Re: [Harp-L] opened up cover plates?

[Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mar 23, 2014, at 1:33 PM, Mike Wilbur wrote:

> Hey Joe can't argue about " brighter " with open covers, you may be correct but that's
> More subjective observation.

I agree. Everyone has different tastes. No matter how slight the differences. That's what makes people fun. 

> Surely cupping is muting but when you pop open the cup, louder volume and or brighter tone
> are both involved.

I once tried holding tin foil in my palms while cupping. Like using it on a hair comb, the sound was more..shall we say..at the risk of conjuring up the Vern police..metallically bright or penetrating. I heard and felt it, but not sure it would have been noticeable to others. 
> 
> My feeling is that cupped / un-cupped,    It's the contrast / change that is most important.

Sure is. 
> 
> Miles Davis may have a different opinion about muting .....:)

I always liked Clyde McCoy's muting on 'sugar blues'. Now THAT's muting taken to the extreme. Like a Joe Filisko.

smo-joe 
> 
> Mike Wilbur
> 
> 
> 
> On Mar 23, 2014, at 12:55 PM, Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
>> I have always felt that closed up backs to covers bounce the sound around and soften it, while wide open covers brighten it. Am I wrong? If I am then what is the purpose of cupping....and UNcupping? Someone? Anyone? 
>> smokey-joe
>> 
>> On Mar 23, 2014, at 10:11 AM, philharpn@xxxxxxx wrote:
>> 
>>> 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
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iMac
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>>