[Harp-L] Tolerances on Harmonicas and the Manufacturing process

[captron100@xxxxxxx]

Vern Smith wrote:

 However, you have changed the total leakage area by only  .00054 / (.00108 + .00464)  =  9.4%
Q. What then is the big deal with clearance tolerances and embossing?  ..........snip.......
Q. Could it be that we subjectively perceive differences in performance that are not there?


  Vern, have u ever embossed your harps?
 ?Your hypothesis raises an interesting question - what percentage of leakage reduction causes such a noticeable improvement
in playability.  To me, a 9.4% improvement sounds significant.   I have never taken measurements, but i can tell u that I have 
tweaked some diatonic harps to the point that sometimes I feel that i have gone too far in the embossing department.  They are 
so tight to play that it is totally obvious to the player, and they are completely different animals than the out-of-the-box harp that 
they used to be.  No doubt about it.
 ?I should say that by "tweaked", i mean that in addition to embossing I also gap and shape reed profiles.  I have never 
spent the time embossing without doing the rest of the routine.  But the result of it all is unquestionably dramatic.
ron - FL Keys