[Harp-L] XB-40 and Rick Epping



Some time ago Zombor wrote about his experience with an XB-40 in C. I told
him that I would talk to Rick Epping about that.

Well, I did. Basically, he reinforces what I have stated previously. In his
statement which he made public some year ago, he goes into full detail, and
a link is appropriate in this case:
http://www.planetharmonica.com/ph5/VE/XB_40HighNotesUK.htm (thanks Planet
Harmonica).

The XB-40 reaches the physical borders of accoustics, and, as you get near
these borders, it gets more and more difficult to control the instrument.
This is something you can observe in other instruments, where some notes in
the higher or lower ranges are almost impossible to get.
Nevertheless, the possibility is there, and thus it makes sense to market
XB-40s in difficult keys (C, C#, Low D). All notes on the XB-40 in C are
obtainable. The notes on the highest two holes are difficult to get at
first, and the bends are very difficult. Getting the higher notes is not so
difficult, once the issue is understood and proper technique is applied
(please refer to Rick's text for details). Getting the bends is definetely
more difficult. Rick admits that he needed about two years of practice to
achieve the skills necessary for this. It is important to remember that the
XB-40 is a different instrument and therefore needs different technique.
Although a lot of the diatonic technique can be incorporated, it is an
instrument which requires extra training in some situations.

Maybe it would make more sense to sell the XB-40 in C major with only 8
holes, since the two top holes need special attention to be played properly.
But then, we don't have a 8 hole body, nor would it make sense to rob
advanced players the extra range. So we make the XB in C in 10 hole version.
Notwithstanding the fact that the two top holes are difficult, the normal
range of the harmonica is very useful, and not making a XB in C because of
the 2 holes would not make sense either.

So, Zambor, yes, there is a greater level of difficulty in using the full
range of high (or very low) keyed XBs. As there is a greater difficulty to
bend the first 2 holes of a low D harmonica. But with proper technique it IS
possible and practical. I'm afraid there aren't many shortcuts.

Regarding the improvement suggestions (reed gapping, sealing, etc.), all
harmonicas produced by any manufacturer can have their performance improved
with carefull adjustment and customization. But this involves costs, and a
quality level has to be set by the factory so that a reasonable price can be
obtained. We could produce 5 times tuned slot embossed XBs. The possibility
is there. But nobody here would be willing to pay the price of such a
product. So a manufacturer has to use a compromise, and we at Hohner make
everything possible so that this compromise is set at a very high quality
level, which will be acceptable by the majority of the players. For extra
wishes, there are thankfully several customizers out there offering a high
value service.

I want to thank Zambor for sharing his impressions and the results of his
efforts in improving technique and the instrument, since it gave me the
opportunity to analize our product better and to talk to Rick about it.

I am travelling to Brazil this weekend, for a month of vacation. So I guess
that I will not read the lists as frequently, and if I leave any questions
unanswered, you know why. I wish you all happy holidays.

All the best,
Fernando, from snowy Trossingen.




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