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From: Rick Epping <104124.33~ompuserve.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 13:22:22 -0500
Subject: Re: Hohner custom models, modular harp

Re: Custom models
Hohner is considering offering custom service, but details are still being
discussed and no decisions have as yet been made. I'll keep you all posted.


Re: Modular harp
The concept of a harmonica with modular reeds has been around for many
years. I recall at least one old patent for such an instrument but have
never actually seen one in the flesh. The main problem with such a design
would likely be its complexity, making it difficult and expensive to
manufacture, and prone to air leakage around its multiplicity of parts.
If the desire is to have the ability to play in different tunings without
keeping a large assortment of harps, there may be a simpler way. Temporary
weights can be added to a reed to lower its pitch one or two half steps, or
more. Such a weight could, for example, be added to the 5 draw reed of a
country tuned model to turn it into a standard Richter tuning. I have used
a compound of brass dust and bee's wax which has served well. Any such
sticky material would work, but the heavier the stuff is, the less space it
will take up on the reed. Usually there is no noticable loss of tone
quality if one does not go too far with it. I might use this method only
in emergency situations or to experiment with new tunings.

Regards,

Rick Epping
Hohner, Inc.