[Harp-L] Re: Reed Profile



The term "reed profile" does not refer to the overall dimensions of the reed, these are known as the "mensur" (= measurements). In order to understand reed profile, it helps to know how reeds are made. The profile is milled crosswise into the upper surface of the strip of brass from which the reeds are then cut lengthways, so the milling is at right angles to the length of the reed. The Harp Handbook contains photos of this process. This is necessary in order to create reeds with the same dimensions but of different pitch (e.g. 4-blow in a C and a G harp, both long slot mensur = same size, but different pitches) or vice versa ( e.g. 4-draw in a C, a long slot mensur, and 4-blow in a D, a short slot mensur, different sizes but the same pitch). Apart from this function, the profile influences response, opening reed behaviour (bending & overblows) and longevity. Hohner introduced a new mensur for the MS models in the early 1990s and modified the profiles for Classic Richter and chromatics a couple of years ago, which is the reason why the current Hohner Classic reeds have a much higher life expectancy than previously was the case.

Hope this helps,

Steve

www.stevebaker.de
www.bluesculture.com







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