Re: Subject: [Harp-L] pre-existing harmonica terminology ??

[Jonathan Ross <jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Vern wrote:

"Would you explain the "Knittlinger" comb.
What is the rationale for a draw-only hole?
Does it need its own term?"

I know this wasn't directed at me, but since the Knittlinger  
harmonica doesn't actually have individual holes for blow and draw I  
thought I'd answer.

Probably the best way is simply by linking to this page:

http://www.patmissin.com/ffaq/q36.html

This should clear up the difference between the Wiener and  
Knittlinger types of diatonic harmonica.

IMO, the most likely reason for the Wiener system having each reed in  
a separate cell/chamber and thus an individual mouthpiece hole is to  
preserve air.  Since it is usually associated with double-reed  
harmonicas (most often tremolos but also octaves) my guess is the  
idea was to allow you only open your mouth on the holes you are  
sounding and thus not loose compression through blowing into/drawing  
through non-playing reeds (as happens on harmonicas where a blow and  
draw reed share a chamber/hole).  It is notable that the Knittlinger  
octave harmonicas often use valves/windsavers (such as on the "Auto- 
Valve") whereas I am not aware of regular valve usage on Wiener  
harmonicas.

As for terminology, I have seen (and used) the terms "dual reed-cell"  
for instruments where two reeds share a single chamber in the comb  
(typically blow/draw, but not always) and "single reed-cell" for  
where each reed has it's own chamber in the comb and associated  
mouthpiece hole.


Hope this helps.



JR Ross