Re: [Harp-L] The Future of Blues Harmonica?

[Mike Fugazzi <mikefugazzi@xxxxxxxxx>]

The most noticeable difference is that the it is the size of a standard 
diatonic.  I have a SUB30 in A that I removed the valves on holes 1-4 on 
and taped of the extra reeds on 1-4 (draw reeds on the top plate).  It 
plays a lot better, but you lose notes on those holes, then.  I was ok with 
that as I was more concerned with the middle and top octaves.  The 1 and 4 
overblow play well, IMO.

The more I think about it, it plays like a Special 20 from the 90's...like 
right before they switched to stainless steel cover plates.  It is a very 
mellow and warm tone (dark), even after heavy tweaking of the reeds and 
slots.  The top octave plays well save hole 10, which I need to tweak more 
for the blow bends.  I am pleased with how it plays holes 4-9.  I think 3 
responds well now, but is still a tad stiff.  1 and 2 play and bend fine, 
but feel a little soft for me.  I am not sure tweaking gaps would really 
solve that.   The new bends on 10 are a lot more like an overdraw than 
you'd think, but are easy than a regular valve bend, IMO.

I like it a lot more than a week ago, lol.  The new bends seem to be void 
of any extra noise or issue.  I would like to try it with different valve 
material at some point, though.  I will totally play it and gig with it if 
given the chance.  I should make it clear that I did spend a good chunk of 
time 1-2 hours tweaking it using very advanced techniques (beyond just 
gapping and embossing).  

I have tried the XB40, but don't own one.  I remember that harp being 
louder and brighter than the SUB30.  

Mike
On Sunday, September 9, 2012 7:56:07 AM UTC-5, mik jagger wrote:
>
> So how's the "sub 30" different (to the better) from the xb40? XB40 has 
> all the reeds bending deeper than a halftone (more available notes), less 
> expensive, and great out of the box, yet not popular enough to not be 
> threatened by the rumors of its demise... 
>