[Harp-L] New 30 Reed Harp from Suzuki: SUB30 UltraBend

["Brendan Power" <bren@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On behalf of Suzuki I'm proud to announce the launch of a harp that has been
waiting in the wings for a long time: the SUB30 UltraBend. 

 

It is a 10 hole 30 reed harp the same size as a normal diatonic that allows
the player to bend 18 reeds a semitone or more by interactive double-reed
bending (the type of bends as on a normal diatonic harp). That's 10 more
bends than on a standard harp!

 

I made a home-made prototype of the design in 1989 and showed it to Suzuki
in 1992. They improved it and reduced it in size, but then patent issues
were discovered and development was dropped (that's a whole story in
itself!).

 

The relevant patents expired a few years ago and Suzuki was able to resume
development. Finally, the Ultrabend is ready and launched today at the APHF
in Kula Lumpur.

 

Here is a video explaining how it works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5emY-a_ZfWU

 

Suzuki has made a special website for the UltraBend where you can get more
detailed information, and players can upload their own creative ideas using
the new harp:

http://ns.medi.co.jp/suzuki-music/sub30/english/index.html

 

It will be available to try at SPAH. Initial offering is in A, C and D keys,
more to come later. Prices are still to be announced.

 

Brendan Power

WEBSITE: www.brendan-power.com <http://www.brendan-power.com/> 

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YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/BrendanPowerMusic