Todd Parrott
484 posts
May 13, 2011
2:30 PM
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This may be nothing new to some of you, but I've always found it interesting that it is possible to bend the blow notes on holes 1-6 and the draw notes on holes 7-10 without valves. Of course, you can't get quite the same expression as you can with a valved harp, but I find that I can bend the notes down a half step (holes 1 and 2 are a little tough however, and hole 3 is unnecessary, but very possible). I've done this for several years, but I do notice how much easier this is to do with my Spiers customs, which I'm sure is due in part to the gapping of the reeds.
I remember Chris Michalek saying once in an old thread that every note was bendable at least a little bit, so as I said, I know this may not be an amazing revelation for some.
I find these notes useful more on slow ballads and songs where you want the harmonica to sound "pretty", and I rarely use these partial bends in blues, except for the 4 blow, sometimes the 6 blow (though I prefer bending up the 5 overblow), and the 7 draw, which sounds even cooler on a "Parrott" tuned harp (a name given by fellow MBH members for the flat 7 draw tuning).
This technique seems to work even better on the higher draw notes on lower harps. For instance, the 7-10 draw notes on my B-Radical in the key of A that Joe customized will bend extremely well. Of course, this technique requires a more relaxed air flow. If you blow or draw too hard, the overblow or overdraw note will sound.
I'm not saying that this technique is a replacement for valving, but it is nice to have a little more expression when needed. It would really be nice if there could be a better compromise between the two, meaning that it would be nice to have the same bending expression of a valved harp, but still be able to get overblows and overdraws and be able to bend those as well. And to take it even one step beyond that... it would be nice to be able to bend the overblow and overdraw notes down a half step, instead of just being able to bend them down a quarter semi-tone or so. When you start playing in all 12 keys on one harp, you begin to realize how this ability would allow you to duplicate popular licks in other positions, especially when trying to play songs like Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" in different positions.... but I guess you can't get everything you want. :)
Last Edited by on May 13, 2011 2:34 PM
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harmonicanick
1181 posts
May 13, 2011
2:46 PM
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Todd please explain the reasoning behind valves as I have no idea what they are for?
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ridge
260 posts
May 13, 2011
3:41 PM
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Valves will allow the isolation of 1 reed to vibrate by dampening out the other respective blow/draw reed.
For instance, on holes 7-10 on a valved harmonica, the valves are placed over blow reeds, so that when you draw with enough pressure, the blow reed won't respond and it allows for a slight bending of the draw note.
To see what it's like, take the covers off of a harp and hold your finger over blow slot 7-10 and then play a draw note. Conversely, you can place your finger over a draw reed 1-6 and then lightly blow. You will find that you can bend the low register blow notes down a semi-tone.
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Miles Dewar
905 posts
May 13, 2011
6:03 PM
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...... Because they have more reeds giving a higher leak rate?.......
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Micha
189 posts
May 13, 2011
7:21 PM
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The answer: partial valving? Valve the holes which have the overblows that are the least useful?
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Todd Parrott
485 posts
May 13, 2011
8:35 PM
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You might be able to get away with valves on holes 2 & 3 blow, as the overblow notes you get on those are obtainable elsewhere on the harp, however, valving hole 3 blow would be kind of pointless.... Plus, I sometimes use the 3 overblow in 4th position.
How short can the valves be before they no longer work? Doesn't PT trim the valves a little shorter than normal?
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Micha
190 posts
May 14, 2011
1:19 AM
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Hmmm ok, only valves on 2 and 3 blow is not something to get excited about.
Todd, I find it strange that you did not explore more altered tunings. Especially with your playing style and the direction that you're heading now.
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Todd Parrott
488 posts
May 14, 2011
1:45 AM
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Well... I do have several alternate tunings, and use them on occasion.... just depends on the song or style of music and what notes I want to express.
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Micha
191 posts
May 14, 2011
4:51 AM
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Have you tried PB? I started playing it, and the middle octave is just brilliant for playing in 12 keys while still keeping the biggest benefits of richter. I now play tuning with 'low and middle octave' = 'PB low and middle' and 'high octave' = 'PB middle'. Only 1 OB needed. You can valve the rest. For 3 octaves, you need a 12 holer though, ... only negative point for me. I really think you should give it a go.
But then again, you are already one of the best diatonic harp players in the world so, you'd probably sound good on anything :-D.
Last Edited by on May 14, 2011 5:26 AM
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Todd Parrott
489 posts
May 14, 2011
8:07 PM
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Yes, I have a Powerbender and I think it's a great tuning! I need to experiment more with it in other keys/positions.
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