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Discussions => Instrument Design, Construction and Repair => Topic started by: jez4 on August 09, 2010, 09:06:45 AM

Title: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: jez4 on August 09, 2010, 09:06:45 AM
After chatting with Ian Dedic about melodeon construction and reeds, at his suggestion I bought a set of reeds from the Czech firm Harmonikas (http://www.harmonikas.cz/).  They are made with spark erosion technology to fine tolerances - Ian knows more about this than me!

For a comparison test, Rees Wesson, put some of these reeds into one of his boxes so that the same tune could be played on the same instrument with the same reed block, firstly using Antonelli reeds (now merged with Salpa to form Voci Armoniche) and then the Harmonikas.

Rees' conclusion was that Antonelli and Harmonikas reeds are indistinguishable.  Rees also said that the Harmonikas didn't quite have the punchy hard edge of his Binci reeds - Rees I hope I am not misrepresenting you!!

In terms of cost, I paid about �140 for a full set of reeds for a 2 1/2 row, 2 voice, 8 bass box - rather cheaper than Italian reeds (at the time of purchase close to half the price).  

Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: Christopher K. on August 09, 2010, 09:36:07 AM
That is very interesting - the occasion most of us have for such a close comparison is rare indeed! (same box/different reeds)

Thanks for posting.  (:)
Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: jez4 on August 09, 2010, 09:43:19 AM
I should also have said a public thank you to Ian for his wisdom and especially to Rees for taking the time to fit and test the reeds.
Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: rees on August 09, 2010, 11:05:34 AM
All in a days work.  :|glug
Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: Owen Woods on August 09, 2010, 11:23:45 AM
Very interesting (:)
Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: Andy Simpson on August 09, 2010, 12:18:06 PM
What grade were they?, I've had a quote from them for a 2 voice 2 1/2 row 12 bass Tipo a Mano set and when the dust settles from a few other things I'm going to go ahead and order them. The results seem quite encouraging.
Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: diatonix on August 09, 2010, 03:55:23 PM
I am not overly surprised by Wessons' conclusion given the fact that Antonelli (SIVA, Voci Armoniche or whatever they call themselves) is one of Harmonikas' most loyal customers. Some years ago I ordered a set of reeds (out of curiosity) from Antonelli. The bass reeds (= armonia) were easily recognized as being Czech, but, alas!, not declared as such...
Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: rees on August 09, 2010, 05:40:25 PM
I am not overly surprised by Wessons' conclusion given the fact that Antonelli (SIVA, Voci Armoniche or whatever they call themselves) is one of Harmonikas' most loyal customers. Some years ago I ordered a set of reeds (out of curiosity) from Antonelli. The bass reeds (= armonia) were easily recognized as being Czech, but, alas!, not declared as such...

Very very interesting.
Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: Québécois on August 09, 2010, 09:21:21 PM
Globalization is everywhere...
Title: Re: Czech Harmonikas Reeds
Post by: IanD on August 13, 2010, 08:39:17 PM
What grade were they?, I've had a quote from them for a 2 voice 2 1/2 row 12 bass Tipo a Mano set and when the dust settles from a few other things I'm going to go ahead and order them. The results seem quite encouraging.

They were the "A Mano" (spark erosion cut from hard alloy) not "Tipo Amano" (pressed out of softer alloy with bigger clearances) which are about 60% of the price.

Ian
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