Re: [Harp-L] Re: Something with full-length covers!

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Apr 8, 2009, at 2:38 PM, Winslow Yerxa wrote:

> > From replies so far, what I'm getting is mouth comfort factor as  
> > the attraction of full-length covers.
>
> A few years ago the full-length cover issue came up regarding 16- 
> hole chromatics. It turns out that some players feel that the  
> tabbed end covers, like on the regular Hohner 64 (or the 270 in the  
> 12-hole size) deliver more focused sound than the full-length  
> covers of models like the Super 64 and Super 64X, because the cover  
> is restricted to the area directly above the reeds (I guess the  
> reasoning is that the sound gets projected out and isn't allowed to  
> fritter itself away in the areas beyond the reeds). Players  
> actually compare this cover design to the bell of a trumpet (this  
> per a conversation with chromatic customizer Dick Gardner).

As a former trumpet player, I totally agree. Why have extra  
instrument that has no purpose. Just last night, we had to open some  
sliding doors at the Harborside because the sound was being funneled  
into the middle of the bar area and killing people. Sooo, to diffuse  
sound..open up the area, but to focus sound..close off the area.
> Now I know that diatonic players do place value on opening out the  
> back of harmonica covers. But I've never heard discussion about  
> whether restricting the width of the covers to the reed area (as in  
> Marine Band, Lee Oskar, Special 20, etc) as opposed to running the  
> length of the harp (Golden Melody, Meisterklasse, Suzuki  
> Firebreath, Seydel Favorite, etc.) had any perceived benefit.

The benefit 'I' see to 'tabbed' ends is that the left end jams into  
the hand more securely and doesn't slip around. While I initially  
thought of a wet hand it turned out that I had trouble with GMs in  
Palm Desert. Where my hands got as dry as chalk.

smo-joe (the Geronimo of last stands)

> Winslow
>
> Winslow Yerxa
>
> Author, Harmonica For Dummies ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
>
> --- On Wed, 4/8/09, Tim Moyer <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> From: Tim Moyer <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re:  Re: [Harp-L] Re: Something with full-length covers!
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 11:10 AM
>
> Winslow Yerxa wrote:
> > What's the attraction of full length covers?
>
> Bill Hines wrote:
> > Fits in the hand better, more comfortable, easier to get a seal...
>
> When I play a long time, like a several-set gig, the ends of the  
> covers of
> Marine Bands, Special 20s, Lee Oskars, etc., start to hurt my lips  
> and the
> corners of my mouth.  That doesn't happen with a Golden Melody, or  
> a Tombo
> Ultimo, or a Suzuki Promaster or Bluesmaster.
>
> Unfortunately, some of the premium models only come with tabbed  
> covers, like
> the Marine Band Deluxe and the Seydel 1847.  I'd love to see the  
> crossover
> with full-length covers.  Of course, I'd like to see it with equal  
> tuning as
> well.  Paddy Richter tuning.  :-)
>
> -tim
>
>
>
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