[Harp-L] Re: Comb thickness in diatonic harmonicas

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jim wrote:
A quick comparison of a Hohner Crossover and Manji reveals a
substantial difference in comb thickness (vertical dimension) with the
Manji comb thicker by about the thickness of a reed plate.
Custom replacement combs for S20 from different sources also differ in
thickness by about the same amount.

HOW DOES COMB THICKNESS AFFECT SOUND, RESPONSIVENESS, EASE OF BENDING
AND OVERBLOWING???

Steve comments:
Preferences seem to differ on this. Some custom comb builders make  
their combs for Hohner models thicker than the originals, but my  
experience hasn't necessarily shown that to be an advantage. The only  
time I recall testing anything like this (a long time ago), we  
measured the overtone spectrum using 2 different comb thicknesses on  
the same reedplates. When using a comb slightly thinner than the MB/ 
MBDL/Crossover standard I remember finding that the sound was  
slightly darker: The overtone fractions were a little weaker and the  
fundamental a little stronger. In this case I don't recall any  
particular differences in the other points you mention. Personally I  
didn't really like the thicker combs I've tried, they mess up my  
embouchure and I found they made controlled bends and OBs more  
difficult for me, but this could be just because of my being used to  
the "standard" thickness. I prefer sealed Marine Band combs as used  
on the Deluxe & Crossover both from the point of view of playability  
and of playing feel.

Steve Baker
www.stevebaker.de
www.european-blues-masterclass.com
www.harmonica-masters.de