Subject: [Harp-L] Re: New wind saver valve leather

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Glad you posted this, Brendan.  I was going to, but then figured  either PT 
or someone who'd actually made the valves out of ultrasuede would  chime in...
 
I've done on-line searches for ultrasuede...there are many companies which  
will send out free samples (more than enough to cut plenty of valves)....but 
the  big question is: what weight of the ultrasuede is the 'right' one for a  
chromatic?  I've forgotten if PT or anyone else has already mentioned  it.
 
The last site I looked at (yesterday) had at least 4 differing  
weights...from lightweight for clothing, up to heavy-duty upholstery  weight.
 
Here's one site which will send out a couple of free samples:
 
 
_http://www.fieldsfabrics.com/ultra/shopping/sampleset.htm_ 
(http://www.fieldsfabrics.com/ultra/shopping/sampleset.htm) 
 
 
In addition to being a good replacement, the ultrasuede (at least in my  
opinion) would be a lot more sanitary if he plans to play the chromatic,  but I 
have an additional question for you...at this particular site they  also sell 
something called 'ultraleather' (free samples are also available to  try 
out)...and I was wondering if it might also make a good valve replacement  while 
staying 'truer' to the originals (and also perhaps easier to wipe  clean)?.....the 
colours are definitely realistic looking.
 
Regards,
 
 
Elizabeth
 
Message: 12
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:22:54 -0000 (GMT)
From:  "Brendan Power" <bren@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Re: New wind  saver valve leather 
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx

This thread caught my  attention as I've been experimenting with a
synthetic leather valve material.  I believe it was first used by my friend
and fellow half-valved harp player  PT Gazell.

The information on the material was discussed publicly in  Sldemeister a
few months back (valve issues are a hot topic there, as you'd  expect!), so
I hope PT won't mind if I follow up here on Harp-L. It was that  discussion
which prompted me to seek it out and give it a try.

There  are lots of synthetic leathers on the market, but the one mentioned
on  Slemeister was Ultrasuede, invented in Japan in  1970:

http://www.ultrasuede.com/

I ordered some and tried it out  in my harps, all of which (chromatics and
diatonics) are half-valved. For me,  I find it works better in diatonics
than chromatics. On my diatonics, I had  trouble with buzzing valves in the
lower holes, which was difficult to  fix.

Valving the lower holes with Ultrasuade cured that problem. It also  gives
a slightly softer tone to the valved reeds, getting closer to the sound  of
an unvalved harp. I presume this is because the seal on the reedplate  is
not quite as perfect as with a conventional valve, so a tiny bit of air  is
seeping through - but that's just conjecture.

You have to cut out  your own valves (I use a steel ruler and a sharp
blade, but scissors are fine  too). I attach with a tiny drop of Superglue.
On longer valves I also attach  a light plastic spring on top of the
Ultrasuade to ensure the valve instantly  returns to its seating position
with breath changes.

If Rick's leather  refurbishing fix doesn't work, Ultrasuede could be the
solution for Paul's  problem with his old leather-valved chromatic.

Brendan Power
WEBSITE:  http://www.brendan-power.com
YOUTUBE:  http://www.youtube.com/BrendanPowerMusic



**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy 
steps! 
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=fe
bemailfooterNO62)