[Harp-L] RE: Fatigue and Reed Life: An Objective Test?

[Robert Coble <robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

If the question is limited to reed longevity as a function of material, then it
makes sense to remove as many extraneous variables as possible from the
test process. Human beings are notorious for introducing variability into test 
situations. A comparison test of longevity between brass and stainless steel 
reeds has nothing to do with the playing style. If a given human being could 
hold his breath force constant, then a comparison between brass and stainless
steel reeds would "prove" exactly the same RELATIVE longevity between the two
materials. No human can do this, so using a machine to stress the reeds equally
will show the relative longevity most accurately. "One swallow does not make a 
summer." Vern's suggestion of testing many reeds simultaneously and averaging
the results is standard procedure for an engineering approach to stress testing.

I would be very surprised if the manufacturers do not already have a materials
research section which does studies on reed materials and longevity. Why?
Because manufacturers periodically HAVE changed the materials composition 
to "improve" the quality of their products. In this age, it would be ridiculous to 
change over a manufacturing operation blindly, with no tests to indicate the 
direction to go to achieve improvements. The cost of a materials testing lab 
would be insignificant compared to the potential loss in revenue of changing 
materials blindly and "hoping" it will work (and sell).

Another reason for believing that the manufacturers have such test sections
is the description of the superb engineers (like Karl Pucholt of Seydel) who
are continually striving to improve the design of harmonicas. Engineers want to 
find OBJECTIVE reasons for changing/improving a product. They are very 
unsatisfied with the "If it feels good, then do it!" seat-of-the-pants approach.

Take a good look at the Web site that Dave posted:

http://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel.sf/en_GB/?ObjectID=211764

If that doesn't "prove" the existence of very sophisticated engineering test 
facilities, then I don't know what would. Those types of tests are NOT performed 
by Joe Sixpack in his garage, who just wants a better harmonica at a lower price.
(No offense to the many superb garage mechanics who do improve products.
They [generally] do it through a long process of trial-and-error, rather than as a 
planned effort based on sound engineering studies.)

I suspect that prior to ANY reed materials change, the manufacturer has already
done a cost-benefit study, which would definitely include the differences between 
the existing reed composition and the proposed composition (if that is the proposed 
change). An integral part of that cost-benefit study will be to determine what is 
economically feasible, given the costs of different materials, the costs of machining
that material into the requisite parts (including the costs of new tools), AND the 
expected return on investment. And, whether we as consumers like it or not, there 
WILL be a critical assessment of the impact on sales of existing product lines vice 
proposed product line. Simply put, if a manufacturer makes a "perfect" harmonica 
(in the sense that it never fails), then it may be financial suicide to produce such a 
harmonica, if current product sales as well as future sales of the new product will 
eventually dry up because no one needs a replacement harmonica.

Perhaps those on the list with connections to Seydel could see if the Seydel engineers
would be willing (or would be allowed) to divulge the results of their tests on the
expected difference in longevity between brass and stainless steel reeds. For 
competitive reasons, Seydel may not want the results of those tests to become 
common knowledge. I'd bet that such tests have already been done; I would expect
nothing less from a group that employs engineers like Karl Pulchot, and has the 
support of superb craftsmen like Dave Payne, Rupert Oysler and others. BTW, I'm 
NOT dissing Hohner or other manufacturers; I know they also employ superb 
engineers and craftsmen like Rick Epping, Sissy Jones, et al.

Regards,
Crazy Bob

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