[Harp-L] Brass Reeds vs Stainless Steel Reeds

[AOL]

I have a number of Yonberg harps with SS reeds and I think the sound is superior.  However, I recently did have one go flat and break on my Low F.  I got a replacement from Rockin Rons with bronze phosphor reeds and the sound is great and comparable.

Blues Girl PhyllisBe still and see that everything is unfolding perfectly.    In a message dated 1/18/2026 4:10:12 PM Eastern Standard Time, harp-l at xxxxx writes: 

> On 01/17/2026 12:54 PM EST David Fairweather <dmf273 at xxxxx> wrote:
> 
>  
> Your thoughts?

Wow, what a mistake, lolol. 
> 
> In my experience stainless steel reeds last longer.

Yes.

  But is there a trade
> off in sound quality?

Yes, I find ss to be more harsh. A sharper edge. 

> Do any of you have a preference?

I prefer brass for chromatic. Easing into bends is softer. I only prefer brasss for diatonic because I find the response faster. Otherwise ss for diatonic would be ok.

  Does your preference change for diatonic
> vs chromatic harps?

See above. Btw, I have made reeds from the most unimaginable materials. Electrical contact points, cartridge cases, lipstick cases, razor blades, etc. All in a period of 70 yrs.  
As for commercially made ss reeds, I find them to be fine. But brass is softer and gives a bit of 'whip' or flex that is different from ss. Easier to make brass reeds cry. 

Just an opinion. smo-joe