RE: overblows, was Same Old Thing

["G." <gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

<quote>
Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 23:54:05 -0700
From: "Mike Curtis" <ironmancurtis@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: overblows, was Same Old Thing

I've tried overblows, and likewise don't care much for them.  I find them
"cardboardey" in sound (even the best I've heard thuis far - not counting
the special "overblow" harmonicas like the Bahnson that require the use of
hands and consequently of no practical use to me in a rack), and they "jump
out" at me.

Instead, I use a partially valved diatonic.  By valving bendable reeds, I
can bend the normally unbendable reeds.  The sound of "proper" valved bends
is incredible.  In fact, it's actually beefier and fuller than normal two
reed bends (which kind of presents the "reverse" problem).  I'm a real
stickler for consistent sound on all reeds, and this is the closest to
perfect that I've found that also allows me to play chromatically.

 -- mike
</quote>

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.