[Harp-L] More XB-40 (case closed?)

[Colin Fulton <justcolin@xxxxxxxxx>]

I don't get all this mess with the XB-40. Sure it can't do all that a
diatonic can, neither can a chromatic. It is just a different animal.
The a lot (not all) of the people who have trouble with the blow bends
are people who haven't learned to do them, or don't use them much
since for most pieces of music it is never needed. Also seeing as you
never do draw bends on high notes on a diatonic, you will have to
learn how to do it. It is harder to play and takes a lot of attention
to control some parts, but hey, when you all were first learning to
play a diatonic harp you had trouble controlling it and it took a
while to learn everything so take some time with the XB-40. It is NOT
a normal diatonic so don't treat it like one. Since it is new
technology, much like when the chromatic first came out I remind you,
that has yet to find it's niche, so screw around with it, try it on
different songs. I'm sure the ridiculous amount of bending it allows
for you can do some neat creative stuff with it.


> On 12/8/05, Fernando Bresslau <ferbress@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > 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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