[Harp-L] Re: Reed Measurements (Request For Information)

[Rick Epping <rickepping@xxxxxxxxx>]

As an alternative to stamping out reeds, you might consider rolling, a
method used by 19th Century manufacturers prior to the introduction of
stamping.  Brass wire was rolled down to the thickness and width of the
rivet pad, then the sides of the reed tongue were cut to the desired width,
I would guess by using a nibbler. One advantage to this method is that the
reed is subjected to less stress and possible strain than it is through
stamping.   The cost of tooling up for rolling would also likely be far less
than that for stamping.  I have studied and played harmonicas with these
reeds, particularly by the Viennese maker Thie, and found them to be equal
or superior to most modern instruments.

Rick

Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 08:05:35 -0400
> From: Robert Coble <robertpcoble@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Reed Measurements (Request For Information)
> To: Vern Smith <jevern@xxxxxxx>
> Cc: Harp-L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Message-ID: <SNT121-W27FFB2EE693FEF9C48AAD8C48F0@xxxxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
> Vern and Smokey Joe,
>
> Thank you very much for providing inspiration regarding reed manufacturing
> and also
>  for sharing your experience and expertise. While my friend is intrigued by
> the challenge,
> I am still more interested in the end product than in the process per se. I
> also am aware
> that (in all likelihood), I will pay a lot more for developing a usable
> punch-and-die set
> than it will ever cost me to buy replacement reedplates from Seydel. I CAN
> imagine how
> difficult the reed making process is. I DO expect the punch-and-die making
> process to be
> iterative, because of the very tight tolerances required. (Thank you for
> the specification
> of 0.005mm; that gives me a target to specify.) My target reed blank is
> somewhere
> between professionally made reeds at the factory and handmade reeds from
> razor blades,
> cartridge cases and other esoterica. I'm certainly NOT a "MacGyver" like
> Smokey Joe, but
> if a usable reed can be made by hand, then surely a machine can be made
> that makes
> the process a little easier and less time consuming; THAT is my goal. I do
> NOT intend to
> EVER compete with the harmonica manufacturers economically. In all
> likelihood, I will
> spend my money and time and not get close, but the possibility of "failure"
> doesn't deter
> me.