Re: [Harp-L] How to make your own harmonica valves easily, cheaply, and effectively at home.

[Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

 I....don't....know....yet. I use recording tape....dull side down for short valves. The backing is sticky fabric known as hypalon. It is used to patch inflatable dinghys.  For long ones I use compressed STARCHED felt. I WAS using very thin foam (from Hobby Lobby), BUT it couldn't take hot breath and would curl. 
smo-joe   

On Mar 6, 2013, at 3:10 PM, gnarlyheman@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

> So do you officially endorse using gaffer's tape for valves?
> Inquiring minds want to know LOL
> Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sender: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2013 15:02:05 
> To: Isaac Ullah<iiullah@xxxxxxxxx>
> Cc: Harp L Harp L<harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] How to make your own harmonica valves easily, cheaply,
> 	and effectively at home.
> 
> 
> Yo Isaac, I especially liked this video. It didn't overwhelm one with useless in formation. Everything was well structured. Oh, and by the way, you're not fooling me. I noticed how you pretended to make mistakes (like forgetting curling the one valve) and then pinching it later.
> 
> Knowing that something like that...once accentuated will STICK in people's minds. I also liked how you started the process by using something I would have done.
> 
> Starting with the ole Joy boy Johnny Adventure method of eyeballing the cuts..and then showing the ole measure twice cut once method. Very crafty of you.
> 
> Adding the humor was nice. Too many folks present a program as if they are a stiff. As if they are waiting for Freddy the friendly undertaker. You were entertaining. 
> 
> smokey-joe  (btw nice manicure)
> 
> 
> 
> On Mar 6, 2013, at 11:57 AM, Isaac Ullah wrote:
> 
>> Hi folks! I've made a little video about a method I came up with to make your own harmonica valves at home, easily, cheaply, and effectively. Have a watch here: http://youtu.be/CXin4pXiCqE
>> 
>> Here's some additional info on the method:
>> 
>> In this tutorial video, I show you how to make your own harmonica valves at home from easily sourcable materials. I walk you through each step, from making the valves to attaching them to your harp. EDIT: See extra info below.
>> 
>> You'll need:
>> Gaffers tape (very important to use real gaffers tape, and NOT duct tape)
>> Scissors (large and small)
>> Small metal pin, paperclip, or wire tool (to wrap the valves around)
>> 
>> 1) I've had one harp with these valves in it for approximately 3 months now. The adhesive is still going strong. This tape is different from other tapes in that regard. The properties of the adhesive used in gaffers is a very important part of why these valves work as well as they do...
>> 
>> 2) In the three or so months since I've been using these type of valves I have had not ONE sticking valve, even after an hour of play (including TB and chording, with a reasonable amount of saliva getting into the harp)
>> 
>> 3) The ONLY problem I've had with these valves are from not curling them properly (ie., that one or two valves I made curled up away from the plate). That problem is solved by curling them tightly around a piece of wire (like a paperclip) BEFORE applying them. Rolling them from the adhesive edge outwards produces a better curvature, and largely prevents "curl away".
>> 
>> 4) The exact product I'm using is JVCC brand Gaffers tape, available at Amazon for a little more than $12: (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QDRRIE/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I chose this brand based on the results of this survey: (https://www.findtape.com/product321/FindTape-GAFF-TEST-PACK-Gaffers-Tape-Challenge-Pack.aspx#survey-results), and from other comments around the 'net that suggest it a) has a better adhesive than most (doesn't leave residue), and b) has a better cloth like "hand" to the tape material.
>> 
>> 
>> I hope some of you find this interesting/useful! Feel free to e-mail me with any additional questions!
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> 
>> ~Isaac (One Harp)
> 
>