Re: [Harp-L] Hohner reeds

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Baker" <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Harp-L" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 2:09 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Hohner reeds


> .............. the company made the reeds more flexible (not 
> thinner).............

To make a reed more flexible without making it thinner requires a reduction 
in the modulus of elasticity (E) of the metal.  E values for copper-alloy 
(brass and bronze) spring alloys vary only slightly over their ranges of 
alloy composition.   This is because they are dominated by the E of the 
major component, copper, and the E values of the alloying zinc and/or tin 
are not that different.  That implies some huge change of alloy composition.

As the reeds are made "more flexible" near the rivet where they bend, the 
tips must become lighter/thinner to keep the same pitch.  Every harmonica 
tuner knows how that works.  I posit that any significant change in E would 
result in a measurable change in reed geometry.

I find their explanation incomplete and unsatisfying.  It sounds to me as if 
they are claiming more effect on performance than is warranted by a 
miniscule change of flexibility.  I assume that Steve is repeating Hohner's 
claim and has not thought this through for himself.

Any company that has claimed that the different types of comb wood produce 
perceptible differences of tone or that breaking-in of a harmonica would 
extend its life has questionable credibility.

As Monk, the eccentric TV detective says: "I could be wrong....but I don't 
think so!"

Vern
Visit my harmonica website www.Hands-Free-Chromatic.7p.com