Re: [Harp-L] Comb material

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've used mahogany, black walnut, maple, pear, peach, beech, all kinds of stuff. The only thing that matters with wood combs is that it is FLAT. Other than that, seal it and it's good. The differences are cosmetic only. 
Here's my experience with different woods... this is the only difference I ever noticed... Example: Mahogany is softer than black walnut. If you get any warpage, the reedplates will hold the comb twist in check. In essence, the comb comforms to the reedplate. Hard wood like walnut, if you have any warpage, the reeds will conform to the shape of the wood... I don't think this is an issue with a 10 hole, but it was when I was making Hohner 365 combs... 
As far as acoustics, there will be no difference in woods themselves, only in how flat the reedplate lays against it. However, there is a slight tonal affect from reedplate to reedplate distribution of vibration and what differences in tone there are are due to how the vibration is transmitted (Hello, Vern!). from one side to the other. Between a hollow plastic comb, like a Golden Melody or a Session, it does not transmit that vibration as a denser comb would do.  The density difference between different woods isn't enough to make much of a change. 
In other words, go with what looks good.


Dave
_______________________
Dave Payne Sr. 
Elk River Harmonicas
www.elkriverharmonicas.com 


----- Original Message ----
From: Tom Halchak <thalchak@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 6:02:27 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Comb material

On the subject of comb material - I am curious about the pros and cons of
making combs out of different types of wood.  We all know that the wood
combs on Marine Bands swell up when they get wet and become uncomfortable to
play, so we migrate to the plastic combs of the Special 20's or the Golden
Melodies.  But what about other types of wood like oak or mahogany or ebony
or maple or elm or others?  Has anybody ever experimented with using these
or other types of wood?  I know that Seydel has a harmonica the appears to
be made entirely of wood, but I haven't pulled the trigger and purchased
one.  I have also looked at the brass combs made by Chris Reynolds at
builderofstuff.com.  His workmanship is impressive but still I wonder about
a more economical option.  I have a friend that owns a woodworking shop with
some very high end computerized (we are talking $200,000 pieces of
equipment) milling equipment.  I've seen these things in action and they are
amazing - totally computerized, very precise.  He also happens to be a harp
player and an inventor who hold a few patents.  I'm sure I could get him to
make some combs for me.  If anybody has some suggestions or comments I'd
like to hear them.  If I can identify an ideal material and can get this set
up I would probably be willing to send some combs out to those of you who
are interested so you can have an opportunity to try them.  No promises, but
I am thinking that once the computer program is set up the cost of material
won't be much - it's a little piece of wood!  If I can make it happen, and
it doesn't cost me too much I would be happy to send out some samples for
field testing.  I would love to hear from you.



Tom H

Clearwater, FL





E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (5.5.1.322)
Database version: 5.10710e
http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor/
_______________________________________________
Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l