Valve buzzing

[Mike Curtis <wd6ehr@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I owe an apology to Rocket, and since it was on the list, so shall the 
apology be.
 
A while back, I made a statement about what I thought was "valve buzzing" 
on the Suzuki Promaster valved harp, and that it sounded good mic'd and 
crunched.  Rocket took issue with this.
 
About a week ago, I heard a very nonmusical "buzz" from my Suzuli for the 
first time.  I asked if this is "valve buzz", and found that it is.  If I 
amplified this, it would sound like warmed over buzzard puke.
 
To get this raspy buzzing sound, I had to play with a very "loose" 
embouchure - not my "normal" style.
 
The sound I had reference to is a subharmonic (one octave below the 
natural reed pitch) on the lower blow reeds (non valved) that would 
appear to be a sympathetic vibration induced either in the opposing reed 
or valve.  It has a quality a little like a kazoo, but much more mellow 
and musical.  Because it occurs under a precise set of circumstances, it 
is easily controlled and used in ones arsenal of sound.  It is this sound 
I thought Rocket had reference to when I made my statement, that "valve 
buzz sounds good mic'd and amplified".

 -- mike