Re: valving

[Mike Curtis <wd6ehr@xxxxxxxxxx>]

> 
> Could you offer some advice. I am currently trying to successfully valve 
> a diatonic, after last weeks discussion. Right , the valves are on but 
> only on 7-10. So when I try to draw bend , say the 8, the notes just 
> chokes off. Only if I suck like a psycho-hose-beast do I get the bent 
> note out. What's happening ? I take it the problem lies with me and not 
> the harp !

It requires practice to get it right.  The old familiar bends don't work 
the same.  The new ones also require a particular touch.

I've been playing diatonic harp for many years.  I also learn fast.  Yet 
it took me something like three months to get it to the point where I was 
comfortable playing it in public.

So be patient, and don't try to force it.  In fact, this is excellent 
advice for playing on ANY harp.  If you're forcing it, then you're 
probably doing it wrong.  Be gentle and _coax_ it out.

Hope this helps.  And feel free to drop me personal mail on this if you 
feel it might be more appropriate.


 -- mike
wd6ehr@xxxxxxxxxx