Re: [Harp-L] Valving vs. Overblowing/Overdrawing

[Elizabeth Hess <TrackHarpL@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Wow.

Thank you to everyone who has answered so generously.

I have ordered a PT Gazell half-valved harp from Seydel, and some PT  
Gazell valves to try installing on some of my Special 20s that just  
won't quit.  And while I'm waiting for that order to arrive, I'll  
install more of the plastic valves I've got on some of my other  
Special 20s, and pick one harp and really work hard on gapping and  
arcing and embossing, and keep trying for overblows, and see how it  
all goes.

Poor Michael (Rubin -- lotta Michaels on this list!) will just have to  
weather my nails-on-the-chalkboard sounds during our lessons until I  
either get better enough with my valved tone that he can stand it, or  
else master overblowing, which I haven't  *completely*  given up on.   
He is a good sport, among his many other virtues!

I am grateful for everyone's support and encouragement as I slowly  
find my way.

Elizabeth


On Apr 18, 2011, at 3:23 PM, Michael Rubin wrote:

> From: michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>
> Date: April 18, 2011 1:55:08 PM CDT
> To: philharpn@xxxxxxx
> Cc: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Valving vs. Overblowing/Overdrawing
>
>
> I think anyone can, with hard work, control either technique.  It's
> about the sound.  Which do you like, or more importantly which do you
> NOT like.  Personally I would prefer a third option where the sound
> would be more like blow draw and bent notes.  I think both overblows
> and valves sound a little off.  However, I, humbly and in my own
> opinion,personally, not sweeping generalizingly,  think valves sound
> WAY off, as in nails on a chalkboard off, whereas a good overblow is
> passable.  The older I get the more I am into avoiding both of them
> altogether.  But if I need that note, I overblow.
>
> On the other hand, I fully support Elizabeth's explorations and I am
> very excited about what she will come up with.  I am a big Hesshead!
> Michael Rubin
> Michaelrubinharmonica.com