[Harp-L] Re: Stainless Steel Harmonica Reeds

[MilwHarmonica@xxxxxxx]

Hello, Dave and Rupert.
 
I'm hoping that you talented and knowledgeable professional  customizers can 
answer these questions about the SS reeds of Seydel.
 
What is Douglas Tate's historical connection with Seydel?
 
I know that Douglas and Bobbie Giordano sold the Rennaisance chromatic  
company to Seydel several years ago, when Douglas was near death. 
 
At the Rennaisance harmonica's SPAH Convention introduction in 1997,  Douglas 
had said that he had been using stainless steel reeds on his chromatics  for 
nearly 40 years, with no reed fatigue and no maintenance (no re-gapping, no  
re-alignment, no re-tuning done, none needed). As we  know, he was a superb  
harmonica player and won several harmonica contests in his musical career.
 
Where did Doglas Tate get the SS reeds for his early harmonicas? Did he  work 
quietly with Seydel, or did he have them made on his own?
 
Thanks for your reply.
 
John Broecker



**************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car 
listings at AOL Autos.      
(http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851)