Two Harmonica System
I have a new set of Special20 harmonicas and I am working on some song arrangements that use
two harmonicas of different keys throughout the song. I came up with a mounting system that uses
some small magnets as spacers between the harmonicas and some lengthwise rubber bands to hold the
two harmonicas together so that you can play either of them. It works pretty well but I was wondering
if the magnetic fields from the magnets would affect the tuning on the reeds? I got the idea for using the magnets
from http://www.harplock.com/. I didn't want to mount a harmonica to a microphone, just wanted two harps
mounted together so you could play either at different measures in a song. Seems that the one that harplock
sells does not damage the harmonica reeds since they continue to sell them.
Thanks Ron
Thank you Ron and Winslow
Please send embed photos of your contraption. We all want to see it!
Check out the review I wrote about the magnetic "TurboSlider" (back in July 2011): http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=270
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Most harmonica reeds are made of brass or phosphor bronze, which are not affected by magnets.
Stainless steel reeds, such as those used on the Seydel 1847 and Session Steel models, would be affected. In fact, Jim "Turbodog" Antaki designed a magnetic whammy bar for steel-reeded harmonicas that changes the pitch by sliding magnets into place over the reeds.