatonics have interchangable 
reeds.   The entire Hohner MS range are 100% interchangable between all 
models. Some Hohner MS diatonic reeds are interchangable with Hohner 
chromatic harmonica reeds.  All of Hohner's chromatic harmonica reeds are 
interchangable, although what range of pitch varies, and at either extreme
there 
may be differences.  
  That said, Hohner have recently changed chromatic harmonica reedplates
for the reeds found in their double reed models - so they're now
interchangable.  But now there's a difference in dimensions of some reeds
between all the earlier Hohner chromatic instruments, and the ones you
buy from a shop today.  
  Also some different brand models have certain reeds that fit readily
into other brand models.  And on it goes.
  The most useful source of working out what reeds from where will work
with what models is to be found in Pat Missin's "Altered States".  
I'm not sure if it's been updated with Hohner's latest changes to their
chromatics though. You
can find the download link to it at http://www.patmissin.com
  You'll need to Unzip it using any freeware zip capable program, then
use any text editor or viewer to read SLOTS.TXT and print out a copy.
Also read REPLACE.TXT which explains a very practical and reliable way to
harvest and replace reeds, and includes some "trade secrets" for
customising your harmonica.  And TUN.TXT for sage retuning instruction.
This information is backed by 20 years of practical experience by a
seasoned and reputable harmonica customiser.
  However to someone who's just starting out, I'd generally suggest they
stick to the same brand and model, and use their dead harps to practice 
rereeding on, and as they build up a graveyard, they can start to harvest 
replacement reeds for their good harps when a reed dies.  It's also possible 
to purchase replacement reedplates for Hohner handmade/classic diatonics -
although it depends on how willing a store manager of any given shop is to 
place the order with their Hohner supplier.
-- G.
http://harmonica.7p.com