Re: [Harp-L] Seydel Repair Options

[Greg Jones <greg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Vern,
You are correct. However, the inability to measure or scientifically
determine the effectiveness doesn't strengthen the presumption
for or against.  It seems to work and since I have a very significant
number of repeat customers, I can certainly speak to the trend that
fewer polished reeds need to be replaced. I mark them and of course, they
look different even after use so I can say that I observe very few
worn or broken polished reeds.

Either way, I feel safe saying it does not shorten reed life and since I
charge the same whether the reed is polished or unpolished, it is not
a pricey gamble but rather a no lose transaction for the customer.

I use the same rotary tool Seydel sells on its web site (They actually
purchase it from me).  It has a variable speed 0-18000 RPM and I attach
a metal polishing bit that resembles the old erasers we used to put into
mechanical pencils .... for those who may recall.

I would certainly be willing to repair Mr. Shaw's Session Steels at no cost
to see if we could resurrect his opinion on the instrument but it seems
Ben has tried this, already.. and honestly he would be one I would contact
if I needed work on that side of the world.

Good discussion.


On Sun, Nov 10, 2013 at 11:16 PM, Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> Stress concentrations can occur at abrupt changes in cross section.
>  Polishing can avoid them.  Thus there is a basis for believing that
> polishing can affect longevity.  However, measuring this effect would not
> be easy.  It might be present but insignificant.
>
> An experiment or study to determine the effect of any treatment or
> material on the longevity of reeds would be difficult and expensive.
>
> It would require a statistically significant number of treated (polished)
> reeds and an equal number of untreated (unpolished ) but otherwise
> identical reeds as a control.  Then you would need a machine to blow them
> under controlled pressure until they failed.  The difference in times
> between when half of each group failed would then be an indicator of
> longevity.
>
> You could not draw any valid conclusions from a few harmonicas played in
> the usual manner.
>
> Vern
>
> On Nov 10, 2013, at 11:21 AM, Ben Bouman <fitgo@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> > I absolutely agree with Greg on reed polishing!!!
> >
> >
> > Ben Bouman
> > www.customharmonicashop.nl
> > www.harmonicainstituut.nl
> > www.marble-amps.com
> >
> > Op 10 nov 2013, om 19:41 heeft Greg Jones het volgende geschreven:
> >
> >> Reed failure is an unfortunate by-product of  playing the harp.  It is
> just
> >> like guitar players who have to change strings, drummers buy sticks,
> etc.
> >>
> >> I've had good success with reed polishing and have replaced about 400
> >> Seydel diatonic reeds and 50 Seydel chromatic reeds in the past 6 months
> >> for customers around the world.  I think it is an economical solution to
> >> this problem.
> >>
> >> I know there is debate on the effectiveness of reed polishing and the
> value
> >> of it will only be known in time, but I can say that in my personal
> >> experience the results have been favorable with extended reed life after
> >> polishing.
> >>
> >> There is more information on this on my web site as well as instructions
> >> for getting your Seydel diatonic or chromatic repaired.
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> *Greg Jones*
> >> *16:23 Custom Harmonicas*
> >> *(210) 445-6600*
> >> 1623customharmonicas.com
> >
>
>
>


-- 
*Greg Jones*
*16:23 Custom Harmonicas*
*(210) 445-6600*
1623customharmonicas.com