HarpMan Freeman
156 posts
Jul 01, 2011
6:55 PM
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I just received what I call my Back to Back Special.
I got Brendan Power's PowerBender Tuned Seydel Session Steel with PT Gazell's half-Valve material system.
If you haven't heard their album check it out on CD Baby at Back to Back
This is the PT Gazell's Valves System on my "Back2Back" Special. This harmonica flat out is amazing.
PowerBender with PT Gazell Valves makes for a fantastic playing harmonica.
Thanks you PT & Brendan..
Last Edited by HarpMan Freeman on Sep 30, 2014 7:33 PM
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oldwailer
1657 posts
Jul 01, 2011
10:40 PM
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That's very interesting--the valves are just on the draw side all the way up? on a regular harp--half valving is just the first 6 holes on draw--then 7 thru 10 on the blow plate.
Now I'll have to try one of these!
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Oldwailer's Web Site
Always be yourself--unless you suck. . .
-Joss Whedon
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geordiebluesman
428 posts
Jul 01, 2011
11:46 PM
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Hey Shawn, this looks most interesting, how did you hear about this harp coz it's news to me.
Is this a speacial order or something anyone can get? and most importantly how much did it cost?
How about posting a video showing us what it can do and what are it's advantages over a standard harp, i have seen Mr Powers vid but he is a harp god and can do anything he wants with any old tin sandwich!
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HarpMan Freeman
157 posts
Jul 02, 2011
5:24 AM
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I used Seydel's "Configurator" to order this harp which cost me $86 US. So to answer the question... Yes anyone can order this combo with any of Seydel's Diatonic harps.
It wasn't until I ordered it that I learned from Brendan that the to half-valve a PowerBender tuned harp, requires all the valves be on the bottom reed plate. Maybe Brendan, if he reads this could explain why.
This past Thursday (the day I got this harp), I went to an Open Mic here in Virginia Beach, Va and joined the Band "Common Ground" and got to play this harp with band amplified through their PA. I had started playing with the song with my Richter turned Manji, then switched to my "Back2Back" special (see above) and the music seemed to explode out of my mouth. It was amazing.
As for posting a video... I'll get one posted soon.
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JBharmonica
48 posts
Jul 02, 2011
6:45 AM
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@Harpman I'll be moving from Memphis to VA Bch in August! We'll have to hook up! I'll should be moved in before SPAH and plan on going to that but I'm always up for jams!
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JB
http://www.facebook.com/jbharmonica
jbustillos@gmail.com
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MEK
45 posts
Jul 02, 2011
7:55 AM
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Very cool, great name. What did you go with tuning wise, compromised? How long was the wait?
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arzajac
554 posts
Jul 02, 2011
8:40 AM
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The Powerbender tuning eliminates blow bends. Since they are all draw bends, the valves all on the draw side.
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AW
82 posts
Jul 02, 2011
10:32 AM
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Hey! I just got a seydel steel Powerbender, too.
What do the valves add to the tuning?
It's fun to play, though I have trouble bending the 10 hole (C harp) and for some reason, I don't sound like Brendan when I play. :)
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HarpMan Freeman
158 posts
Jul 02, 2011
4:17 PM
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JBharmonica: Send me an email
Arzajac: The valves give me blow bends on all 10 holes. It's wonderful!!!!
MEK: To be honest with you, I'm not sure how the PowerBender is tuned. Maybe Brendan Powers, if he see this, will be able to answer this question. It sounds to me that it ET Tuned. I'll have to put it to my tuner and figure it out.
AW: I had to adjust my 7 hole which had the same problem. My 10 hole read was gapped a bit to much as well. I wish I could sound like Brendan as well.
geordiebluesman: I will work on making a video over next week or so. I'm just a harmonica hobbyist, so keep your expectations. low please.
Last Edited by on Jul 02, 2011 4:21 PM
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oldwailer
1658 posts
Jul 02, 2011
4:25 PM
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There is a great little program on line that Jim, from right here on the forum, has put up--just click the Powerbender tuning and the key--and it just lays it right out there for you. This is a nice tool for tuning harps--or just for the curious. . .
Its at http://www.truechromatic.com/harp-o-matic.php
http://www.truechromatic.com/harp-o-matic.php
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Oldwailer's Web Site
Always be yourself--unless you suck. . .
-Joss Whedon
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arzajac
555 posts
Jul 02, 2011
4:50 PM
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"The valves give me blow bends on all 10 holes. It's wonderful!!!!"
Of course!
I should have said the valves go on the higher-pitched reed and on a Powerbender, they are all on the draw side. On a Richter-tuned harp, they switch at hole 6, hence the valves going on the blow plate on holes 7 to 10.
Fail!
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Last Edited by on Jul 02, 2011 4:54 PM
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MEK
46 posts
Jul 05, 2011
7:52 PM
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After seeing this thread I was playing with the Configurator and it asked what tuning I wanted. Compromised, Just or ET. I assume my Harpmaster PB is ET being a Suzuki but I don't really know.
