Re: [Harp-L] reed materials and shapes



Yes, Jonathan.
The size of the harp is one reason reeds and plates are made that size.   I
am totally fine with how harps are made today because they generally "fit"
the cupped hands and the side to side motion of going up and down the
harp.   I'm just one who always thinks about the "What if we try this?" type
of mindset.  Now, if I can just create a consumable product where millions
and millions would purchase it then I'd forget about all this and just buy a
few thousand harps and just concentrate on playing the
instrument...........lol
On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 8:55 AM, Jonathan Ross <jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> steve warner writes:
>
> "While you're at it let's think outside the box and see what happens with a
> non tranditional rectangular reed shape."
>
>
> There was a discussion on this a few months back.  If you search the
> archives on "tapered reed" you will find a post I did with a link to several
> patents (found on Pat Missin's website) for non-rectangular shaped reeds.
>  Tapered reeds are actually quite common already, less in harmonicas than in
> accordions.
>
> I'd be interested in hearing the differences in very different shapes, but
> I suspect it would be minimal.  As I said then, I think for most of these
> things we're talking about small variations on a theme, rather than radical
> alterations.
>
> As for reed material, I really think that a lot could be done with new
> plastics working out some of the idea Finn Magnus had in the 1940's and
> 1950's.  Considering the improvements and increase in available plastics
> since then, I think this is an area which is practically begging to be
> explored.  I believe that the biggest reason it hasn't been is the expense
> of injection molding machines and a reluctance on most harmonica companies
> to market such a design, which I'm betting places like harp-l would not
> react favorably to.  Plastic=cheap, being the most commonly held view.  I
> doubt these would give any significant tonal changes, but might be worth
> investigating for longevity and other issues.
>
>
>
>  ()()    JR "Bulldogge" Ross
> ()  ()
> `----'
>
>
>
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-- 
steve
www.thunderharpmics.com
fattest tone on earth!



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