Re: overblows, was Same Old Thing

["G." <gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yeah, 
you're right Mike. 
s'cuse me.

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: Mike Curtis <ironmancurtis@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: G. <gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; harp-l <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2003 5:29 PM
Subject: Re: overblows, was Same Old Thing


> 
> Overblows are not "isolated reed", unless you use a specially modified harp
> like the Bahnson, which isolates the reed via muting the unused reed.  You
> still have the interaction of two reeds.  This is why they sound
> cardboardey.
> 
> With coverplates removed, do an overblow, then (while playing the OB) mute
> the inactive reed.  The timbre will change.
> 
> With a valved harp, reed isolation is actual.
> 
> It's similar with normal bends.  Even though only the one (opposing) reed is
> vibrating at "full bend", there is still some interaction, and this affects
> things.
> 
> I have an experimental harp that is fully valved (20 windsavers).  The
> timbre is dramatically different, with the "normal" bends having a much more
> "valved bend" sound.  The overall quality is remarkably consistent, and to
> my ear the tone is dramatically improved.  The "normal" bends are *much*
> deeper than traditional bends, some being several whole tones.  The only
> problem I'm having with it is that it's extremely sluggish, and is nearly
> impossible to play "fast".  I'm experimenting with different reed offsets to
> counteract this.
> 
> > Interesting opinion, since an overblow isn't much more than an isolated
> reed
> > bend.  Valved reed bends are isolated reed bends too.
> > The valves you install in your C LOs, isolate those reed allowing you to
> bend
> > it.  The difference between your valve bends and overblows is only in
> technique
> > and the way the reed swings is different. ... NOT in tone or sound -
> overblows
> > and valved bends are tonally very close - certainly a great deal closer
> than say
> > typical double reed bends like with regular diatonic harp bends.
> >
> > Regards
> > G.