Re: Re: [Harp-L] Comb material

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Dempster" <rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>; "Jeff roulier" <jroulier@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 10:52 PM
Subject: Re: Re: [Harp-L] Comb material


>         I am still unclear myself about the differences or
> relationship between the harmonica and fixed reed instruments, such as
> clarinet, sax etc., which must bear similarities to other non-reed
> instruments such as trumpet, flute tenor horn, trombone etc. etc.

>        Any info on these subjects would be much appreciated by
> Yours's truly,
> RD


Harmonica and accordian are free-reed instruments. The reed swings freely 
and doesn't touch anything. There are no resonant tubes in the harmonica or 
accordian.

Woodwinds:
In Clarinet and sax the reed slaps the mouthpiece every cycle.
Oboe and bassoon are double reed instruments in which each reed slaps 
another reed coming in the opposite direction sort of like clapping hands..
The flute is essentially a whistle.
All the woodwinds have a resonant tube whose effective length is changed by 
opening holes to the outside.  Although these instruments (except flutes) 
have flared bells, most of the sound emanates from the first open hole.

Brass:
In trumpets, trombones, tubas, etc., the player's lips act as double reeds, 
one slapping the other as they come together in a sort of Bronx cheer..
In brass instruments, the length of the resonant tube is changed by 
(dis)connecting extra lengths of tubing of various lengths by means of 
valves.
The player selects various resonant registers by varying the muscular 
tension in his lips.

Materials make a substantial difference in tone in stringed instruments, 
drums, and bells, but not in harmonicas or wind instruments..

Vern