Re: [Harp-L] Valved players unite!

[Pierre <plavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paul said:
>
There don't
seem to be a lot of players using valves, at least in
comparison to the number of overblowers. Why is this?

I tried valves using overhead projector acetates and did not like the buzz 
sound I got, probably the wrong material or my valves were a bit too big; I 
did not get past that first experiment. Perhaps if we could buy great valves 
somewhere. I don't feel like experimenting.

I think that with a valved harp you lose some of the deep bends, for jazz 
and other styles that might not a problem though. Also valves can be 
annoying (pop/stick etc.). On the plus side, intonation is easier and all 
the notes should sound natural. To me this is a big plus. Also the attack 
can be controlled allowing "sweet and cheesy" playing more easely. I suspect 
OBers are forced to cherry pick positions to a large extent. I see no need 
for a valve player to cherry pick other than to reduce the number of 
blow/draw transitions.

The biggest problem, is that there is no Howard Levy of the valved harp. Had 
Howard used valved harps, I'm sure everyone (except Richard Hunter) would be 
playing valved harps today. Perhaps if Richard quits his day job and becomes 
a Flecktone for a few years. Boy, that would really mix things up.

I think Richard Hunter has demontrated that a valved harp is a fine 
instrument. Hope more people do like he does as diversity is great.

Pierre.
















----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Bowering" <paul_bowering@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 10:37 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Valved players unite!


> Because I only discovered this list a few months ago
> I've had some 12 years of archives to read up on. All
> the things I didn't know were possible all came in
> fell swoop. As a result I've been concurrently trying
> overblowing, half-valving, altered tunings, etc. While
> this has been great fun I soon want to decide which
> path to pursue permanently.
>
> Although uncommitted I'm leaning toward half valving.
> I like its expressive possibilities and think I could
> get a handle on controlling the bends. There don't
> seem to be a lot of players using valves, at least in
> comparison to the number of overblowers. Why is this?
>
> I've had success with overblow but those overdraws
> don't seem to hold out much promise for me. The reeds
> seem real finicky and getting the note to sound is hit
> and miss at best. (As a side note for those also
> having this difficulty; try using a spiral tuning
> where the blow note is always the lower pitch in any
> hole. With this set up I could overblow all ten holes.
> Of course this tuning presents its own peculiarities).
>
> Anyway, I'd to hear from folks who've tried both
> approaches. Strong opinions are welcome but you should
> have at least given each method an honest try.
> Ultimately I know it's whatever suits me best but I'm
> just lookin for a feedback about benefits and
> obstacles you've encountered with each.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Paul B.
>
>
>
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