Re: [Harp-L] XB-40

[Zombor Kovacs <zrkovacs@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, 

Higher key harps have problems on hole ten, almost impossible to control a bend. But never mind. Buy a Bb or an A next time. People usually get stuck by the sound of it. That it does not sound like a plain 10 hole diatonic. It is not a plain 10 hole diatonic, nobody said it should sound like a normal 10 hole diatonic. This harp is based on a 10 hole chromatic as a design, that also explains the size. You must get used to a few things like size and hole spacing.
Another problem is that people don't want to regard this as another type of instrument, they are sticking to the idea that it is a 10 hole diatonic, they were just unsuccesful making it small enough and sound "good" enough.
Look at it as a different harmonica. It is not a plain 10 hole diatonic, it is not a Marine Band. It has unique abilities and it is up to you what you get out of it. Make your own ideas on it, make new music. Get off the track everybody else is trying to follow. That is what this harp is exactly for. Once you manage to make it yours you get the wings to fly. The point is not to compete with other types. It is you, who makes it sound great and work great. Hohner (or Rick Epping) did everything but supplied music with it. Do it yourself you got the tool! Not that easy? If you wanna expand, you gotta take new roads, get used to it, get control of it. It is not more difficult than a normal diatonic, it is just that you cannot use it in the same way. But it doesn't mean it is not a great harmonica.
And a last thought. Maybe some people will kill me, but I don't like overblowing and I don't think it is the way to go. An XB40 does all those things flawlessly and easy. Overblowing for me - and although it is really an ingenious invention - is a bit like using a teaspoon to dig a hole in the garden. It can be done, but there are much better ways doing it.

good luck!
Zombor





________________________________
 From: Chuck Linville <linvillec@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 4:04 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] XB-40
 
Howdy gang, I'm new. Been at it for about 3 years, and deciding to try to get serious (oops, there went my life. LOL) I bought an XB-40 from Ebay awhile back 'cuz it was relatively cheap. It's an F# low. I've been playing it for awhile, and I'm just not sure what to think. I will say that although it's interesting to be able to bend every note, I am having trouble controlling it. It's like it's almost TOO easy to bend, at least for me and my ability at this time. So I'm just wondering if there is a general consensus on these instruments. Do you think a "higher" key would be more controllable? Ultimately I am wondering if I should invest the time necessary to get control of this thing. Thanks a bunch for any advice. -chuck