Re: [Harp-L] Lo D Auto Valve Triple Reed Harmonica

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

The problem with this configuration - and all three- and four-reed combinations involving dedicated responder reeds, is that the rresponder reeds will sound when you don't want them to.
 
This is a problem with the Sub 30. It is also a problem with versions built on the Auto Valve comb. I know because Joe Filisko built one in 1992 and sent it to me (I gave it to Steve Baker, and haven't seen it since). 
 
It is not a problem with the XB-40 due to Rick Epping's brilliant comb design, which directs air in such a way that the responder reeds cannot make inappropriate noises.
 
However, the inner duct work in Rick's design makes the harmonica bulkier than a standard diatonic.
 
Winslow
 
Winslow Yerxa
Author, Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-0-470-33729-5
            Harmonica Basics For Dummies, ASIN B005KIYPFS
            Blues Harmonica For Dummies, ISBN 978-1-1182-5269-7
Resident Harmonica Expert, bluesharmonica.com
Instructor, Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance


________________________________
From: Paul Bowering <paul_bowering@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Friday, November 9, 2012 9:32 PM
Subject: Re:[Harp-L] Lo D Auto Valve Triple Reed Harmonica

Another inventive approach to employing enabler reeds. Richard, you made a triple reed version. I'm wondering if a version that provides an auxiliary/enabler reed for each main Blow and Draw reed would work:
 
1) Top plate regular Blow reed and enabler draw reed.
2) Bottom plate regular Draw reed and enabler blow reed.
3) Valve main Blow and Draw reeds to conserve air.
4) Set enabler reeds with zero offset.
 
Some folks have complained about the new SUB30's low octave. I don't (yet) have one but it is my understanding that the Blows are okay because the Draw reeds are valved. The problem comes with the Draws because too much air lost through the additional enabler reed. With the proposed above both Blow and Draw are valved yet each has a dedicated enabler reed allowing for traditional  blues bends. Air would always hit one reed with standard gapping and two more with zero offset. I think it would be reasonably airtight. Not quite a regular diatonic sized harp but closer than the XB40. Might you even be able to get rid of the horizontal divider of the Auto-Valve comb?