Re: [Harp-L] Customization (was mb deluxe)

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paul Bowering wrote:
> Tim, could you elaborate a little. A custom set-up
> would of course require distinction between close
> gapping/precision for overblowing or wide gapping for
> a hard blower but does it go beyond that? For example,
> are there different set-ups within the overblow
> customization process. If so, how can you determine
> what a player's requirements are?

It might be a harp gapped extremely close for someone who's just 
learning to overblow.  It might be a harp that's set up for acoustic 
play at relatively low volumes, or someone who's a very proficient 
overblow player and can use gaps a little higher.  Some players 
don't like the brassy tone that comes from heavy reedslot embossing; 
some think that's a "holy grail" tone characteristic.  There are a 
tremendous number of tuning variations, and often people don't have 
a real understanding of the implications of the different 
intonations.  They need a recommendation based on information about 
their style, taste, etc.  Many times people know precisely what they 
want, and sometimes it's some unique combination of elements that 
aren't available in an off-the-shelf model, like an equally tempered 
Special 20, or a compromised intoned Hering Vintage 1923, or a Paddy 
Richter tuned, equally tempered Golden Melody.  

I usually ask a lot of questions about the player's style and 
preferences, what they have liked and disliked about harps they have 
owned, their embouchure, their mix of single notes and 
chords/partials/intervals, who they emulate (if anyone), who they 
admire, what songs they like to play and why, what positions (modes) 
they comfortable playing, stuff like that.  

-tim