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HarpMan Freeman
159 posts
Jul 05, 2011
8:05 PM
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MEK: I had the same question so I sent Seydel an email. Here is my email exchange:
To Seydel From Shawn Freeman...
I would like to purchase a Session Steel in the key of D with PowerBender and PT Gazell 1/2 valved system. However I can seem to find this option though the configurator.
Can you help me please?
Thanks
Shawn Freeman
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Seydel's Reply
Hi Shawn,
just choose "Powerbender" in the configurator and set the approprite valving option (all draw-valve in case of a Powerbender):
Just leave the default checked which is normally "Compromised". This is ignored when "PowerBender" is selected.
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MEK
47 posts
Jul 05, 2011
8:08 PM
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Thank you Shawn
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jim
885 posts
Jul 06, 2011
2:18 AM
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It will not be ignored if you specify this in the order comments.
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Free Harp Learning Center
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HarpMan Freeman
161 posts
Jul 06, 2011
4:02 AM
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Jim: You misunderstood the content of the message.
The "PowerBender" tuning overrides the tuning selection.
It was a way of saying "it's not used, because PowerBender is selected.
Seydel is a dependable, reliable and trust-worthy manufacturer and the configurator is absolutely Genius.
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Brendan Power
152 posts
Jul 06, 2011
6:43 AM
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I fully endorse what HarpMan says about Seydel and their excellent Configurator.
I'd like to add that Seydel are also an honourable company. Unlike some individuals who are happily making and selling PowerBender harps for their own benefit without the courtesy of even notifying me, Seydel have a good system in place that gives credit where credit is due, and pays a reasonable commission to those with applications that can be sold via Seydel. I usually encourage PB buyers who want extra features like half-valving to go to Seydel, and have a link to their Configurator on my PowerBender page. BP
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apskarp
491 posts
Jul 06, 2011
1:08 PM
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Btw, does anybody happen to know under what name is ultrasuede sold in the Europe?
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PT
97 posts
Jul 07, 2011
4:10 AM
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I have mentioned this many times but feel I should do it again...there are many types of Ultrasuede and brands claiming to be Ultrasuede with different spellings. There are also different thicknesses. The material that Seydel uses is supplied by me. I did a lot of research before I approached them with the product. They also tested it. If you are interested in valving your own instrument Seydel sells valve sets of the Gazell Method material. It is enough to do three diatonic in a half valved manner. Here is the link:
http://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel.sf/seciRLFDub9Q8_/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Seydel/Products/x1000hvset/SubProducts/x1000hvset-PT
You are getting the real thing here folks...no guess work!
PT
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"Life...10 Holes & 20 Reeds At A Time"
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HarpMan Freeman
162 posts
Jul 07, 2011
9:16 AM
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PT
When you look at the picture of my Back2Back special, do you think the space between the end of the valve and the end of the slot is a Tad to much. My Blow Bends seem to be a bit breathy. I was thinking of of reducing the difference.
I know you don't want it to be totally covered.
Shawn
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PT
99 posts
Jul 07, 2011
10:01 AM
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I can't really tell from that picture...however it will not hurt it to reduce it a little. Have you looked at the gapping?
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"Life...10 Holes & 20 Reeds At A Time"
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HarpMan Freeman
163 posts
Jul 07, 2011
11:04 AM
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PT: "have you looked at the gapping?"
I did work the gapping however, I could try making the gaps smaller.
Also, any attempt to blow-bend the 7 it squeals.
Any suggestions?
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sergiojl
12 posts
Jul 07, 2011
11:12 AM
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I bought hiper suede from an english shop via ebay, but I keep thinking about the best way to paste the valve over the reed.
May be superglue? Any advice on this?
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HarpMan Freeman
164 posts
Jul 07, 2011
10:56 PM
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sergiojl: PT mentioned back on Nov 23, 2010 that he uses "DAP Weldwood(r) Contact Cement" which is what I am using as well.
At Brendan and PT's workshop at SPAH two years ago, If I recall correctly, Brendan said he uses super clue.
http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/793681.htm
Last Edited by on Jul 07, 2011 10:57 PM
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apskarp
492 posts
Jul 07, 2011
11:10 PM
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Thank's Brendan, just ordered myself a piece from there.
@PT: I know you can buy ready-made valves from Seydel, but as I'm bit of a do-it-yourself hobbyist I prefer to do these things myself. (Of course it is also a lot cheaper.)
@sergiojl: I'm using super glue with regular valves - can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work with ultrasuede as well..
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Youtube
Hoodoo Sauna
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KingBiscuit
72 posts
Jul 08, 2011
6:47 AM
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I just tried to configure a Seydel Blues Soloist Pro with PowerBender tuning. I got the following error message:
"This harmonica cannot be produced due to an unfeasible extreme combination of notes."
Are there only certain models that they will build as power bender?
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oldwailer
1662 posts
Jul 08, 2011
9:09 PM
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I bought some "ultra suede" several months back at a sewing shop my wife goes to--it didn't work very well. I then bought the Seydel valves--it's not really the same stuff at all--the Seydel stuff works great.
