Re: [Harp-L] Copper/Stainless Steel Combs for Marine Band and Golden Melody

[Rick Dempster <rickdempster33@xxxxxxxxx>]

I only care how a comb feels on my lips, like Vern says. What I would
really like to see discussed is REEDPLATES.
Do they really need to be metal? Reedplates are the single limiting factor
in customising harps in any really useful way.
I have found it impossible to lengthen or shorten slots to accommodate
specific reeds.
Metal plates must be the most expensive part of a harp, as they would need
dies to stamp them.
If someone could come up with some ideas about this, I would be most
interested.
RD

On 29 October 2015 at 10:14, Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> Both acoustic theory and empirical testing at SPAH confirm that comb
> material has no affect on harmonica tone.  For many years, I have offered a
> standing $1000 wager that no one can distinguish any material from any
> other in a blind comparison.  So far, no takers.
>
> Choose your comb material for weight, appearance, stability, corrosion
> resistance, cost, or whim with complete confidence that they will all sound
> the same.  I recommend almost any metal or plastic but not wood which
> swells, shrinks, warps, splits, and peels.  Beware of printed combs and
> mouthpieces which can be porous and rough on the lipsâdepending on material
> chosen, process, and voxel size.
>
> Vern
>
> > On Oct 28, 2015, at 3:20 PM, Li Leon <leon.issac.li@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> > Hi fjm,
> >
> > Thank you very much for your thoughts and info.
> >
> > These metal combs have very eye catching under good light condition which
> > drawn my attention :)
> >
> > In terms of the sound, do you notice any difference between the brass and
> > stainless steel combs? I quite like the sound from the aluminum ones,
> maybe
> > once the combs are made in metal materials, the sound difference is
> minimal?
> >
> > Thanks again!
> >
> > Leon
>
>
>
>