Re: [Harp-L] Valving vs. Overblowing/Overdrawing

[michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

I think anyone can, with hard work, control either technique.  It's
about the sound.  Which do you like, or more importantly which do you
NOT like.  Personally I would prefer a third option where the sound
would be more like blow draw and bent notes.  I think both overblows
and valves sound a little off.  However, I, humbly and in my own
opinion,personally, not sweeping generalizingly,  think valves sound
WAY off, as in nails on a chalkboard off, whereas a good overblow is
passable.  The older I get the more I am into avoiding both of them
altogether.  But if I need that note, I overblow.

On the other hand, I fully support Elizabeth's explorations and I am
very excited about what she will come up with.  I am a big Hesshead!
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Mon, Apr 18, 2011 at 11:36 AM,  <philharpn@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> This topic is getting rather long.
>
> Here's the short answer.
>
> Anybody who can blow bend (a la Jimmy Reed) the top notes on a standard
> richter diatonic 8 9 and 10 can get blow bends on a half-valved Suzuki or
> Seydel with the same amount of effort. In addition, you don't need to use a
> low pitched harp -- A or G -- to manage these 1-6 blow bends. Sure they take
> a little finesse, but then so does all bending if you hit them on pitch.
>
> Granted, bending has always been a trombone technique -- between the notes
> on pitch is a minefield of noise.
>
> The other thing is that valved bends occur where richter players expect
> them: Want Eb, blow bend the E (hole 2 on C harp).
>
> Overblow for Eb is blow 1 (overblow the C to Eb -- now there's logic for
> you).
>
> If you doubt how easy IT is to blow bend on a half-valved harp, try some
> blow bends on a chromatic-- it's the same technique.
>
> My theory is that if you get two people who don't overblow and don't valve
> bend, the valve bender will  be learning tunes while the overblower is
> trying to learn his/her first overblow.
>
> hope this helps clear up matters.
>
> Phil
>
>
>