droffilcal
33 posts
Nov 28, 2012
2:36 PM
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In the Manji vs Crossover thread the reason for the Manji's spotty OOTB performance is given as the combs not being flat from the factory. I think it is a generally accepted fact that many (most ?) factory combs are not flat -- why is that ?
What is it about the manufacturing process that doesn't allow the factory combs to be flat ? And furthermore, what do the aftermarket comb makers do to ensure that their combs are flat ? Do the aftermarket guys check each comb for flatness and then manually correct every instance of non-flatness before allowing the combs to go out to the customer ?
I'm sure that the big manufacturers make costs/benefits analyses that involve keeping costs down while still putting out an a product that is within an acceptable margin of error -- I get that part of it. I'm wondering about what the factories would have to do in practical terms to ensure that their combs were totally flat OOTB.
Furthermore, are there any factory combs that are flat ? Is it just a random thing -- some come out flat, others not ?
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RyanMortos
1358 posts
Nov 28, 2012
2:36 PM
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I may be wrong but I thought the need to emboss, the wide gaps, the not flattened combs, etc. was partially intentional for beginners who first pick a harp up to be able to make music. Would be nice if manufacturers also built for experienced players & just labeled them or priced them so day one people didn't come home with them. I don't think any OOTB diatonic harmonica fits my definition.
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~Ryan
See My Profile for contact info, etc.
Last Edited by on Nov 28, 2012 2:41 PM
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Frank
1501 posts
Nov 28, 2012
3:03 PM
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That would be a great new selling point strategy..."Our combs are "FLAT" making your tone nice and "FAT" Hohner, play one and get your shit straight"!
Last Edited by on Nov 28, 2012 3:05 PM
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GMaj7
152 posts
Nov 28, 2012
3:30 PM
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I really don't think it is accepted by everyone that factory combs aren't flat. The aftermarket combs certainly are & they are also very cool to look at! But I think it is a stretch to say factory combs aren't flat and everyone accepts that. Also, to the extent they aren't it doesn't hugely impact how the harp plays.
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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arzajac
904 posts
Nov 28, 2012
5:33 PM
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I think most people don't need maximun airtightness to enjoy a harp. Sometimes, a harp can make your hair stand up despite being leaky or not well gapped because it's in perfect tune. You may enjoy playing it so much that you overlook the defects.
Sometimes though, addressing a non-flat comb can fix problems that nothing else will. For overdraws and some overblows, a flat comb is needed because the harp will squeal otherwise.
Flattening wood is not very hard. I think finishing and sealing the wood while keeping it flat requires more work. I have found the need to sand off the varnish and reapply some on some aftermarket combs. I reckon that's the problem with out-of-the-box harps. I think the B-radical must have had the flattest comb of all OOTB harps - it was made of unfinished dymonwood on the reedplate surfaces. So no textured layer of varnish on the comb
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Last Edited by on Nov 28, 2012 5:38 PM
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daijoubu
8 posts
Nov 29, 2012
8:52 PM
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Define flat. The road outside my house is flat if I'm running, but put a reedplate on it and I don't think it would direct any air through the reed. In practice the surfaces of a plastic or wood comb are "flat enough" to continue to sell at the margin the supplier has chosen. Getting them flatter would require rework for the wooden combs (probably some person in China with sandpaper and a light box and 2 inspectors to insure the first person doesn't cheat) and the plastic combs would require more frequent replacement of the mold/better control of temperature and time. None of these are free and they don't significantly increase the sales of the product. Maybe for a harmonica at the level of the Manji, but not for a Marine Band. The Manji is probably because it's a new process for Suzuki and they just don't understand it as well as they need to.
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Rob
Six Eight Time
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