[Harp-L] Hohner reeds

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The problems with reed breakages mentioned in various recent postings  
were a cause of major concern to Hohner a few years back. In order to  
prevent this from happening, the company made the reeds more flexible  
(not thinner), one of Rick Epping's last projects during his time  
with Hohner. This alteration, which was incorporated into production  
in 2005, has virtually eliminated actual reed breakage as well as  
generally extending reed life considerably. The production date  
stamped on the reed plate allows you to ascertain when it was made   
-  anything ending with 05 onwards will have these reeds. Rick told  
me at the time that they were modelled on those of the legendary Herb  
Shriner Marine Bands. They are now used on all chromatics and Hohner  
classic diatonics (Marine Band, Marine Band Deluxe, Special 20 and  
Golden Melody). The reeds on the MS series diatonics have been  
similarly modified. The tempered tuning used on the GM is a separate  
issue and is not related to the reeds themselves. I hope this helps  
clarify things,

Steve

Steve Baker
steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.stevebaker.de
www.bluesculture.com
www.youtube.com/stevebakerbluesharp