Re: [Harp-L] Seydel Repair Options

[Gary Lehman <gnarlyheman@xxxxxxxxx>]

Perhaps polishing just the likely suspects--draw 4&5, blow 7 . . .

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 10, 2013, at 9:59 PM, Greg Jones <greg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> 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