Re: [Harp-L] Nails in Combs

[fjm <mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Richard Hunter wrote:

> The only way I can see that this might be an advantage is if the comb isn't machined perfectly flat or the reedplate
> is warped--i.e., if the harp is poorly made.  
> Otherwise, how is this "floating" a good thing?  If the plate's not flat to the comb, wouldn't that inhibit the
> efficient transmission of vibrations from the plate to the comb?  And isn't that the point of having the plates
> on top of the comb in the first place?

Actually I think the idea of having the reed plates fastened to the top 
and bottom of the comb is that this allows the tines of the comb to 
create air passageways to the pairs of reeds top and bottom.  As I 
understand it the current accepted explanation for how harmonica reeds 
make sound is that they chop the air and the comb does not play a role 
in the actual transmission of the reed's sound to a listeners ear.  A 
harmonica with the covers removed makes a barely audible sound when the 
reeds are plucked and yet if you take a single reed plate and blow or 
draw through any one of the individual reed slots that note will sound 
as loud or louder than a conventionally assembled harmonica that 
includes plates tightly fastened to the comb.  fjm