Another tip on this subject--in case somebody hasn't already figured it out--put the draw plate on the comb and screw it into it's real position before putting on the valves--the comb gives you a guide--that way you won't end up with a valve that sticks on the comb walls.
Like Jim said--on an MB you might have to make a new comb to have room to get the valves glued in over the rivet--the A MB I did definitely didn't have room.
I found that the DAP contact cement works great--but you gotta wait a few hours to blow it or it tastes like old tires and gasoline--of course, with super glue, you still gotta wait for the out-gassing to happen or it feels like the inside of your lungs just got hit with the smoke from a burning Porche. (It took a lot of research to bring these facts to you). . .
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Oldwailer's Web Site
Always be yourself--unless you suck. . .
-Joss Whedon
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apskarp
493 posts
Jul 09, 2011
4:41 AM
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I'll let you know how that ultrasuede works from Brendan's link. At least it is more than 20x cheaper than Seydel's material.. :)
Actually 9 euros isn't a big price to pay for three harmonica's half-valve material, but Seydel takes another 9 euros for postages to Finland. (Otherwise I'd order it from Seydel just to compare the materials...)
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Youtube
Hoodoo Sauna
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PT
101 posts
Jul 09, 2011
4:45 AM
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@old wailer: Yes, as I have said, why not buy the one that works. And correct...you should wait a around 15 minutes or so to play the instrument so the glue setups. I have not noticed fumes past that amount of time....course I was a teenager in the sixties so I can not be held responsible for myself!
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"Life...10 Holes & 20 Reeds At A Time"
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shaneboylan
144 posts
Sep 29, 2014
5:52 AM
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How can you order a Paddy Richter Gazell method harmonica from the website?
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HarpMan Freeman
206 posts
Sep 30, 2014
7:30 PM
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go here
What You Want To Call The Link Here
Then select the drop down next to tuning
Last Edited by HarpMan Freeman on Sep 30, 2014 7:32 PM
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Brendan Power
441 posts
Oct 01, 2014
10:14 AM
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Greetings all from Spain, where I'm on holiday with some friends. It's evening and a bit of sangria has flowed, so I apologise in advance for any indiscretions.
I just saw this thread was active again. Reading back at my rather stern words of three years ago about folks selling PowerBender tuned harps "without having the courtesy to notify me" made me do a double-take.
Because now I feel quite chilled about it. I'm just glad the PowerBender is making people happy when they first try it out, whoever makes that harp that they use. Thanks for your enthusiasm HarpMan :-)
As far as the Seydel version with Gazell valves goes, PT will be the first to acknowledge that I was the inventor of the idea and he first clocked it on a Promaster MR350-V, made by Suzuki - who paid me a royalty for the half-valving idea for 5 years. (I was a bit naive at the time...)
I apologise for repeating that for people who know, but I've found that knowledge of harmonica history in terms of significant tech innovations is pretty abysmal amongst most harp players. Ignorance reigns eternal, for the likes of Will Scarlett (who pioneered conscious, systematic overblowing in the 1970s, and the first three reed x-reed harp cell in the early 1980s), or Rick Epping, an incredibly inventive man who was the Father of Embossing, as well as the inventor of the brilliant XB-40). Both are still going very strong, and deserve more recognition for what they have contributed to modern harmonica playing.
OK, end of rant, back on track... PT has taken half-valved playing way further than anyone else. He's the Howard Levy of half-valving, if I can mix my metaphors - though, aside from a fun phrase, it has no meaning as PT is an original harmonica stylist in his own right. Is that tautology? I apologise once again if so.
Not just a pretty player, PT created his own superior valves, specially for half-valving. After a lot of research he found valving material that was quiet, rugged, and wouldn't stick to the reedplates after sustained playing.
PT's valves perfectly complement the Seydel PowerBender. As HarpMan has said, you get juicy interactive reed draw bends on every hole 1-10, plus valved inflections on every blow note in hole 1-10. These can range from deliberate semitone bends for extra chromaticism, to vibrato, to short bends at the beginning of ends of notes.
The valves just give you extra soul on those blow notes, to match the soul on all the draw notes - but in a subtly different way. I play all my PowerBenders half-valved. Aside from an X-Reed PowerBender, it's the best combo, I think.
However, for overblowers, the PowerBender is great totally un-valved. Now there are no blow bends or overdraws, but sweet interactive-reed draw bends on every hole plus overblows on every hole. It's fully chromatic that way too, plus has an extra note at the top end :-)
PowerBender is a great overblow harp as as well as very nice half-valved. I think there is a lot of untapped potential in either set-up for fresh harp sounds and styles, that will come through in the near future. But then I would say that, wouldn't I? It's not for everyone, as the tuning is quite different from Richter.
But if you want the sexy top end of the PowerBender plus all the first six holes in normal Richter, check out PowerDraw. I know that sounds like a sales pitch, which it is in a sense, but it's also a gift for those who love the stock traditional harp but want more welly in the top end, whilst retaining nice octaves etc:
Last Edited by Brendan Power on Oct 01, 2014 11:10 AM
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