Hi folks! I've been messing with half valving for a couple of years now, and a few months back I figured out what I think is a really neat, easy, cheap way to make your own really effective valves at home. I've made a video showing you exactly how to do it! Enjoy!
FYI, I've got another video in the works where I talk about how I approach learing valved bends and other techniques that the half-valved diatonic is good for! keep an eye out for that in the next couple of days! ----------
Nice. Valves were next on my list. I acquired some very interesting foil/film tape when I changed out the printer head on my laserjet printer a few weeks ago and I've been itching to try it as valve material, but it looks like you've done a lot of R&D to get to the gaffers tape.
Nice Alfred Hitchcock type ending to your video. I am left in suspense. I wanted to hear it.
Interesting. I valved a few harps many years ago when my resistance to manual labor was still managable; now you´ve perked my interest again.
Two questions: 1) Have you tried this for any longer period of time? That is, does the tape glue hold up? Moist can do things to adhesives.
2) How about sticking valves -- are there no problems, even in a longer time period? (The sticking issue is one reason why I´m reluctant to valving: you can´t really let go if you´re worried about those effing valves all the time.)
Very nice solution.What is the exact product name of the tape you are using? Can you mention some other product names which are or might be as good as the one you are using?
I am asking because at least in Finland they seem to sell some cheaper tapes saying it is gaffers tape. And it might be that they also do not have the exact product you are using. Thanks!
Hi guys! I'm happy to answer your questions. First, Martin's questions:
1) I've had one harp with these valves in it for approximately 3 months now. The adhesive is still going strong. This tape is different from other tapes in that regard. The properties of the adhesive used in gaffers is a very important part of why these valves work as well as they do...
2) In the three or so months since I've been using these type of valves I have had not ONE sticking valve, even after an hour of play (including TB and chording, with a reasonable amount of saliva getting into the harp)
3) (extra info) The ONLY problem I've had with these valves are from not curling them properly (ie., that one or two valves I made curled up away from the plate). That problem is solved by curling them tightly around a piece of wire (like a paperclip) BEFORE applying them. Rolling them from the adhesive edge outwards produces a better curvature, and largely prevents "curl away".
You guys are very welcome! Hopefully you can find another brand of true gaffers tape that has similar properties to the JVCC brand. I think that another brand of similar price will be good enough for this too (although I don't have any specific experience with other brands)... ----------