[Harp-L] Re: reed plate protrusion

[David Payne <dmatthew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Here's why they protrude... it's tradition... here's why it's tradition: 

Back in the old days, manufacturers spent a lot of time working on this problem of comb swelling. The protruding reedplate is one of the improvements made to compensate. 
In the old days of unsealed combs being standard, the comb teeth swelled up. The protruding reedplates gives them some room for expansion. On the Marine Band, which is unsealed, this is still the case and it's still a bit necessary. 
There is play on the comb teeth on a Marine Band because they are not tight against the reedplate. Again, it's intentional. The comb is slightly wider at the top, this is so the top of the comb teeth swell tight against the reedplate and holds it a bit, so instead of swelling entirely up, the comb tooth below is... (path of least resistance) encouraged to swell out with moisture, making the harp more airtight. 
In this system there is a sweet spot, so to speak of moisture, if you get the moisture just right, it's tight and the teeth don't swell out of the reedplate. 


Dave Payne
Elk River Harmonicas
www.elkriverharmonicas.com