RE: [Harp-L] Re: XB-40

["Michael Peloquin" <peloquinharp@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think that there are two distinct schools of thought here:
1.) Richard is the rare performer that will often perform his own SOLO 
harmonica pieces. These pieces are his compositions that he controls fully 
being the composer and the entire orchestra. Richard does not use overblows 
that I know of. (LO player, public disdain of the sound, etc.)
Richard probably also has the ability to mentally process the different 
tunings he uses wheras I do not (or will not.)

2.) Chris and other players (such as myself) play primarily as a sideman or 
member of an improvistional ensemble using the overblow technique. This 
requires the "one axe" mentality. Even though we are playing multiple keys 
of diatonics, they are all the same Richter layout. Using different tunings 
would be a nightmare for me as I play other instruments (slide chromatic & 2 
saxophones.) -way to much CATALOGING for me!
     I know that my attempts on my XB40 in C are frustrating in that I have 
an OB thought process that is the exact opposite of the all notes bend DOWN 
process on the XB40. (plus they sound kinda weak for me.)

I do agree with Rick E. and Richard on the intent of added expression in 3 
positions, it is nice for that. However, I don't really care what the intent 
of the inventor/manufacturer is. Richter diatonic, saxophone, electric 
guitar, etc. have all come a long way from their original intended purposes.

Now let's play some music, however you do it!

Michael Peloquin
come to Jam Camp in San Diego, Oct 14-16, 2005
tell them Michael sent you
http://www.gindick.com
http://www.harpsax.com







> From: "Chris Michalek" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Re: XB-40
> Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2005 10:24:36 -0500
>
>
>
>
> Richard Hunter wrote:
>
> >instrument.  According to Rick Epping, it's not designed to be played
> >as a fully chromatic instrument, David Fairweather's generally
> >laudable efforts in that regard notwithstanding.   It's designed as a
> >kind of super-diatonic harp, where a deep bend can be applied to any
> >note for expressive purposes.  That's why every note bends a full
> >step, instead of a half-step, which would be more useful for
> >controlling intonation on bends.
>
>
> This makes sense to me.  If it's used as a "super diatonic" in 1-3
> position then it works for wells in terms of expressiveness within
> certain positions.  I remember it being touted as an Overblow killer
> which it definately is not.  Too bad it's not the same size as a
> regular diatonic.
>
>
>
> Chris Michalek
>
> www.michalekstrone.com
> CD Available
> http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michalekstrone
>
>
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