Harrison Harmonicas

Harmonica Science

Harrison has studied the characteristics of Brass for many years. He has performed many tests like, full Chemical Analysis, tensile strength and the properties of brass on a molecular level, on all Major Harmonica Manufactures. This gives Harrison an unmatched level of understanding on just how the instrument performs under many different stress cycles.

Harrison uses up to date measurement devices to unearth his finding. The photos below are taken using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Harrison also owns a Metallurgical-Metallographic epi Illumination up to 1000X Magnification. Check out the pictures from these measurment devices below.

500X
Pre War Sample Reed

This pre war sample reed was chemically cleaned and etched. This photo is of the core of the reed. The microstructure at the surface consists of simulair alpha and beta, which is similar to the core. Note the elongated grains in cold working.

200X
Reed Fracture

A reed with a fracture. Failed by fatigue, which is a progressive failure mode where a crack intiates, then propagates over time with each cycle of stress. The crack initiated at the .009" thick section, which is at the base of transmission from the .012" thick square base section. The crack appeared to be associated with the transferse machining marks and localized deformation, which provided easier sites for fatigue crack initiation.

The photos below are taken using 200X magnification. Notice how unique each reed is produced and it's origin.

200X
Suzuki Reeds

200X
Hohner Reeds

200X
Lee Oscar Reeds

200X
Bends Reeds

200X
Huang Reeds

200X
Seydel Reeds

Please keep in mind, once your harmonica is in need of service, Harrison will be including this same type of photo showing just where your instrument started to fatigue.