Why are Reed Plates sold in pairs? It’s usually a draw Reed that has failed, and never a draw Reed and a blow reed at the same. So why - other than you just fancy a “new” harp without paying full price - would you want to buy a pair of reedplates? How many unnecessary blow reedplates are there in the world? A pair of reedplates is not much cheaper than a new harp in some cases, but one reedplate would be much cheaper - and greener! Is it just manufacturer profit greed?
I’m not sure it’d be worth thier while to do draw plates and blow plates as seperate items, by the time it’s packed, distributed, retailed you’d probaly not be saving as much you’d think on one vs two plates.
Vs the cost of a new harmonica I can kind of understand as putting together the comb and the covers on a production line probably isn’t adding on all that much to the manufacturing cost. The thing as it comes off the line is always the most efficient it can be.
Hmmmm - but Hohner and Seydel both sell packets of 3 individual reeds, screws and other small parts for just a few euros/pounds/dollars so they don’t seem resistant to helping folks to maintain and repair for a modest outlay The reedplates thing seems to be out of kilter with their otherwise decent support of those us us that are happy to tinker. I generally replace broken reeds but there are times when I would probably buy a reedplate for an easy life - but I can’t bring myself to buy pairs when I don’t need both!