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

[Joe Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On May 19, 2011, at 9:30 AM, Robert Coble wrote:
> 
> Do you have any additional references or information regarding the initial size of wire that was used or the 
> design (patents?) of the rolling machines?

Well you have heard from Rick (one of the Ghurus of harmonica), so hearing from me is like hearing from Joey DiRita (the 5th and unknown Stooge). 
But anyway, the reed pads are at least 1/8th inch (just over 3 mm) wide, so I have ascertained that 1mm wire would probably do. I can send you some 2mm wire to play with. I also have some brass shim stock. And other junk for experiments. Btw, you can also get shim stock, wire, and other neat stuff from jewelry supply outfits.  I happen to be an anti-hoarder. Instead of keeping things forever, I go through my stuff every month looking for things to pitch. I will also ask my daughter who is into jewelry. It may take some time to assemble it all. The last time I had a cigar box of stuff I sent it to G. I wish I had known about your work back then.  
> 
> 
> I never considered rolling out a reed blank from brass wire simply because I had not known the history. I also

I am more into hammering. Hammering will also harden brass. Rolling has to be done cold. The colder the better. And with hammering all you need is.....a hammer. 
> 
> would like to try materials other than brass (phosphor bronze, stainless steel), which makes a punch-and-die
> 
> set seem more attractive. But I certainly do appreciate the additional possibilities for using brass wire!
> 
> 
> Thank you!
> Crazy Bob
> 
> 
> Rick Epping wrote:
> 
> 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
>