[Harp-L] Introducing the GASKET-VALVE System

[Vern]

> On Jun 12, 2019, at 11:43 PM, bren at xxxxx wrote:
> 
> 
> ……...Thanks for the wax suggestion - is that just to reduce sticking, or to give the valve a soft landing, to reduce slap/rattle?………...
> 
The wax is only for sticking.  Think of a polished auto or floor that resists wetting.

Not often, but I have experienced a closed valve of hard, springy material standing up and vibrating much as a reed does.  The variations of sound pressure seem to prevail over the more steady breath pressure. This makes a noise that I would describe as a “gargle” instead of a “rattle”.  Is this what you mean by “rattle” or is your “rattle” one brief slap as the valve returns to the plate at a breath reversal?

Currently, I prefer soft, non-springy Ultrasuede valves that are very quiet.  I compress 1/2 to 2/3 of their length near the rivet to make them springier so they can resist gravity on the bottom sides of the plates.  PT Gazell uses Ultrasuede on haIf-valved diatonics only on top of the plate so he doesn’t need to increase their stiffness. I also spray the tip ends with fabric guard to suppress the absorption of moisture.  

I applaud your joining the quest for the perfect valve.

Compressed Ultrasuede over waxed reed plates (belt and suspenders) works very well for me.  My recommendations have gone unheeded by the chromatic community. They were a commercial failure when Danny G.offered them for sale.  Everyone has a different favorite material.

Vern