Aug-23-05 4:40pm  [ re: bear ]

To add to what bear said, eventually, over time, the swelling will cause a certain amount of warping, and eventually, the comb will not completely return to it's normal state. My old Marine Band had a permanent hump between 4 and 7 that at its apex, protruded almost 1/16th of an inch from the plates when dry. Again, the only reason I no longer play it is because the #5 draw reed gave out. It played great until I blew that reed, and the rest of the harp still plays just fine (although it may be a little flat from so much use). The one I have now shows barely any signs of swelling, but then again, I've been taking better care of it, but there is a slight swelling around 5 & 6.

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Club Member Frank