[Harp-L] re: Reed "profile"

[David Payne <dmatthew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Crazy Bob wrote:

"While in the stacks (so to speak), I noticed a peculiarity regarding the term "reed profile." It appears that there 
are two quite different usages of this term. Perhaps I misunderstood, so if there is a different set of terms, please 
enlighten me."


It is my understand that the term "profile" concerns all dimensions of the reed, thus they are the same useage. 
Profiles were mostly developed before or around 1800. Hohner developed its Marine Band (and offshoots) 
profile in the late 1800s. Seydel did the same in the late 1800s and there are two basic reed profiles from 
Seydel that are in use today. 
Hering would have come up with its profiles in the 1920s or 1930s I'd presume. 
So for the most part it's tradition and the market of the late 1800s was big enough, plus brass makers were 
numerous enough where small makers could produce experimental alloys (another feature that makes a
difference). 
Seydel did develop a new profile for the 1847, although it is similar to the wider of the old two... and while I 
don't know for sure, I presume Hohner must have developed another profile for the MS series.

Dave
___________________
Dave Payne
Elk River Harmonicas
www.elkriverharmonicas.com