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Two/Three/Four Piece Mouthpiece

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shubhendu_pal:
 A mouthpiece is the part of harp which player puts in the mouth and it creates a channel from his mouth to the hole of the comb so that the air passes to the proper reed(s). Naturally, the mouthpiece has number of holes properly aligned with those on comb.

Now, in Chromatic harps, the slider is also considered a part of mouthpiece. So, the whole assembly (front side grid and the slide) constitutes a two piece mouthpiece. In such case, the comb has a channel mould in front of it where the slide moves and the front grid acts as a cover on it. This type of mouthpiece is considered less leaky.

Sometimes, an additional plate is placed in between the slide and the comb for reducing the friction between them. This plate has of course exactly similar hole arrangement like the comb. This type of assembly is a three piece mouthpiece.

Finally, some earlier design places two plates between the comb and the front side grid so that the comb and the grid merely hold them tight in place. The sliding takes place in between those plates one of which has channel embedded in it (instead of the comb) and the another one just covers it. So, it creates a four piece mouthpiece where the sequence is: the grid->covering plate->the slider->the channel plate. This whole assembly is then placed in front of the comb. While it is very friction less as the two covering plates can be highly polished, it is the leakiest one. More surfaces are involved in the assembly - more the leakiness.

Remember, the slide assembly is the most unique part of a Chromatic harp compared to diatonics which irritates the player by leaking and being sticky (slide movement is often interrupted by the stickiness).

While most mouthpieces are created from chrome plated metal, plastic mouthpiece is also not uncommon in low price harps.

Recently, the holes of mouthpiece are made round instead of old square holes which is merely a matter of convenience depending on the player and takes no part in quality of harp. Similar way, some recent mouthpieces itself are rounded having no edge in front which feels smooth in mouth and again this is personal test.

michael s:
The two-piece mouthpiece of Sirius 56/64 is easiest to disassemble, clean and reassemble. It is also the most comfortable with its round holes and round profile. This mouthpiece, coupled with the rich mellow tone of this instrument, make it the Steinway of harmonicas! Hohner four-piece mouthpieces are leaky and awkward to clean. They really are yesterday's design.

Regards

Michael S

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