Re: [Harp-L] triple vs quadruple reed harps

[Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

On Sep 15, 2012, at 9:20 AM, Rick Epping wrote:

> "..................................  I tend to believe that playing a
> reed in an environment which allows it to oscillate closest to its natural,
> or plucked frequency, is less likely to stress it than in other, less than
> optimal environments......................."

Based on the mechanics of materials, here's a counter-argument:

Amplitude/deflection (shorter radius of curvature) is the only thing that stresses a reed.  
The greatest amplitude/deflection will likely occur at the natural (plucked) frequency.
It follows that the amplitude and stress will be less in "less than optimal environments."
 
You may be incorrectly projecting the player's stress onto the reed. The reed doesn't care if the player's eyes are bulging, his embouchure is convoluted, and he is red in the face with bending effort.

Vern