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From: WVE~ol.com
Date: Mon, 2 Sep 1996 17:22:16 -0400
Subject: Re: reeds

In a message dated 96-09-02 16:42:38 EDT, Doug T. writes:

> The only other factor in my playing which is different
>from the majority of players is how I attack the notes and how I get high
>volume without busting things.
>If this is the case then possibly there is not a need on a normal instrument
>for fancy SS reeds, or titanium, just a quick lesson in how to blow
>'properly'
>
I am sure that you are correct. Anything that reduces stress on the reeds
will reduce fatigue. Proper blowing technique and polishing to avoid
stress-raising notches should both help.

Reducing the number of cycles on each reed should also help. A chromatic has
48 or 64 reeds compared to 20 in a diatonic. By playing in various keys and
registers on a larger number of reeds, you distribute the cycles much more
uniformly among the reeds than does the diatonic player or even less-skilled
chromatic players. You are also not often blowing several reeds at the same
time. Thus each reed sees fewer cycles than it would if it were in the mid
range of a diatonic and used for its natural pitch plus a couple of
bent/overblown pitches as well as in chords.

I don't say that SS reeds are necessary for a satisfactory harmonica. I say
that under identical stress, the SS will take more cycles before fatiguing
than will bronze.
BeCu is probably somewhere in between.

Vern