Re: [Harp-L] Soaking harps

["Rick Dempster" <rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hmm...don't think I'd do that Ken. I'd reckon that after a certain
amount (?) of time the plate and the reeds would reach the same temp.
and there'd be no difference.  In fact I'm a bit confused by Joes post.
In the distant past I have removed  bearing outer-races from motor-cycle
crankcases (aluminium-alloy cases, steel bearing races)
I heated up the cases in the oven (causes expansion) then took them out
and dropped ice cubes in the  bearing outer- races (causing
contraction).
The bearing races fell out with the lightest of taps.
Now, if you heated the harps, I'd reckon the reeds, being lighter in
gauge, would reach maximum temp. before the plates, so that would narrow
the clearance between reed and slot.
Then again, the plates, taking longer to heat, might just conduct the
heat from the reeds (ie 'rob' the heat) and the reeds not heat up any
faster than the plate.
I'm talking heat, because thinking in reverse (ie cooling) is something
I have difficulty getting my head around.
I mean, is coldness just the abscence of heat?  er.... I have a feeling
Joe might come to our aid here...
RD

>>> Ken Deifik <kenneth.d@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 18/07/2007 15:56:14 >>>
Joe Leone wrote:
>Another theory of mine is that since the reed plates have a much
>larger mass than the reeds, cold ANYTHING will cause the modulus of
>contraction to differ between THEM and the much much smaller mass
>reeds. This also may close up the tolerance(s).

Well, I started this with my question, and with full faith that youse
all 
would come up with the goods and you haven't failed.  I thank 
everybody.  I've learned alot.

I'm totally intrigued by Joe's reply.  I have a harp whose
responsiveness 
leaves alot to be desired, and which I unfortunately need to use.  I'm

going to stick it in the fridge tonight and see how it performs in the
morning.

I will report back.

Hopefully my wife will not be annoyed.  She already thinks I'm
peculiar.

K

_______________________________________________
Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org 
Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx 
http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l