jonsparrow
2487 posts
Mar 03, 2010
4:15 PM
|
so iv been wondering, do higher keyed harps like an F more likely to have a reed problem then a lower keyed harp like a G. the reeds are smaller and tighter an require a bit more air pressure to get a good tone. where a low keyed harp is easy to play. never broke a reed so i donno.
----------
|
GermanHarpist
1195 posts
Mar 03, 2010
4:22 PM
|
As far as I know from the physics, there is more strain on the reeds when they go into the slot if they don't go all the way through. I.e. when the reeds are shorter, when the reedplate is thicker. And so it would make sense if the higher harps would die erlier. However, I can't testify to that cos I barely go beyond my C harp.
----------
germanharpist on YT. =;-) - Resonance is KEY!
Last Edited by on Mar 03, 2010 4:22 PM
|
jonsparrow
2488 posts
Mar 03, 2010
4:37 PM
|
ya i want to practice with my F harp cause thats probably that hardest harp to play. but it also makes my head hurt.
----------
|
RyanMortos
661 posts
Mar 03, 2010
5:12 PM
|
That means you need to play it more ;-) . Now I wonder when harps die do they go to 'harp heaven' and hang out with harps of the olden days? Are my dead harps going to chill with the dead harps of all the greats that were?
----------
~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Stephen Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Contact:
My youtube account
Last Edited by on Mar 03, 2010 5:12 PM
|
harpwrench
179 posts
Mar 03, 2010
5:13 PM
|
If that were the case GH, the majority of harp blow-outs would occur in the upper register where the shortest reeds are. My experience is that- regardless of key- the most common reed I'm asked to replace is the 4 draw, then 4 blow.
The reason an F harp requires more air is because the reeds are stiffer to achieve the higher pitches, and usually gapped too wide from the factory. When set up properly, they can play just as easily as lower keys.
|
hvyj
174 posts
Mar 03, 2010
5:59 PM
|
Higher keyed harps can be played with a sharper attack, so many players play them that way. I've always assumed that this might be harder on the reeds.
|
harmonicanick
652 posts
Mar 04, 2010
1:20 AM
|
No they do not, I like to play the top end of high key harps a lot. They just need cleaning and gapping occasionally
|
Oliver
157 posts
Mar 04, 2010
1:45 AM
|
Well the only reed I have ever blown is the 7 blow on a G harp... That was before I even 'played' harp though.
|
