Re: [Harp-L] overtones and harmony

["Doug" <mr4chnt@xxxxxxxxx>]

Vern,

I'm building a "son-of-harmonetta" kind of contraption and so I will be stuck with chords in equal temperament. I am looking for ways to sweeten things up in spite of that.  

Your conjecture that the overtones come from the complex interaction of the reed and slot is what I understand to be the situation too.  That's why I was thinking that some kind of alterations to these components and their immediate surroundings might have an effect. But I see your point about how, inspite of existing differences all harmonicas sound very similar.

Doug H

Vern said: (snip)
>I believe that the overtone-rich spectral content of harmonica tones is 
>determined by the non-linear changes of the flow area as the reed swings 
>through the slot.  If this is true, it will not change much with reed length , 
>plate thickness, etc.  I think this is borne out by the sounds of real 
>harmonicas which are all very much alike.
>
>Vern