Re: [Harp-L] Re: Low Key Harp Cover Rattle?

[David Michelsen Tuition <dmharpman@xxxxxxxxx>]

 Hi
I had some pre production Hohner low G S.B.S, which I'd been given for 
an informal opinion. Personally I loved them but the extra weight needed 
on the free swinging end of the reed to bring them down to pitch caused 
a number of 'problems'.
 They started an octave below the G used for the start of the G Richter 
tuned harp, like the G below the bottom C on the current S.B.S in C.
 I have seen cover plates customized by 'panel beating' out a clearance 
slot for low tuned reeds  and this did work. How ever the suggestion to 
give care to the reed-gap off-set is very good advice.
I would add to this an examination of the techniques that you are using 
to initiate the voicing of the reed. It is very common for folks to use 
far grater pressure on their start off air strike than is strictly 
needed, causing the reeds to have a larger arc than is needed for the 
purpose. With the Low G S.B.S. I also found that I had to think and play 
before I wanted the reed to sound in order to bring it's inherent delay 
into line with the beat.

In the end Hohner decided at that time not to put the Low Tuned G S.B.S. 
into production, a shame, I felt that its deep rich tone, was worth the 
work needed to play it well.

Examples of working with this sort of delay can be seen in the choir 
organ manuals, which are connected by mechanical links to the main 
organ. So the Westminster  choir organ runs 1. something seconds late. 
It must be hard changing the playing habit when you have been working 
with one delay for a long time ;-)
David
On 01/04/2011 15:02, Mike Fugazzi wrote:
> Obviously I would...if they were widely available, lol.  Thanks for
> the advice regarding using a punch.  I have a glass-cutter and a punch
> I can try...extra cover plates too.  If it works out, I'll let the
> list know.
>
> Mike
>
> On Apr 1, 8:10 am, Robert Koch<ro...@xxxxxxx>  wrote:
> > Le 01/04/2011 11:22, Ken Hildebrand a crit :
> >
> > > Or reshape the area of the coverplate being struck by using a "rounded" tool (like the ball-end of a glass-cutter or a hole reducing punch like the ones sold by Micro-Mark, along with  a hammer.
> >       Or get a Hohner Thunderbird: it will done out of the box.
> >
> > http://juke-myharmonicablog.blogspot.com/2010/12/chris-michalek-lun-d...
> >       Sunnyside

--
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