[Harp-L] inventions of steel proof



Robert Coble writes:

"Take a good look at the Web site that Dave posted:

http://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel.sf/en_GB/?ObjectID=211764

If that doesn't "prove" the existence of very sophisticated engineering test
facilities, then I don't know what would. Those types of tests are NOT performed
by Joe Sixpack in his garage, who just wants a better harmonica at a lower price."



All it proves is that they have a access to a microphone and spectral analysis software (there is freeware, IIRC). They may or may not have a suction unit as well and apparently do have a ruler or measure of some sort to get the distance from the microphone. Just about anyone who wants could do this experiment with ease.


Also, while I applaud Seydel for experimenting and making steel harmonica reeds a reality, this isn't some great "invention". It's an adaption of a new material to a new format. As has been noted, steel reeds have been the standard for accrdions and concertinae for over 100 years. Even then, it was not some massive invention, but just a switch of very similar materials (spring steel for spring bronze). They also have precedent in the harmonica from Hohner's brilliant Harmonetta (which was most surely an invention) and the many people who put those reeds in harmonicas (particularly chromatics), as well as people like Vern and SmoJoe who tried steel reeds of their own make.

Much like most alternate tunings people come up with, this was less some radical rethought of how things had been before, but rather a logical extension and modification of pre-existing designs and systems. That doesn't negate the amount of work needed, and indeed most "inventions" are much more evolutionary than revolutionary in design, but lately there seems to be a fascination with who "invented" what on harp-l, and I think a look at the reality of (usually convergent) evolution in the design process of the harmonica is much more satisfactory, illuminating and in the end true than trying to pinpoint some sort of ownership of these ideas in an individual.

Take the XB-40 and the responder reed idea. It is something that many people have worked on over the years, usually coming up with the idea on their own. Rick Epping didn't "invent" the idea (nor has he ever claimed to). What he did was create a truly innovative way of making the responder reed work, and more importantly get that idea patented and manufactured. Even the idea of valving chambers, at the heart of his design, had been thought of by others--but he did the work to make it a reality. To me, the entirety of that story, one of multiple people coming up with the idea, but one person actually making it work is infinitely more interesting, and a much better reflection of reality than creating some "first thought" myth of an inventor.





 ()()    JR "Bulldogge" Ross
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