RE: [Harp-L] bending ability

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> Hi
>
> I have been experimenting with a few harp
> constructions, last time with a responder reed type
> one. In the end after a long time I took one of my
> half valved harps and was surprised that finally it is
> the simplest way of modifying the diatonic to achieve
> a good all-round bending ability and asked the
> question to myself: what is the reason building such
> complicated things like the XB40 or anything similar?
> (after having built one myself). The half valved is
> probably more difficult to keep stable during bends,
> but anything else? Or what is your experience? The
> question might sound stupid. But the half valved is
> much simpler to build than how much more it is
> difficult to control, and I am not sure anymore. Also
> now, when the XB40 exists offering a total bending
> freedom, why is it not becoming very popular (apart
> from price)?
>
> Z

The XB40 is not a universal panacea for players who had trouble with bends.  
It is just as difficult (or easy, depending on your point of view) to 
control bends on an XB40 - in fact there is a distinct danger of overdoing 
it both in terms of quality and quantity.   I think that for the majority of 
players who need a degree of chromaticity (for getting the notes, not just 
bending for expression) for their music the chromatic harmonica will 
continue to be the best solution.  I didn't say for everybody.  You get the 
"missing" notes with spot-on intonation and tone consistent with all the 
other notes every time at the press of a button, unlike with bending or 
overblowing, except for a few alpha-plus types of course and I won't argue 
with 'em.  The XB40 is quite pricey (I didn't say "expensive for what it is" 
- it isn't)) and doesn't cost much less than a Hering chromatic.  I wonder 
how many people are like me and have a couple of XB40s in the bag but who 
seldom get them out to play.  They occupy a limbo zone for me between my 
diatonics and chromatics and have yet to find their niche.  Of course, this 
is in large part a reflection of my own limitations and of the genre of 
music I play.

Steve



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