Re: [Harp-L] Windsavers

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

There are several questions about windsavers.

Q. Will the reeds sound without windsavers?
A. Yes.

Q.Will I enjoy playing the harp without windsavers?
A. No.

Q. Why does a chromatic need windsavers while a diatonic 
doesn't.
A.  Although both diatonic and chromatic harps have air 
leakage through  the opening reeds,  the chromatic has 
leakage from one hole to another through the slide.  Using 
windsavers to prevent leakage through the opening reeds 
makes up for the leakage through the slide.

I suggest that you get several sets of new windsavers from 
Hohner, Romel. or make your own.  Then play your 64 without 
windsavers. When you discover that you can't tolerate it 
that way, you will have a new set to apply.

In general, sticking and popping is caused by condensation 
under the windsavers. Starting with a warm harp and waxing 
the reedplate under the windsavers will greatly reduce the 
problem.

Buzzing or ratttling windsavers  have curled away from the 
reedplate.  The best remedy is to replace them with new ones 
which lie flat.

This is a big subject and much has been written about it. 
What I have written above is no more than an introduction.

Vern

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Randy Power" <randy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2009 7:14 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Windsavers


> My question still is, Are windsavers necessary? Can I play 
> the harp without
> them?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Randy
> --
>
>
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