[Harp-L] Re: Reed Profile

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The term "reed profile" does not refer to the overall dimensions of  
the reed, these are known as the "mensur" (= measurements). In order  
to understand reed profile, it helps to know how reeds are made. The  
profile is milled crosswise into the upper surface of the strip of  
brass from which the reeds are then cut lengthways, so the milling is  
at right angles to the length of the reed. The Harp Handbook contains  
photos of this process. This is necessary in order to create reeds  
with the same dimensions but of different pitch (e.g. 4-blow in a C  
and a G harp, both long slot mensur = same size, but different  
pitches) or vice versa ( e.g. 4-draw in a C, a long slot mensur, and  
4-blow in a D, a short slot mensur, different sizes but the same  
pitch). Apart from this function, the profile influences response,  
opening reed behaviour (bending & overblows) and longevity. Hohner  
introduced a new mensur for the MS models in the early 1990s and  
modified the profiles for Classic Richter and chromatics a couple of  
years ago, which is the reason why the current Hohner Classic reeds  
have a much higher life expectancy than previously was the case.

Hope this helps,

Steve

www.stevebaker.de
www.bluesculture.com