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From: Pat Missin
Date: Fri, 4 Oct 1996 19:28:05 +0100
Subject: Compression

Someone asked about how to fix a leaky wooden-combed harp. I sure that this
subject has come up before (check the archives) and maybe I have posted this
tip before, but what the hell - never does any harm to repeat oneself a little.

I've seen several patents for harps that have gaskets - some strip of
slightly compresible material between the reed plates and the comb. Don't
think any of them have been commercially produced.

You could try gluing the reed plates onto the comb. Makes it hard to take to
bits again, but makes it feel like a freshly soaked harp, with the hassle of
soaking. I use Bison General Purpose Solvent-Free Adhesive. I gues any kind
of glues will do, but look for one that ain't gonna choke you with fumes as
it cures.

Better still, this is the method I use for temporarily assembling prototypes
- - double-sided adhesive tape. Stick it to the comb, cut it to shape and
press reed plates firmly into place.. The ticker the tape, the better.

I guess I'm now going to get a lot of messages saying that it affects the
tone. In an old document about reed organs, it recommends using a layer
between the brass reed plate and its wooden mounting, to *improve* the tone
- - can't say that I've ever noticed any difference either way. If it did
impair the tone, I think the vastly improved air-tightness would more than
make up for it. So there!


Pat Missin - pa~lobalnet.co.uk

"...my music's a lot better than it sounds!" (with apologies to Mark Twain)
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