[Harp-L] opened up cover plates?

[philharpn@xxxxxxx]

I was waiting for someone to bring up the role of opened up cover plates in the sound. 


I was surprised at how loud my new (and only) key of C Seydel Noble is. The Seydel Noble, which has  slots in both ends of both cover plates and an open back design on the covers. These  features first showed up on customized harmonicas  and now are standard equipment  on several upscale harps like the Hohner Crossover and Thunderbird.


What about volume when it comes to opened up covers? Again, it probably doesn't make any difference what metal the covers are made of, just that that the sides are cut out and backs opened up.


We all know that nobody has been able to discern any difference  between materials for combs other than weight or taste (love the taste of wood). The cover material ought to make about the same difference in sound as the combs. 


There was some interest in wood covers several years ago -- but I'm sure I bought one. But I haven't been able to find it. I once had a student who had a metal allergy (nickel?). Plastic covers like on the Hohner Piedmont and gum ball jars would solve this. Maybe also chrome or stainless steel covers. And the wood covers -- which have apparently disappeared from the market.






Phil


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