Libertad
32 posts
Feb 06, 2012
1:08 PM
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I have started to mess about with customising harps.... and was wondering about opening up cover plates. Now here is a funny thing: I normally play Suzuki Promasters, Bluemasters and more recently Harpmasters. I thought the Promasters and Bluesmasters would be the loudest because they have the more open backs.... but the Harpmasters are significantly louder.
So the question is: with Marine Band 1896's whats the advantage of opening up the covers? What effect does it have on loudness and tone. Thanks.
Martin
I am looking for old harps to work on, especially MBs. If anyone in the UK has any old broken harps that they are not planning on repairing, I would love to hear from you. Happy to pay.
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tookatooka
2695 posts
Feb 06, 2012
2:31 PM
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This is something that has puzzled me. Although the metal is thin you would expect it to resonate with the sound but our hands would absorb all that. Can it all be due to the shape to project the sound? I don't know. Will follow with interest.
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chromaticblues
1161 posts
Feb 06, 2012
2:55 PM
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Opening the covers will make it louder yes. Some harps it makes the tone worse and some harps it makes it better. Again that is one of those things where you have to do it and let your ears be the judge! Never accept someones OPINION on this matter. I think you should read as much about it as possible and think about what other people say, then compare that to your findings.
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STME58
75 posts
Feb 06, 2012
3:49 PM
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Is anyone aware of a good book on the physics of the harmonica?
I have noticed that on some notes hit in a certain way you can really feel the cover plate vibrate. this would indicate to me that there is a resonant frequency of the cover plate in the playing range of the harmonica. Bending a cover would chang this frequency as well as reshape the spund path.
The wavelengths of sound (about 80cm at A 440hz) are large compared to the size of a harp so I would not expect small changes in the cover shape to have a lot of effect, at least not like it does in a guitar resonating chamber.
I am only gussing and at this point have just enough understanding to be dangerous.
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billy_shines
84 posts
Feb 06, 2012
3:56 PM
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after hearing the tone of wood plates everything sounds like tin now.
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jbone
769 posts
Feb 06, 2012
8:15 PM
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i have a suzuki pure harp, rosewood plate and covers. probably the warmest sound i've ever owned bar none.
part of the warmth you hear and can make is of course from within. part is materials but i think it's like amps and mics, the most difference may be much less than we attribute to materials and more to one's own chops.
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billy_shines
87 posts
Feb 07, 2012
2:38 PM
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have you ever taken those wood plates off? if so can i see a pic?
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