A lot of folks, including myself, love the sound of the old German reeds. I've often said I wish we could find reeds that have old German tone, with new Italian performance. It has a distinctive tone, some boxes more noticeable than others.
I've come to realize that the most noticeable tone that I really like, comes from the chord reeds. I can easily make it out in the old recordings, especially in Amede Ardoin's. After restoring a few old German boxes, I realized all the ones I've seen had all 3 chord reeds on single plates. I would think the single plate contributed a lot to that tone. Anyone else notice this?
Yes, Yes! Exactly. The reeds sound different. I'd like to here Jim Pettijohn play that Amede song on my old 3- stop Eagle. The finger board notes are higher and more shrill while the bass and chord notes really growl. Sounds more like the recordings of Amede I've heard. I'm afraid if I get new bellows on the Eagle (if that's possible) that the reeds will get more air across them and sound different.
Sometimes, before I go off to the shop, I just pick up that box and squeeze off some bass and chord notes. Bliss........and a long smile.
I will be experimenting with joining 3 chord reeds together, just to see what effect it has on sound. Will probably be another misguided experiment, but I have fun with misguided experiments.
You all know about a reed-manufactory in the Czech Republic named Harmonikas. Link#2.
The make Helicon Bass Reeds by request.
They also make reedplates for Bayan, Bandoneon, .....
Maybe it's also possible to ask them to make reeds that looks/sounds a lot like the Old Germans.
Just a thought.