[Harp-L] Re: : Reed Stress and Temperature

[patpowers <patpowers@xxxxxxx>]

I experimented with some old diatonic harps in my junk drawer last night, and found that warming or cooling them first had absolutely no effect on blowing reeds out.  They all broke just fine.  ...LOL  Then I experimented with some practice harps and did "feel" a noticable difference in response between a cold harp and an almost body temperature harp (diatonic of course).  No real audio difference, but the harps seemed to loosen up and play easier when warm.  This could be to gapping or expansion of the slots, or drying out the condensation, or some other quantum explanation, OR it could just be personal perception - I dunno - But, they "feel" better, and I'm more comfortable playing them when they're warm.  Therefore, I will continue warming them up before I play. 

Thanks for the feedback!  ..unless you're the guy running the PA of course. ...LOL


Keep Harpin'!
Pat Powers


----- Original Message -----
From: "Aongus Mac Cana" <amaccana@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: patpowers@xxxxxxx
Cc: "Harp-L List" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2014 12:20:21 PM
Subject: : Reed Stress and Temperature

Getting your harp up to 'breath temperature' may indeed not do much in the
reed stress stakes, but it helps in reducing condensation from the moisture
in one's beery breath. This moisture can cause considerable aggravation with
sticking valves on a chromatic. Don't ask me how I know.

Beannachtai

Aongus Mac Cana