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[emrock]

Does anyone have a diagram of the layout of a D/G Base reeds? (i.e. in what order on the reed block they go on a standard d/g) I have got the key layout, but need some info so I can make a base reed block.
Thanks!

[TomB-R]

It'll vary depending on the maker. Wot's the box?
[Edit - Is it the Excelsior Mini? - Just so I don't look totally unobservant!]
Presumably it can't be worked out from what you've got?  

[emrock]

Its for a box I'm making myself, based on the mini. The treble end is self explanatory, but the bass is a complete mystery to me. Though learning stuff like this is really the main reason I decided to make one in the first place! The mini is virtually identical to a lilly by the way.

[TomB-R]

Good man!
Well, you might like to have a look at this page
http://www.geocities.com/kozulich/theory.html#chords
which explains, (assuming this is new to you) how chords are made up. Once you've got that, things start to make sense at the bass end. If you buy a set of D/G bass reeds (from Charlie at CGM, for instance, or direct from Binci perhaps,  ) you'll then be able to work out where they go to give the standard D/G chords.

(This means an early use for "your" electronic tuner and tuning bellows rig.... "Your" because they'll be needed whether or not they exist yet! "Rig" because this could use [non destructively] parts of your playing boxes, or of the one you're building for this.)

Broadly (and simplistically) there are two ways of doing the bass chords.  The "Hohner" way uses "right hand" style reeds wherever possible where the press and draw reeds are close in pitch.  This means easier sourcing of the reeds but means the third of the chord comes from different reed plates on the press and draw, so you can't have a stop to take out the thirds.... The "Italian" way allows a third stop.

It's all highly intriguing stuff!
Good luck
Tom

[Steve_freereeder]

Good man!

Oh dear. Stereotyping and unwarranted assumptions are alive and well, it would seem. 

[TomB-R]

Oops, apologies! Substitute, "well done ye!"
 
Tom

[emrock]

Thanks for the info, this is the definitely going to be a learning experience. Though the treble end is well on the way, got both treble and base reeds from aaro on this forum (Italian tipo a mano).

Sorry to disappoint I'm definitely female

[TomB-R]

(To save a bit of time,) you should be able to lay out your bass reeds so that:-

D/A button has D F# A push and A C# E draw

G/D button has G B D push and D F# A draw

B/Em button has B Eb F# push and E G B draw

C/C button has C E G both ways

The middle note in each triad group is the third so you may find those are on one reed plate in each lot to allow for a thirds stop.

[Lester]

It of course gets more complicated if you want to reed share to cut size, weight or cost.

So for example
the G bass normally has two reeds in two octaves
the G chord has G, B and D reeds

since the higher of the bass reeds is the same octave as the reed in the chord it can be shared by a trick bass end mechanism.

This is a Tommy bass end close up



Full size image HERE

Pallet A opens the B and D reeds of the chord
Pallet B opens the low reed of the bass
Pallet C opens the high reed of the bass
Rod 1 operates the chord and open pallets A and C
Rod 2 operates the bass note and opens pallets B & C

Hope this makes sense and is useful

Ignore the masking tape that just my less than temporary removal of the thirds (B in this case) and the low bass reed.

[rees]

Ignore the masking tape that just my less than temporary removal of the thirds (B in this case) and the low bass reed.

Bodger. 

[Lester]

Ignore the masking tape that just my less than temporary removal of the thirds (B in this case) and the low bass reed.

Bodger. 

As a resident of the Chilterns I am more than happy to be called a bodger.

"Bodging is a traditional wood-turning craft, using green (unseasoned) wood to create cylindrical wooden woodturning via a traditional wooden-bed, pole lathe, most commonly chair legs and stretcher poles, historically for the Windsor chair manufacturing industry."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodging

[TomB-R]

As a resident of the Chilterns I am more than happy to be called a bodger.

"Bodging is a traditional wood-turning craft......"

What a very English site this is sometimes! 
(With due respect to Rees across the border and to all other international posters here!)

Reed sharing, yes my Galanti re-uses bass reeds, via a similar mechanism, for the bottom of the chords.
"Pah" as well as "oom"

[Owen Woods]

Done that bodge :) Took it out again though, as I decided that it sounded weird.