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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Discrete Combs Anyone?
Discrete Combs Anyone?
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florida-trader
162 posts
Jul 17, 2012
9:34 AM
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From time to time I get inquiries or see comments about discrete combs. For those of you who might not know they are combs similar to a tremolo comb in that each slot is divided into two chambers rather than one. When a discrete comb is used on a diatonic harmonica, there is only one reed per chamber. I have a couple of old Up to Date harmonicas, which were the predecessor to the Marine Band 1896, and they have discrete combs. I don’t quite understand the theory but a discrete comb apparently offers some note bending dynamics that are different from a traditional comb.
If anybody is interested in experimenting with one, I can make it for you. It would make it by gluing two laser cut acrylic combs together with a flat layer in between the two halves. The glue is specifically designed to be used with acrylic. It essentially welds the two pieces of acrylic together, so leaking or falling apart should not be an issue.
I sell acrylic combs for $14.95 each. To make a discrete comb would require 3 separate pieces of acrylic to be cut and then glued together so I’m asking for $20 just to cover my expenses. If the feedback is positive and enough people express an interest I would consider adding discrete combs to my line of products.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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WinslowYerxa
235 posts
Jul 17, 2012
1:31 PM
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I am the inventor of the term "Discrete Comb" as applied to the harmonica and it is my proprietary service mark.
The lateral division between top and bottom chambers of combs used in chromatic, tremolo, and octave harmonicas do not make them discrete combs.
The Discrete Comb that I invented and manufacture for single reed diatonic harmonicas does more than simply divide the top and bottom chambers. It enables all possible bending behaviors of a reed. But to make this work and still play normally, the overall dimensions of the comb and the design of the internal chambers are specially designed.
Of course you're free to play around with making divided combs and discover the same problems I did. But please do not use my proprietary term "Discrete Comb."
If you're interested in purchasing a Discrete Comb(sm) made from a single block of clear acrylic, with holes drilled and fastening screws for Hohner MS harmonicas, please get in touch with me at
harmonicainfopress-AT-yahoo.com.
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Winslow
Last Edited by on Jul 17, 2012 1:34 PM
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florida-trader
164 posts
Jul 17, 2012
2:00 PM
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Well, I guess this falls under the category of "you learn something new every day". Winslow, my apologies for stepping on your toes. I've heard the term "discrete comb" mentioned conversationally but was not aware that it was a proprietary term.
So there you have it. If you want a Discrete Comb for your MS, as stated above, Winslow has them available.
If you are interested in experimenting with a laterally divided dual chamber per reed slot comb for other models such as a Special 20 or a Marine Band or a Suzuki, let me know. This is just supposed to be a fun project for those of you who might be curious.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by on Jul 17, 2012 2:00 PM
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Gnarly
286 posts
Jul 17, 2012
3:04 PM
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I have a few of Winslow's versions, and like them all, especially the one with Howard's signature across the back.
This design is great for learning the overbends.
It would be killer on one of these new airtight Suzukis (Olive or Manji).
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