Re: [Harp-L] i could use some help (chromatic) with out of shapewindsavers

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

I suggest that you undertake a two-step process:

1. Buy a $15-$20 batch of factory windsavers from Hohner USA 
in VA and start replacing them yourself.  The logistics and 
cost of having someone else maintain your windsavers is 
daunting.  There are on-line ways to learn windsaver 
maintenance. For all things chromatic, see 
http://www.angelfire.com/music/HarpOn/  There should be a 
ton of stuff in the harp-l archives.  Keep your harp 
warm...a litle above body temperature is ideal.

2. When you are comfortable replacing factory windsavers and 
you still encounter sticking/popping, then start 
experimenting with micropore, teflon, ultrasuede materials 
and waxing.  Then you will find a combination that works for 
you.  For me, it is warmth, wax, and compressed ultrasuede.

There will be a seminar at SPAH09 devoted entirely to 
chromatic valves / windsavers.  That would be a good place 
to learn and ask questions.

Vern

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "robert stalvey" <rstalvey@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:22 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] i could use some help (chromatic) with out 
of shapewindsavers


> A couple of the windsavers have gotten
> abused by my hard playing early on before i adjusted---so 
> they flap and make
> noise sometimes. some of the clear plastic doesn't lay 
> flat and some of the
> inner white part that rests on the reedplate are raised 
> and not sitting
> flush. my guess is that they need to be replaced. i know 
> there are a lot of
> options for material of the windsaver. I'm wondering if i 
> should buy a new
> chrom. (which one?) or send this one to someone who can 
> fix this up so i can
> continue practicing or is this something i can fix myself 
> with some
> directions???

> the music i'm playing ranges from Americana/folk, blues, 
> and even some
> bluegrass tunes. The band is appropriately named 
> trainwreck. 2 acoustic
> guitar players/singers(1 switches to a Dobro), 1 banjo 
> player(who can play a
> mean diddley bow), a one-eyed mandolin player who shreds, 
> a stand up bass
> player who can really belt a tune, and me on harp(just 
> diatonic for now) we
> play private events and weddings during the summer on 
> martha's vineyard and
> bars in the winter.
>
>
> Robert Stalvey
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