TheoBurke
59 posts
Aug 08, 2012
12:24 PM
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Just received my Suzuki Promaster Valved Harmonica in C and so far I like the way it feels and plays. Any other owners ought there? What do you think of the harp?
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Ted Burke
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VPUDjK-ibQ&feature=relmfu
ted-burke.com
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the_happy_honker
126 posts
Aug 08, 2012
2:36 PM
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I got a Promaster Valved in A a week ago. I guess I was expecting a more chrom-like tone, but for the normal diatonic stuff, it is pretty close to the unvalved tone. I'm normally a tongue blocker, but I switched to pucker to get the valved bends. Having done that, the valved bends aren't that hard to get, just hard to control.
It is a bit weird blow bending instead of overblowing, but I guess that comes with practice.
My only real difficulty with it is the 3 draw. It squeals terribly on the second and third semitone bends and I'm at a loss as to how to remedy it. The reeds and valve look OK, so I guess it is my technique. Suggestions welcome.
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Noodles
219 posts
Aug 08, 2012
3:09 PM
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Suggestions welcome
If you're sure it's not your technique but rather a problem with the harp, it's under warranty.
I've had a Low F (350V) for about a month - no complaints. Blow-bending requires a more focused control and not too much breath pressure, but that's a good thing. Bent notes may sound a little weak at first, but they'll get stronger over time.
Last Edited by on Aug 08, 2012 3:13 PM
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FMWoodeye
448 posts
Aug 08, 2012
6:53 PM
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Well...I just gave my last three away. That is, they were part of a trade. Don't really care for them, although I like the look and the heft.
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Gnarly
308 posts
Aug 09, 2012
12:07 AM
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I like valved diatonics OK, but am really looking forward to checking out the SUB30--I bet it makes the ProMaster blush.
I REALLY like the PM cover plates!
Disclaimer--I fix the warranty harps for Suzuki blah blah blah
See you in Texas!
G
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Suzukisucker
16 posts
Aug 09, 2012
1:49 AM
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I really love my Valved Promasters, but…..I replaced all the plastic valves with the new Seydel (Suede) valves, the PT Gazell way. The don’t rattle or stick any more and just play fine.
p.s. I play mainly Irisch folk.
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TheoBurke
60 posts
Aug 09, 2012
3:43 PM
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Thanks for the responses , everyone. So far I like what feel and hear from playing the instrument--the bend comes smoothly, the blow bends are seamless and relatively effortless. There also sounds like there are are a number of tonal nuances and pitches in between the usual draw and blow notes that I look forward to exploring in my pursuit of a perfect jazz/blues/swing sound. I seem to get some near-over blows and overdraws no and then as I play, but I trust those will come as I get used to this instrument. I could,of course, always have my harps tweaked and actually take some lessons in the technique, but I am an old dog used to figuring out things by ear alone. Overall, I am happy with the purchase.----------
Ted Burke
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VPUDjK-ibQ&feature=relmfu
ted-burke.com
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Noodles
226 posts
Aug 09, 2012
3:54 PM
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Theo wrote: “I seem to get some near-over blows and overdraws”
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Theo, there is no overblowing on the 350V.
Standard harp VS Promaster 350-valved
1-OD (Standard) = 2-Bend on the 350v
4-OB = 5 Bend
5 OB = 6 Bend
6 OB = 7 overdraw (it sure feels like a bend)
Essentially, what you would do to overblow on a standard harp, you would go to the next hole up and bend on a 350v, (not overblow). The exception is that what is normally a 6 OB (standard harp) “switches” to a 7 draw bend/overdraw on the 350.
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TheoBurke
61 posts
Aug 09, 2012
5:16 PM
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Thanks for the break down. As I said, I seem to get some near overblows and overdraws, not that I am actually getting them. The issue for me is that I have a forty percent loss of hearing since childhood and that what I hear on the harmonica is through an internalized vibration--I make my best guess at a pitch I want to achieve and , as you can tell from my videos, the results are unintentionally avant gard. That is a nice way of saying that what I do is sometimes in error, mistakes, less than graceful intonations. What is clear is that my grasp for the names of things is lacking. etc. Anyway, I will practice your chart with interest. Thanks again.
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Ted Burke
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VPUDjK-ibQ&feature=relmfu
ted-burke.com
Last Edited by on Aug 09, 2012 8:29 PM
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Noodles
227 posts
Aug 09, 2012
9:04 PM
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The issue for me is that I have a forty percent loss of hearing
I don't know if this will help you or not. When I really want to dial in my bends I use an online tuner. Not only does it nail down the precise note I'm after, but it also gives me a visual reference for the subtlest tweaks to my embouchure.
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