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From: j~im.enterprise.net
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 1996 10:52:01 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Re: tone (was breathing)

On Wed, 16 Oct 1996, Mike Curtis wrote:

> As far as I can tell, these work just the same regardless of what you use.
> I suspect (a guess, and nothing more) the reed sizes on your super 64 may
> mandate a variety of valve sizes and constructions.

As the reeds in question were the lower two, I think it's safe to assume
that the unusual valve construction was due to the larger than normal
size of the valve required to cover these large lower reeds. I suspect
that Mike does not have a problem with sticking valves, however Hohner
have developed these unusual valves to help prevent just that problem.
The two layer valves provide a stiffer valve but without the extra weight
of just doubling the thickness of a single layer valve.
Two of the main factors in valves sticking (generaly once they are
wet with saliva or condensation) are the size (surface area) and the
weight. I would consider the surface area in contact with the reed plate
(the point at which it will stick) to be the most important and I would
suggest that this is what the cupped valves are designed to reduce
(though I have never seen these). The weight of the valve seems (to me)
to be more of a playability thing. The valve moves quicker, alowing the
note to start faster.
Personaly, I am perfectly prepeared to sacrifice a bit of speed (the
day I start playing 100 note a second riffs is the day Mike C plays a
three hour set, stood on both legs, playing an unvalved Marine Band) by
using heavier, stiffer valves, If I can be sure that they will not
suddenly stick in the middle of playing. If anyone knows wether or not
you get some of these shaped valves with the pack that they send when you
order them from Hohner then, please, let me know. It might be worth
having a look at them.

Bassey

PS If anyone would like a (fairly long) account of how I make, shape and
install valves on my chromatics (using every day objects found in most homes
and offices folks, environmentaly friendly R us). Then drop us an
e-mail. If not, then don't.